Air Fryer Meatballs Classic Flavor Crispy Perfection

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy air fryer meatballs tonight? Honestly, are you bored of the same old dinner routine? These meatballs are juicy and crispy. They will become your family's new favorite.

Brief Overview

Meatballs are Italian American comfort food. This air fryer meatball recipe takes them to the next level. It is easy and quick.

From prep to plate, it takes only about 30 minutes. This recipe makes about 24 meatballs. Perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

Want a healthier option? Air frying uses way less fat. Perfect for a casual dinner or a game day snack. These easy air fryer meatballs are special.

They are crispy outside and tender inside. They are so good.

Ready for the ingredients? Here is what you need to make Italian air fryer meatballs .

What You'll Need

Get ready for some deliciousness. Here is a list of what you need.

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20).
• 1/2 pound ground pork.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, plain.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• 1/4 cup milk.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Don't have fresh parsley? No worries. Use 1 teaspoon of dried. Now, let's get cooking! Also if you are looking for a simple way to use chicken, maybe you can try Lemon Orzo Soup .

It's another great recipe for an air fryer meatball recipe. You can find many great Orzo Soup Recipes online. A warm bowl of Lemon Chicken Soup is a good alternative for meatball.

Let's dive into what you'll need for these amazing air fryer meatballs . Honestly, it's all stuff you probably already have.

If you love lemon orzo soup and orzo soup recipes , like me, you probably stock most of this already.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, first things first: the meat!

• 1 pound (454g) ground beef. I suggest a blend of 80/20. It's juicy!
• 1/2 pound (227g) ground pork. This is optional, but it adds a real richness.
• 1/2 cup (60g) plain breadcrumbs.
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk. Whole or 2% works.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped. Or 1 teaspoon dried.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

For the beef, look for a bright red colour. Don't get the grey stuff! I've made that mistake before... never again .

Seasoning Notes

Garlic and Italian seasoning are the MVPs. Think about lemon chicken soup and how those simple flavors sing. These air fryer meatballs with sauce need that same kind of flavor boost.

If you are making an Italian air fryer meatballs , oregano or basil works. A pinch of red pepper flakes is great too! Makes them spicy, you know? For a quick substitution swap dried herbs for fresh, using about 1/3 the amount.

Equipment Needed

Okay, listen up. Keep it simple.

• Large mixing bowl.
• Your trusty air fryer .
• Small bowl (for the egg and milk).
• Cookie scoop (optional, but keeps things uniform).

Don't have a cookie scoop? Spoons or even your hands works just fine. No special equipment needed. Making easy air fryer meatballs should be.

.. well, easy ! If you're thinking of cooking frozen meatballs in air fryer , you won't need anything else either!

Now, let's get this show on the road so you know how long to air fry meatballs ! You will be wanting to make more orzo soup now!

Air Fryer Meatballs: Classic Flavor, Crispy Perfection

Okay, so you're craving that meatball magic. We've got you covered. Forget the messy stovetop splatter. We're making easy air fryer meatballs . Honestly, it's a game changer.

Prep Steps: Meatball Mise en Place

First things first. Get your ingredients ready. It's called mise en place , fancy pants. Measure out 1 pound (454g) ground beef , and 1/2 pound (227g) ground pork if you're feeling fancy.

Chop 2 cloves of garlic . Measure 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs . Grate 1/4 cup (30g) Parmesan cheese . Oh my gosh, almost forgot! Grab 1/4 cup (60ml) milk , 1 egg , 1 tbsp parsley , 1 tsp Italian seasoning , 1/2 tsp salt , and 1/4 tsp black pepper .

Time saver? Prep the garlic before you even think about the meat. Less smelly fingers! For safety, wash your hands before and after handling raw meat. You know, common sense.

step-by-step: Air Fryer Meatball Magic

This is where the fun begins.

1. Mix the meats, breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be gentle!
2. Whisk the milk and egg together. Pour it over the meat mixture.
3. Gently combine. Don't overmix! It makes them tough.
4. Roll the mixture into 1 inch meatballs. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size!
5. Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer, leaving space.
6. Cook at 375° F ( 190° C) for 12- 15 minutes , flipping halfway. They should be browned.
7. Make sure the meatballs hit the internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Serve immediately.

Pro Tips: Meatball Mastery

Don't overmix! I can't stress this enough. I've made that mistake before and honestly, they were like rubber balls. Also, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for even browning.

Want to save time? You can totally make the meatball mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and roll them right before cooking.

These air fryer meatballs are amazing in subs, spaghetti, or Lemon Orzo Soup . It is so easy. Thinking about those delicious Orzo Soup Recipes .

Enjoy your Italian air fryer meatballs . Seriously, try the easy air fryer meatballs recipe. I promise you won't regret it.

And if you have any leftovers, they're great on a cold pizza. Just saying! Also, if you have frozen meatballs in air fryer , just put them on the air fryer.

Alright, let's talk air fryer meatballs ! They're super easy. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. You know?

Recipe Notes for Perfect Air Fryer Meatballs

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Meatball Game

These easy air fryer meatballs are so versatile. Think plating and presentation. Spaghetti and meatballs is classic. I love making meatball subs.

Load them with marinara and mozzarella. Serve them as an appetizer. Use toothpicks and dipping sauce. What about a Lemon Orzo Soup ? Or maybe just plain Orzo Soup Recipes ? The lemon could make for a surprisingly good pairing.

Storage Tips: Keep Those Meatballs Fresh

Got leftovers? Refrigerate them quickly. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

Place cooled meatballs in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the air fryer ! This keeps them crispy.

You can even cook frozen meatballs in air fryer . Just add a few minutes to the cooking time. I once forgot about some in the freezer for way too long.

Let's just say, always label your freezer bags!

Variations: Tweak It 'Til You Make It

Need a dietary adaptation ? Swap beef for ground turkey. Be careful though! Turkey can be drier. Add a splash of olive oil.

Want something seasonal ? In summer, add finely chopped zucchini. Grate a bit and mix it in. For a festive twist in winter, mix in some dried cranberries.

Trust me, it's amazing. You could even try making a Lemon Chicken Soup with turkey meatballs for a lighter take.

I've tried it. Honestly, it's pretty good.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

These air fryer meatballs are packed with protein. Protein is crucial for building muscle. They're lower in fat than fried meatballs.

This makes them a healthier option. Remember that the values are an estimate only. You know what helps even more? Add some Orzo Soup on the side!.

Air Fryer Meatballs With Sauce are the best! So, go on! Make some delicious Italian air fryer meatballs . Experiment with different sauces and spices.

And always remember to have fun! I am sure your first time, you will also ask how long to air fry meatballs ! Now you know, between 12- 15 minutes .

So go on. You've got this!