Air Fryer Meatballs

The air fryer cooks so many things well, and meatballs are one of them! These quick and easy Air Fryer Meatballs are tender and juicy on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside. The best part is that you can make them ahead and freeze leftovers for later.

Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs

The air fryer makes the best meatballs! Juicy on the inside with a perfectly brown crust on the outside, they’re simple to make and so delicious. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Quick and easy to make, these air-fried meatballs are ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weekdays!
• A healthier option, these air fryer meatballs are made using lean ground beef and cooked in the air fryer rather than pan-frying. 
• Simple, minimal ingredients are required to make these juicy and crispy meatballs, most of which are pantry staples. 
• They’re versatile! Serve these air fryer meatballs as a snack, party appetizer, or as a complete meal with your preferred side dish. 

Key Ingredients

Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

• Ground beef—I use 90% lean and 10% fat ground beef. You could use ground beef with a higher fat content if you prefer. Ground turkey, chicken, ground pork, and venison are great ground meat alternatives to beef.
• Panko breadcrumbs – The breadcrumbs act as a binding agent to prevent the meatballs from falling apart. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used instead.
• Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.
• Milk – Full-fat or low-fat milk can be used. 
• Egg – Egg is another binding agent and also provides moisture.
• Seasoning – A mixture of salt, pepper, paprika powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.

How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs

1. Preheat and Prepare: While the air fryer preheats to 400 degrees F, add all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix with a spatula or your hands until just combined.
2. Form the meatballs: Roll 1-inch balls from the mixture and add them to a clean plate. Continue assembling the balls until all of the meat mixture has been used. 
3. Cook: Place the meatballs in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until they are golden with a brown crust and cooked through. 
4. Serve: Remove the cooked meatballs and serve them with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. 

Recipe Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between each meatball so that the air can circulate freely and the meatballs get crispy as a result. You may need to cook the meatballs in 2-3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer machine.
• The uncooked meatball mixture can be made ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
• Preheat your air fryer just as you preheat your oven for cooking. You can start preheating your air fryer while you are mixing the meatball mixture and rolling the balls. 
• Try to make the meatballs similar in size so that they all cook at the same rate. You can use a cookie scoop to achieve the right measurement.
• What air fryer do I use to make my recipes? I own and use the COSORI Air Fryer for almost all of the recipes I make. It’s what I used to make my air fryer chicken legs, air fryer breakfast potatoes, salmon, French fries, Brussels sprouts, etc.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Meatballs in the Air Fryer?

Cooking meatballs in the air fryer takes approximately 10-12 minutes. Rather than cutting through them to check for doneness, insert a digital meat thermometer into the center of each one. The meatballs should register an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F to be ready to eat.

Can I Cook Frozen Meatballs in the Air Fryer?

Yes. Pre-made or store-bought frozen meatballs can be cooked in the air fryer without having to thaw them first. However, you will need to add extra time to the cooking to ensure that they are cooked through. 

Tip: Making an extra batch of uncooked meatballs and storing them in the freezer is a great way to save time on meal preparation.

How to Serve Air Fryer Meatballs

Homemade meatballs are perfect as a light snack or party appetizer drizzled with chimichurri sauce, garlic butter sauce, buffalo sauce, Nashville hot sauce, or Teriyaki sauce. Add a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or casserole for a complete meal.

Serve with your favorite pasta and sauce, such as alfredo sauce, spicy arrabbiata, marinara, and pesto. Try them in wraps, sandwiches, a meatball sub, and healthy bowls with your favorite grains, freshly sliced veggies, and dressing or sauce. 

Storage

These air fryer meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After this, they may start to dry out. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 5 minutes or until heated through.

How to Freeze Air Fryer Meatballs

You can store meatballs either before or after cooking.

To freeze raw meatballs, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so that they are not touching. Place the tray in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until the meatballs are frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with as much air removed as much as possible. Place in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or cook them directly from frozen.

To freeze cooked meatballs, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or cook them directly from frozen.

More Meatball Recipes

• Lamb Meatballs Recipe
• Swedish Meatballs
• Porcupine Meatballs
• Eggplant Meatballs
• Italian Meatball Recipe
• Sweet and Sour Meatballs

If you try making this Air Fryer Meatball Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.