Air Fryer Homemade Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These air fryer meatballs are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with less mess and fuss. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make a perfect appetizer or a hearty addition to your favorite pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk or water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, minced garlic, beaten eggs, and milk or water. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 3: With lightly wet hands, shape the mixture into 24 even meatballs.
- Step 4: Lightly grease the air fryer basket and arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each one for even cooking.
- Step 5: Air fry the meatballs for 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C), turning halfway through if needed.
- Step 6: Remove the meatballs and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- Try mixing ground turkey or chicken with beef for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh twist.
- If you prefer spicier meatballs, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños in the mix.
- Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant eaters.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through, or heat gently in the microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze air fryer meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the air fryer or oven.
Do I have to use milk? Can I substitute it?
The milk helps keep the meatballs moist, but you can substitute it with water or a dairy-free milk alternative if preferred.
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Air Fryer Homemade Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
Description
These Air Fryer Meatballs are a quick and easy recipe perfect for a delicious meal or appetizer. Made with ground beef, parmesan, and Italian seasoning, they are cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer, delivering a crispy exterior with a tender inside, without the need for frying in oil.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/4 cup milk (or water)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 190C (375F) and allow it to preheat to ensure even cooking of the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, minced garlic, beaten eggs, and milk (or water). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking and form the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Grease the air fryer basket lightly to prevent sticking, then arrange the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other to allow hot air circulation.
- Air Fry the Meatballs: Cook the meatballs at 190C (375F) for 10-12 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 165F, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatballs carefully and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- For a moister texture, you can substitute milk with an equal amount of water or broth.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature.
- You can double the recipe but cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
- These meatballs can be served with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a snack with dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: air fryer meatballs, ground beef meatballs, quick meatball recipe, Italian meatballs, healthy meatballs
