Air Fryer Meatballs (Homemade)

Air Fryer Meatballs are a simple easy to make dish with a combination of lean ground beef and/or pork, along with some aromatic herbs and spices.

Air Fryer Meatballs are very versatile, while they are excellent on their own, you can also incorporate them into various dishes. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta for a classic spaghetti and meatballs meal. Alternatively, use them in sandwiches, wraps, or sliders for a flavorful twist.

One of the advantages of using an air fryer is the convenience it offers. Preheating the air fryer takes just a few minutes, and the cooking time for the meatballs is relatively short compared to traditional methods. This means you can have a batch of delicious meatballs ready in no time, making it a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners.

Serve your meatballs with a Delicious Air Fryer Baked Potato on the side.

Ingredients Needed

• Lean ground beef and/or pork – I prefer to use a 95/5 ground beef with ground pork mixed in for the best flavor. Lean ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitution for a lighter option.
• Seasoned Bread Crumbs – If you don’t have seasoned bread crumbs, you can make your own by combining plain bread crumbs with dried herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley.
• Egg – the egg acts as a binder to hold together the meatballs, but you can leave it out if you’re sensitive to egg.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Grate your own or use a pre-grated or shaved parmesan.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic, onion powder, salt & ground black pepper

How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs

Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix it all together until well combined. I like to use my hands to do the mixing. It’s easier than with a spatula.

Form 12 equal-sized meatballs from the mixture.

Place the meatballs, spaced so they aren’t touching each other, if possible, in the air fryer basket.

Cook on 380°F (195°C) for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Transfer the meatballs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can serve them on their own, on top of mashed potatoes with some gravy, or with marinara sauce in a meatball sandwich. So many possibilities.

Additional Helpful Tips

• If the meatball mixture feels too wet, add more bread crumbs to help bind it together.
• Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to measure the mixture for evenly-sized meatballs.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary.
• Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze them in individual portions for quick and convenient meals later on.

Storing Options

Refrigerator: Place the cooked meatballs in an airtight container or ziplock bag and store them in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: Place the meatballs in an airtight container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. If you plan to store the meatballs for an extended period, consider using airtight freezer-safe containers or double wrapping them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for extra protection.

Reheating Options

Air Fryer: The air fryer is a great option for reheating meatballs as it helps retain their crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and place the meatballs in a single layer, and cook for 5-8 minutes.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet, and cover them with foil to prevent drying. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Like this recipe? We’d love for you to share it with your friends on social media. For more great recipes, follow us on Pinterest and Facebook, where we share our recipes daily.