There’s something so comforting about a good meatball — juicy, flavorful, and made with love. But when I discovered how easy it is to make them in the air fryer, I knew I had to share. These air fryer meatballs come out perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside, without the hassle of frying or baking.
Whether you’re prepping for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just need a protein-packed snack that’s toddler-friendly and adult-approved, this recipe checks every box. I’ve been making these on repeat, and you’ll see why.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Meatballs
- Super quick — ready in under 20 minutes
- Perfect texture — crispy edges, juicy center
- Easy cleanup — no oven splatter or greasy pans
- Customizable — swap proteins or mix up the seasonings
- Great for kids and adults alike
Ingredients
You only need a handful of pantry staples and a pound of ground meat to make these:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons milk for extra moisture
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If the mixture feels a little dry, add a splash of milk to help keep the meatballs moist.
I usually just get in there with clean hands — it’s faster and mixes everything more evenly.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 16–20 meatballs depending on the size.
Tip: Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This step helps them start cooking right away and get that nice sear on the outside.
Step 4: Air Fry the Meatballs
Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd — work in batches if you need to.
Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the meatballs halfway through to ensure even cooking.
They’re done when the outsides are browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Meatballs
These are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways I love serving them:
1. Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
Toss them in your favorite marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a comforting dinner.
2. Meatball Subs
Layer them in a soft sub roll with marinara and melted mozzarella for a simple meatball sandwich that hits the spot.
3. Meal Prep Bowls
Pair with rice or quinoa, roasted veggies, and a dollop of hummus or tzatziki.
4. Appetizer Style
Stick a toothpick in each one and serve them as party snacks with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the meat: Just combine until everything is evenly distributed. Overmixing can make meatballs tough.
- Add moisture: If using lean meat like turkey or chicken, the milk or a little olive oil helps prevent dryness.
- Let them rest: Give the meatballs 2–3 minutes to cool slightly before serving. They finish cooking and set up nicely.
Variations to Try
One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily switch it up depending on your taste or what you have in the fridge.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mix.
- Herby: Throw in chopped fresh parsley or basil for extra freshness.
- Cheesy: Add a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for a melty surprise.
- Low-carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Storing & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let meatballs cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Good for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds until warmed through.
Air Fryer vs. Oven: Why I Choose the Air Fryer
Before I started using my air fryer for meatballs, I always baked them in the oven. Don’t get me wrong — they came out fine, but not this good. The air fryer gives you that crispy exterior without drying out the inside. Plus, you’re saving time on preheating and baking.
It’s also way easier to clean, especially if you’re just making a quick weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these air fryer meatballs, you’ll understand why they’ve become a regular in my kitchen. They’re quick, full of flavor, and go with just about anything.
So the next time you’re wondering what to do with that pack of ground beef or turkey in your fridge, give this recipe a try. I think you’ll be hooked after one bite — just like I was.
And if your kids are anything like mine, don’t be surprised if they ask for seconds.
