Meatballs in Air Fryer Recipe (2024)

Cooking meatballs in air fryer is nothing short of a culinary revelation.

As a seasoned home cook, I've always been on the lookout for methods that optimize flavor while reducing prep and cook time. This air fryer recipe triumphs over the traditional methods in just these ways.

Meatballs, often cooked in an oven or skillet, can be a labor of love, requiring constant attention to prevent them from drying out or losing their shape.

But the air fryer changes the game—it's fast, easy, and it guarantees juicy, evenly cooked meatballs every single time. The rapid air circulation within the air fryer ensures the meatballs have a beautiful, crispy exterior that seals in the taste and tenderness.

This recipe is a game-changer—whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned pro, get ready to fall in love with your air fryer all over again!

Video Tutorial

Ingredients

• 12 oz (400 g) ground beef
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1 clove garlic
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt

• Air fryer (Mine’s the Instant Vortex Plus XL)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mortar and pestle for grinding spices
• Fine grater for nutmeg and garlic
• Container or large bowl for the meat mixture
• Side plate
• Cooking tongs
• Serving dish

Steps on How to Cook Meatballs in Air Fryer

Begin by placing your ground beef into a large bowl. Take an onion, finely chop it, and add it to your beef. Use a fine grater to grate nutmeg and garlic directly into the bowl. To this, add salt, breadcrumbs, and heavy cream.

For the next step, pull out your mortar and pestle. Grind together allspice, black pepper, and cloves until they're well combined.

Add this aromatic spice blend to your meat mixture. Give it all a thorough stir, ensuring everything is well mixed.

Add a handful of fresh parsley, stir again, and then let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes. This will give the breadcrumbs time to absorb the cream and allow the flavors to really come together.

After the wait, it's time to get your hands dirty. Shape the meat mixture into meatballs, placing each one on a separate plate as you go.

If the mixture sticks to your hands, a quick rinse with cold water should solve the problem. During this process, make sure to preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C on "air fry" mode.

When your air fryer is hot and ready, place the meatballs at the bottom of the basket and let them cook for 15 minutes.

Halfway through, you can either flip the meatballs or give the air fryer basket a good shake to ensure even cooking.

When the timer dings, your meatballs are done! Transfer these aromatic, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside meatballs to a serving dish.

Pair them with your favorite sauces—I recommend tzatziki and barbecue sauce—and dig in!

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of these Air Fryer meatballs is in their versatility. They're like culinary chameleons, fitting perfectly into a variety of dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Serve them as bite-sized appetizers coupled with a tangy dip that will get your guests coming back for more.
• Looking for a hearty main? Pair them with fluffy mashed potatoes and rich gravy. It's the epitome of comfort food.
• Turn them into a flavorful meatball sub by nestling them into a soft roll, smothered in marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese.
• Toss them into your favorite pasta dish - spaghetti, penne, or even a creamy fettuccine for a satisfying dinner.

Recipe Variations

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. Here are some suggestions:

• Mix things up by combining different meats, like beef and pork, or beef and veal. It'll give your meatballs a unique, robust flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices. Try oregano, basil, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika to switch up the flavor profile.
• If you're aiming for a healthier option, opt for leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken.

Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions, don't worry! Here are some options:

• Swap out regular breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or panko crumbs to add an exciting texture to your meatballs.
• If you're dairy-free, coconut cream or almond milk can easily replace the heavy cream.
• For those on a gluten-free diet, gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers work perfectly.

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, just pop them into the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat them in the oven or air fryer until they're piping hot. It's like enjoying them fresh all over again!

Top Tips for Success

Making the perfect air fryer meatballs might seem daunting, but with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you'll be a pro in no time. Here's what I've learned from my own kitchen adventures:

• Mix carefully: When combining your ingredients, make sure not to overmix. Too much mixing can lead to tough meatballs. Aim for a blend that's just combined for the juiciest result.
• Uniform size: When forming your meatballs, keep them all roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking and prevents some meatballs from being overcooked while others are underdone.
• Don't overcrowd: It might be tempting to fit as many meatballs as you can into the air fryer, but resist this urge. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Keep it moist: If your hands are sticking while forming the meatballs, don't be afraid to dampen them with a bit of water. This simple trick makes the shaping process easier and smoother.
• Rotate for evenness: Halfway through the cooking time, make sure to flip your meatballs or shake the basket. This ensures that all sides get that beautiful golden-brown finish.
• Test doneness: The best way to test if your meatballs are cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C for ground beef.
• Let them rest: Once your meatballs are done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatball, making them even more succulent.

Cooking up perfect, juicy meatballs in an air fryer is a game-changer—it's quicker, simpler, and just downright delicious. I can't wait for you to try this recipe and experience the difference for yourself.

And remember, this is just the tip of the culinary iceberg. Our blog is a treasure trove of air fryer tips and tricks, mouthwatering recipes, and handy ingredient substitutes.

So, whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, stick with us to elevate your cooking game. Now, go forth and let your air fryer show you what it's really capable of.

Enjoy every bite!

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