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Air Fryer Meatballs

Italian-American · Dinner · Easy

Air Fryer Meatballs

Total
44 min
Prep
20 min
Serves
4
Calories
440
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Small beef meatballs brown in the air fryer and finish with a warm tomato sauce for a quick supper.

The basket gives Air Fryer Meatballs a browned surface without a skillet of oil. A soft breadcrumb mixture keeps their centers tender while hot air cooks the outside.

Roll evenly sized balls and leave space between them. Overcrowding traps moisture, so two short batches work better than a packed basket even if the meatballs appear to fit.

SavoryHeartyAir FryerWeeknightNut-freeHigh-protein

Method

  1. Heat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Soak breadcrumbs in milk for , then mix with egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt and black pepper.

  2. Fold in the ground beef and shape into 16 meatballs. Arrange half in the basket with space between them.

  3. Cook for , turning halfway, until browned and 160°F inside. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.

  4. Meanwhile, simmer marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat for until hot. Spoon over the cooked meatballs before serving.

Forkue tips

  • Handle the mixture lightly; tightly compressed meatballs become springy rather than tender.

Storing and reheating

Store leftover air fryer meatballs in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently in tomato sauce to keep the browned edges from becoming dry.

Kitchen gear

Air fryerTop picks on AmazonSaucepanTop picks on AmazonInstant read thermometerTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

440Calories
30gProtein
23gCarbs
25gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Air Fryer Meatballs: FAQ

Can I make them larger?

Larger meatballs need more time and can darken outside before the center cooks. Keep them small and evenly sized.

Can I use ground chicken?

Ground chicken cooks differently and must reach 165°F. A mixture made for beef may also need more moisture with a very lean poultry mince.

How do I store and reheat Air Fryer Meatballs?

Store leftover air fryer meatballs in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently in tomato sauce to keep the browned edges from becoming dry.

How long does Air Fryer Meatballs take?

About 44 min in total: 20 min prep and 24 min cooking.

What do I need to make Air Fryer Meatballs?

The key ingredients are ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, parmesan and garlic, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Air Fryer Meatballs?

Handle the mixture lightly; tightly compressed meatballs become springy rather than tender.

Cook this next

More ground beefMore breadcrumbsMore eggsMore parmesan