Air fryer meatballs
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Simple Air Fryer Meatballs

Baking meatballs in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method. To make air fryer meatballs, preheat it to 175°C-190°C (350°F-375°F) then bake in 10 minutes. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.

What is meatballs?

There are several ways of cooking meatballs depending on personal preference and cultural variations. Meatballs can be cooked in the oven, pan-fried in a skillet, slow-cooked in a sauce, pressure-cooked, air-fried, braised, or even grilled. Each cooking method also imparts a unique texture and taste to the meatballs.

There are numerous meatballs styles around the world. Some examples include:

  • Italian meatballs: These are basically a combination of ground beef, pork, or veal, mixed with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs like parsley and basil, and sometimes soaked in marinara sauce.
  • Swedish meatballs: These meatballs are typically made with a blend of ground beef and pork, mixed with breadcrumbs, onions, allspice, and nutmeg. They are commonly served with a creamy gravy sauce and lingonberry jam.
  • Turkish kofta: Kofta is a type of meatball found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It generally includes ground lamb or beef mixed with onions, garlic, herbs, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.

Meatballs can be enjoyed in various ways. Certainly they are a luscious appetizer with dipping sauces as well as a main course accompanied by pasta, rice, or vegetables. Meatballs are often served with sauces such as gravy, tomato sauce, marinara, or teriyaki sauce to enhance their flavor.

air fryer meatballs with sauces
Air fryer meatballs with gravy sauce

Air fryer meatballs

To make air fryer meatballs, preheat it to 175°C-190°C (350°F-375°F). Lower heat results in juicier meatballs, while higher heat makes them crispier. Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Bake the meatballs for approximately 8 minutes, shake, then bake in 2 more minutes. During this time, the meatballs will reach an internal temperature that ensures they are fully cooked at around 70°C (160°F).

air fryer meatballs
Leaving some space between meatballs in the basket for proper air circulation

Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to retain their juiciness and prevents burning yourself with hot meat.

Below’s an easy 5-ingredients Italian inspired recipe you can follow for a yummy homemade meatballs:

Air fryer meatballs

Air Fryer Meatballs

Baking meatballs in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method. Here's a simple step-by-step guide.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Global
Keyword: Air Fryer Meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 300kcal
Author: Keep Up Cooking

Ingredients

  • 450 g 1 pound ground beef (or a combination of meats)
  • 20 g 1/4 cup Parmesan or Romano cheese
  • 13 g 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 g 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • Spices: ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Step 1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, cheese, chopped onions and parsley, egg and spices together. Gently mix them until well combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in tougher meatballs.
  • Step 2. Preheat your air fryer to 175°C-190°C (350°F-375°F). Lower heat results in juicier meatballs, while higher heat makes them crispier. While waiting for preheat, start step 3.

    Step 3. Scoop the meat mixture with a tablespoon or small cookie dough scoop and roll it into meatballs. You can roll it by hands too. Each ball should be approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.


  • Step 4. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. If desired, lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is optional, as some air fryer baskets have a non-stick coating.

    Step 5. Insert the basket into the air fryer and set the timer to 10 minutes to bake. Bake the meatballs for approximately 8 minutes, shake, then bake in 2 more minutes.

    Step 6. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to retain their juiciness and prevents burning yourself with hot meat.
    air fryer meatballs


  • Enjoy your homemade air-fried meatballs! You can enjoy this dish on its own or added to your favorite sauce, pasta, or sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences.
    Air fryer meatballs
  • P/s: It's always a good idea to consult your air fryer's manual for specific guidelines.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 500mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Reference: link

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