These classic but simple Air-Fryer Meatballs taste amazing and cook super quickly.
Meatballs are practically a staple in my house. I make them fairly frequently. And why wouldn’t I? From vegan to turkey, there are many tasty ways to make a meatball! I don’t know why, but for some reason, when I roll any protein into a ball, vegan or otherwise, even the pickiest eater gives them a try — and that includes my kids. That isn’t to say that these air-fryer meatballs are too daring for hesitant tastebuds; on the contrary, they’re actually veritable crowd-pleasers just begging to be scattered over a bed of pasta!
What makes these air-fryer meatballs so good? Well, if cooked right, they should be delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can thank the air fryer for that even cooking. But aside from the cooking method, the ingredients in these meatballs are your standard Italian fare. The lean ground beef, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning create a flavorful bite that’s reminiscent of my favorite local Italian-American restaurant. Whether you’re serving them with spaghetti or making them into a meatball sub, you and your guests are sure to love them!
Are Air-Fryer Meatballs Healthy?
Absolutely, and for two reasons. For one, cooking the meatballs in an air fryer reduces the oil needed, lowering the overall calorie count and fat content. And, of course, the lean ground beef helps to keep the fat levels in check, too. To make this recipe even leaner, you could use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, which further reduces the fat content. Keep in mind that less fat means the meat is more prone to drying out, so if you’re using turkey or chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Air Frying Vs. Baking: Which One Is Easier?
Both air frying and baking have advantages, but which one is easier? Air frying is certainly faster. The hot air circulation ensures the meatballs cook nice and even. Plus, your meatballs develop a crispy exterior without needing to be turned. What’s more, preheating the air fryer is much quicker than preheating an oven, so that saves time as well.
However, most conventional (and affordable) air fryers don’t offer enough space to cook for large crowds. That means you’ll have to make the meatballs in batches. In contrast, baking meatballs in the oven allows you more space. Sure, it might take longer, but that gives you time to focus on other kitchen tasks while the meatballs cook. But baking requires more attention; you’ll have to turn your meatballs halfway through to avoid uneven browning.
Overall, I’d say that air frying edges a win because of its speed and simplicity. It’s a great choice for quick, delicious meatballs with minimal fuss and cleanup.
How to Make Ahead and Store
You can make raw meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day, but don’t go longer than that, as the taste and texture will be affected. Cooked meatballs should be good in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. These meatballs freeze well, too! Just store them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they should last for around 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
You can do a lot with these air-fryer meatballs! Put a few in a bowl with this Mushroom Pasta or Delicious Angel Hair Pasta, and you’ll have some really satisfied guests. If you’re avoiding carbs, serve them with sautéed mushrooms or as a topping on this mouthwateringly delicious Mac And Cheese With Zucchini Noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and place the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
- Cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve the meatballs with your choice of sides or sauce, such as marinara or a light gravy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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