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Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

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4 from 8 reviews

This Air Fryer Meatballs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meatballs cooked to perfection in just 25 minutes. Using lean ground beef blended with panko, parmesan, and a blend of spices, these meatballs are quick to prepare and air fry for a crispy exterior with a tender center. Perfect as an appetizer or paired with pasta, this simple yet delicious recipe is ideal for a wholesome meal with minimal cleanup.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10%)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat while you prepare the meatball mixture.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands just until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, avoiding overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Place them on a plate or tray to keep them ready for cooking.
  4. Air fry meatballs: Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each ball to allow for even cooking. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes, then flip each meatball carefully. Continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in two batches.
  5. Serve: Remove meatballs from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For best results, do not overmix the meatball mixture as it can make the meatballs dense and tough.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your preference; you can add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor.
  • Ensure the meatballs are spaced properly in the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation for even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure meatballs are safely cooked.
  • If cooking in batches, keep the cooked meatballs warm in a low oven until all batches are finished.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American