Air Fryer Meatballs

Introducing a mouthwatering recipe for Air Fryer Meatballs! Bursting with savory flavors and boasting a perfect blend of lean ground beef and pork, these meatballs are a culinary delight. Enhanced with seasoned bread crumbs, fresh parsley, and a hint of Italian seasoning, each bite offers a symphony of taste. The air fryer method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender and juicy.

Whether served as a satisfying appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Follow along for a simple yet satisfying culinary adventure!

How to make Air Fryer Meatballs

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

½ pound lean ground pork

⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons fresh parsley

1 tablespoon parmesan cheese grated

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients except beef and pork in a medium bowl. Mix well.

Add beef and pork and mix to combine. Divide into 16 meatballs.

Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer. Turn air fryer down to 380°F.

Cook meatballs for 12-14 minutes or until browned and the center of the meatball reaches 165°F.

Rest 3 minutes before serving.

Notes:

Meat Selection: Opt for lean ground beef and pork to keep the meatballs light and flavorful. This ensures a good balance of texture and taste.

Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs add both texture and flavor to the meatballs. You can use store-bought seasoned breadcrumbs or make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with your favorite herbs and spices.

b The combination of egg and milk acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatballs together and adding moisture to the mixture.

Fresh Parsley and Parmesan Cheese: Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness to the meatballs, while grated parmesan cheese contributes a rich and savory flavor. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

Seasonings: Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper provide the perfect blend of flavors to elevate the taste of the meatballs. Adjust the seasonings according to your personal preference.

Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that it reaches the desired temperature before cooking, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy meatballs.

Cooking Time and Temperature: Cooking the meatballs at 380°F for 12-14 minutes ensures they are cooked through and browned to perfection. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of your meatballs and the specific model of your air fryer.

Resting Time: Allowing the meatballs to rest for 3 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meatballs.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the meatballs as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, or as a main course with pasta and marinara sauce. They also make great additions to sandwiches, salads, or as part of a meatball sub.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 16 meatball | SERVING SIZE: 1 meaball

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use all ground beef instead of a combination of beef and pork?

Yes, you can use only ground beef if you prefer.

However, using a combination of beef and pork adds depth of flavor and moisture to the meatballs.

Can I substitute the seasoned bread crumbs with plain bread crumbs?

Yes, you can use plain bread crumbs instead of seasoned ones.

You may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly to ensure the meatballs are well-seasoned.

Can I omit the egg for binding?

The egg helps bind the ingredients together, but if you have an allergy or prefer not to use eggs, you can try substituting it with a mixture of water and ground flaxseed or breadcrumbs soaked in milk.

Can I freeze these meatballs for later use?

Yes, these meatballs can be frozen once they are cooked.

Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

They can be reheated in the air fryer or oven when ready to eat.

What can I serve these meatballs with?

These meatballs are versatile and can be served with pasta and marinara sauce, on top of spaghetti squash, in a sub sandwich, or as appetizers with dipping sauce.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

This can help save time when you’re ready to cook.

Do I need to flip the meatballs while they’re cooking in the air fryer?

No, you don’t need to flip the meatballs.

Cooking them in a single layer ensures even browning on all sides.

Can I double the recipe if I need to make more meatballs?

Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe if you need to make more meatballs.

Just make sure to cook them in batches so they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs to make these meatballs gluten-free.

Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients used are gluten-free.