Ingredients and preparation
To create delicious air fryer meatballs, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients that come together to form a flavorful and juicy bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Meat: 1 lb of ground beef, pork, or a combination of both. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
- Bread Crumbs: 1/2 cup of plain or Italian-seasoned bread crumbs. These help bind the meatballs and add texture.
- Egg: 1 large egg, beaten. This acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich, savory flavor to the meatballs.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic provides a robust flavor that complements the meat.
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated. The onion adds moisture and a subtle sweetness.
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. This herb adds a fresh, vibrant note to the meatballs.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt. Adjust to taste, depending on your preference.
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Freshly ground pepper adds a bit of heat and depth.
- Milk: 2 tablespoons of milk. This helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This is optional but can be used to lightly coat the meatballs before air frying for extra crispiness.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the meatball mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently using your hands or a spoon, being careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
If the mixture feels too dry, add the milk one tablespoon at a time until the mixture is moist but still holds its shape. If it’s too wet, you can add a bit more bread crumbs. Once the mixture is well combined, form it into small, evenly-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures that the meatballs cook evenly in the air fryer.
For an extra touch of flavor and crispiness, you can lightly brush the meatballs with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but recommended if you prefer a slightly crispier exterior.
Cooking instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the meatballs start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, helping to achieve a nice, even browning on the outside.
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave a little space between each meatball to allow the hot air to circulate around them, which is key to achieving that perfect, crispy exterior. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, around the 5-6 minute mark, carefully shake the basket or use tongs to turn the meatballs. This helps them cook evenly on all sides. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown on the outside.
If you prefer your meatballs to be extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meatballs, ensuring they stay juicy and flavorful.
Serving suggestions
These air fryer meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit any meal or occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve the meatballs over a bed of al dente spaghetti, topped with your favorite marinara sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a traditional Italian meal.
- Meatball Subs: Place the meatballs in a toasted hoagie roll, smother them with marinara sauce, and top with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. For an extra touch, broil the sandwich for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Appetizer Meatballs: Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, barbecue sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli. This makes for a perfect party appetizer or game-day snack.
- Meatball Salad: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs over a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The warm meatballs add a hearty element to the crisp salad.
- Meatball Pizza: Top a pizza crust with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and sliced meatballs. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add some fresh basil leaves after baking for a burst of flavor.
- Swedish Meatballs: For a Scandinavian twist, serve the meatballs with a creamy gravy made from beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Pair with mashed potatoes or egg noodles and a side of lingonberry jam.
- Meatball Stir-Fry: Add the meatballs to a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Toss with a savory soy-ginger sauce and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these air fryer meatballs are sure to be a hit. Their crispy exterior and juicy interior make them a delicious addition to any meal.