Unbelievably Easy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe in 25-Min

Okay, real talk: who *doesn’t* love a good meatball? But honestly, sometimes I just don’t have the energy for all the stovetop babysitting and grease splatters. That’s where these **air fryer meatballs** come in to save the day (and my kitchen!). They’re seriously the answer to my weeknight dinner prayers, and I think they’ll be yours too.

I’m Lisa Raymond, and I’m all about making life easier in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. I’ve been experimenting with different ways to cook my family’s favorite recipes in the air fryer, which quickly became my favorite kitchen appliance. Trust me; once you taste these juicy, perfectly browned *air fryer meatballs*, you’ll be hooked and won’t want to make them any other way!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Meatballs

Seriously, what’s not to love? Here’s why these air fryer meatballs are about to become your new obsession:

• **Super Speedy:** Forget hours of simmering! These are ready in under 25 minutes.
• **Easy Cleanup:** The air fryer keeps all the mess contained. Hallelujah!
• **Healthier (Kinda!):** Less grease than frying means you can feel *slightly* better about that second helping.
• **Seriously Delicious:** Juicy, flavorful, and browned to perfection – what more could you want?

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Meatballs

Alright, let’s gather our supplies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of my favorite air fryer meatballs. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended) – I usually go for 80/20 ‘cause it’s got just the right amount of fat for juicy meatballs!
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko) – Panko gives ’em a nice crisp, but plain works just fine, too.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – Yellow or white, whatever you’ve got! Just make sure it’s chopped small so it cooks through.
• 1 large egg – To bind everything together, of course!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic!
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – Adds a little freshness, but totally okay to skip if you don’t have any.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – The magic ingredient!
• 1/2 tsp salt – Seasoning is key!
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – Gotta have a little kick!
• Marinara sauce for serving (optional) – My go-to is Rao’s, but use whatever you love!

How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get down to business! Making air fryer meatballs is seriously a breeze. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked meatballs in no time! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through it.

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, parsley (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Okay, here’s the thing: don’t overmix! Gently combine everything until *just* mixed. Overmixing makes tough meatballs, and nobody wants that.

2. Roll mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 18-20 meatballs).

I like to use a cookie scoop to keep them uniform. Makes ’em cook evenly, ya know? Plus, it’s just kinda fun. If you want even more consistent results, weight the meatballs using a kitchen scale. Otherwise, eyeballing it is a-okay by me.

3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Don’t skip the preheating! It helps the meatballs brown nicely. Plus, a hot air fryer is a happy air fryer… or something like that. Most importantly make sure that it is set to the correct temperature.

4. Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed.

This is key! Overcrowding leads to steamed, sad meatballs. Give ’em some space so the air can circulate. If the meatballs touch it will result in a less crispy outside. Trust me on this one. Air frying in batches will help ensure that the meatballs come out perfect.

5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and they are browned.

Flip ’em halfway through for even browning. And please, please use a meat thermometer to make sure they’re cooked through! Safety first, people! My favorite internal temperature is 160°F. The meatballs are fully cooked but still delicious.

6. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, pasta, or as appetizers.

Yay, you did it! Now, dig in! Marinara sauce is my go-to, but honestly, these are great with all sorts of sauces. Get creative!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Meatballs

Want to take your air fryer meatball game to the next level? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve!

• **Don’t Overcrowd!**: I know I said it before, but it’s *so* important. Air needs to circulate to get those meatballs nice and browned!
• **Temperature Matters!:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
• **Prevent Dryness:** Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the meatball mixture can help keep them moist and juicy. Also, don’t overcook ’em!

Follow these tips, and you’re guaranteed to have the best air fryer meatballs ever. Seriously!

Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Meatballs

Okay, you’ve got these amazing air fryer meatballs… now what? Don’t just stand there and admire them (though I wouldn’t blame you!). Here are a few ways to turn them into a complete meal or a killer appetizer:

• **Pasta Night:** Classic, right? Toss ’em with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta. So easy and satisfying!
• **Meatball Subs:** Load ’em into hoagie rolls with sauce and mozzarella. Yum!
• **Appetizer Time:** Stick a toothpick in each and serve ’em with dipping sauces. Perfect for parties!
• **Meatball Sliders:** I like to put them on small slider buns with a little pesto!

Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Get creative and enjoy!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Meatballs

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These air fryer meatballs are just as good the next day (or even later!). Just pop ’em in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze ’em! They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before freezing.

To reheat, you can either pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through (my fave!), or microwave them. Microwaving might make them a *little* less crispy, but hey, it’s still delicious!

Air Fryer Meatballs: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making the best air fryer meatballs? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here’s what people usually ask me:

Can I use frozen meatballs in the air fryer?

Totally! If you’re in a real time crunch, air fryer frozen meatballs are a lifesaver. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time and make sure they’re heated through. I usually air fry frozen meatballs for about 15-20 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temp to be safe!

What’s the right internal temperature for air fried meatballs?

Safety first, people! You want to make sure your air fried meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Nobody wants undercooked meatballs!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works great. Just keep in mind that ground turkey can be a bit drier than ground beef, so maybe add a *tiny* bit more olive oil to the mixture to keep ’em juicy as I said before. The *air fryer turkey meatballs* version turns out amazing!

Can I use these meatballs for another recipe, like with spaghetti?

You bet! That’s actually my favorite thing to do. Quick *air fryer meatball meal* is the best – especially with some homemade spaghetti.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Meatballs

Okay, so here’s the deal: these numbers are just estimates! Nutritional information can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, take this with a grain of salt (a *little* grain of salt, of course)! It’s more of a general guideline than an exact calculation, got it?

Enjoyed This Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe? Leave a Comment!

So, did you love these air fryer meatballs as much as my family does? Leave a comment below and let me know! I’d love to hear how they turned out and what you served them with. Bonus points if you share a picture!

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