Air Fryer Meatballs
What makes this air fryer meatballs recipe a standout is you get a delicious and easy meal in a fraction of the time it would take if you baked them. It’s a quick and easy dinner that reminds me of my mom’s meatballs. Crispy on the outsides, yet soft and scrumptious on the insides.
I don’t know about you, but I always thought my mother made the best meatballs ever. They were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. She baked her meatballs to perfection.
But since I got my air fryer and started making meatballs in it, I wouldn’t go back to baking them. The flavor is the same, but the cooking time is so much faster.
These are especially good when you serve them with a veggie, lentils, and tomato sauce.
Love meatballs? Try my instant pot meatballs!
We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.
Helpful
Tips
- I enjoy using a mixture of meat in my meatballs. My go-to is the combination I use in this recipe – ground pork and beef. Sometimes I change it up with ground lamb instead of pork.
- You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- I’m using 2 large eggs, but if you find the meat mixture too dry after you mix it together, add another egg.
- On the other hand, if you find the meat mixture too wet, add more breadcrumbs. I add a scant 1/4 cup if that happens.
- I’ve used a few different air fryers; the oven type, the air fryer lid for my instant pot, the basket type, and the one that currently has my heart: the instant vortex pro. The IVP is my current favorite because, in my opinion, it is the easiest one to use and clean.
- When you add the meatballs to your air fryer, make sure they are not touching each other.
- The oven type of air fryer lets you remove the trays while the fryer is heating up. That means you can set up the meatballs on the trays and add them to the fryer at the right time.
- If you have the basket type, after it preheats, you will take out the air fryer basket and add the meatballs. Just know, if you have the basket type, you’ll most likely have to do them in batches.
- You can store any leftover meatballs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them in an airtight container in the freezer for three months.
How to make air fryer meatballs
Pre-step
Get out your air fryer and large bowl.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – ground beef, ground pork, herbs and spices, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step two
Add the beef, pork, and breadcrumbs to the mixing bowl. (A)
Step three
Add parmesan cheese. (B)
Step four
Add onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, ground pepper, and salt. (C)
Step five
Add an egg. (D)
Step six
Add Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. (E)
Step seven
Take your hand and mix the ingredients together. If your eggs are on the small side, you may have to add another. Or if your mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. (F)
Step eight
I take some of the meat mixture in my hand and roll it into balls. I try to get them the same size. If you prefer to use a medium cookie scoop, do so.
Step nine
Turn the air fryer on and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and the timer for 10 minutes.
Step ten
Remove the trays from the air fryer and place the meatballs on trays as the fryer is heating up.
If you have a basket type air fryer, you’ll have to wait and add the meatballs once the AF beeps to tell you it has reached cooking temperature. Place the meatballs in a single layer and make sure they don’t touch each other.
Step eleven
Add the trays into the air fryer. After 5 minutes, switch the position of the trays. Top to bottom, bottom to top.
I don’t need to flip the meatballs with my oven air fryer, but if you have the basket type, now is the time to flip them.
Here are the meatballs after the timer beeps. Done!
Let’s take a bite.
Delicious!
And to plate some.
I hope you enjoyed this air fryer meatballs recipe!
Other ground meat recipes
And as always, may all your dishes be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Air Fryer Meatballs
Ingredients
- .50 pound ground beef
- .50 pound ground pork
- .50 cup breadcrumbs (plain)
- .13 cup parmesan cheese (grated fine – 1/8 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon basil (ground)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (ground)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1.5 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients – beef, pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, herbs and spices, salt, pepper, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce..50 pound ground beef, .50 pound ground pork, .50 cup breadcrumbs, .13 cup parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, 2 large eggs, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper, 1.5 teaspoon dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Mix with your hands until combined.
- Take some of the meat mixture into your hands and roll it into a ball. Try go get all the meatballs the same size.
- Turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 400 and the timer to 10 minutes.
- If you have the oven type air fryer, remove the trays and place the meatballs on them making sure they don't touch.
- When the air fryer has finished preheating, add the trays to the oven. If you have the basket type, once the air fryer beeps that it's ready to start cooking, add the meatballs with space between each one.
- After 5 minutes, switch the position of the trays – from bottom to top and vica versa. If you have the basket air fryer, flip the meatballs so the other side cooks.
- Plate
- Eat
- Enjoy
Equipment
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- I enjoy using a mixture of meats in my meatballs. My go-to is the combination I use in this recipe – ground pork and beef. Sometimes I change it up with ground lamb instead of the pork.
- I’m using 2 large eggs, but if you find the meat mixture too dry after you mix it together, add another egg.
- On the other hand, if you find the meat mixture too wet, add more breadcrumbs. I add a scant 1/4 cup if that happens.
- I’ve used a few different air fryers; the oven type, the air fryer lid for my instant pot and the one that currently has my heart: the instant Vortex pro. The IVP is my current favorite because in my opinion, it is the easiest one to use and to clean.
- When you add the meatballs to your air fryer, make sure they are not touching.
- The oven type of air fryer lets you remove the trays while the fryer is heating up. That means you can add the meatballs to the trays before adding them to the fryer at the right time.
- If you have the basket type of air fryer. You will add the meatballs after it has finished heating up.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
I do love using my air fryer. These meatballs would be great as a sub filling, appetizer or added to pasta. You can never have too many meatball recipes.
Thanks Gloria. They are great for every one of those options! And I so agree, never enough. 😉
I have never thought about doing meatballs in the air fryer but this is a great idea! They look like they are done perfectly and in much less time, too.
It’s so easy Bernice. I think you’ll love them. Thanks for your comment.
My sons will totally love this on the table! I am going to make this for them this weekend.
That’s great Dennis. I hope they enjoy it. Thanks for your comment.
This recipe is awesome, I like the mix of beef and pork. These meatballs make me want to have an air-fryer
I absolutely love my air fryer and I bet you would too. Thanks so much for your comment.
I love how you’ve used a combination of beef and pork in your meatballs. They always seem juicier and more tender that way. Great recipe for the air fryer!
Thank you so much! It’s my favorite combination!
This is such a great idea! my brother will love since i just gifted him an air fryer.
Thanks Gunjan! He’s going to love them. And yay for nice gifts.
That looks really delicious and I love the combination of pork and beef in this recipe. I eill def try this, thanks!
Thanks Amy! I appreciate it.
I have not tried meatballs in my air fryer yet so this recipe is what I needed to get me to that step. I have the basket type but can certainly see why that Vortex pro would be handy. Such a savory blend of seasonings!
Thank you Beth. I love this air fryer but it works in the basket type too.
these meatballs turned out incredible! So much better than the frozen type we have been buying at the supermarkets! I can’t wait to make these again!
I’m so happy to hear that Kate! Thanks so much for letting me know.
You gotta love a good meatball. And you definitely hit the mark here! I had bought an air fryer recently and just love it. I like that you combine ground meats. I do the same. I can just imagine biting into that crisp surface only to be blown away with juiciness and tenderness. Well done!
Thank you Loreto and Nicoletta! 🙂 I appreciate it. I love my air fryer too!
The texture of these meatballs looks great and I love how the air fryer allows them to be prepared in such a quick and easy manner.
Thanks Moop! It’s so easy in the air fryer.
Meatballs in the air fryer are my next frontier. You make them sound so do-able and worth trying, I can hardly wait!
They are so easy and delicious. I hope you enjoy them, Beth.