Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

 This easy air fryer meatballs recipe makes getting a delicious dinner on the table easy on busy weeknights. 

Full of garlic, onion, and basil, this air fryer meatballs recipe will make your kitchen smell amazing. There’s no need to let anyone know that dinner’s ready -- they’ll already be there waiting!

Making meatballs in the air fryer means you don’t need to turn the oven on, making them the perfect meal for hot days. 

The best part about making air fryer meatballs is that they cook up so much more quickly than in the oven, and since the heat from the fryer reaches all sides, they cook up evenly and perfectly every time.

In this blog post, you’ll learn 

The ingredients you may need with a few details of the chosen ingredients that add flavor to these amazing meatballs.

You’ll get instructions on how to make meatballs in the air fryer, important information on how to store leftovers, and serving suggestions for dinner or a party. A long with some frequently asked questions.

Ingredients you’ll need to make meatballs

**Find the full list of ingredients along with the recipe instructions at the end of this post**

• Ground beef (93% lean) - 93% lean ground beef means that it is 93% lean meat and 7% fat its leanness makes it flavorful. You can also use other ground meats like; ground pork, ground turkey, ground chicken- or your favorite plant-based alternative.
• Eggs - Eggs help to bind the ingredients together in the meatballs.
• Basil - Adding basil to meatballs because it adds flavor and aroma.
• Oregano - This herb has a strong, earthy flavor that gives the meatballs depth.
• Garlic powder - Made from dehydrated garlic, this powder adds garlicky flavor without having to mince up fresh garlic.

• Onion powder - Onion powder has a strong, oniony flavor. Using it saves the tears of chopping onions.
• Chili powder (optional) - Chili powder is a spice blend typically containing chili peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. It gives the chili powder both a spicy and smoky flavor. 
• Bread crumbs - These help to add texture and absorbency to the meatballs.
• Salt and pepper - Add these to taste.
• Sprayer bottle with olive oil - Olive oil is a healthy fat that can be used to coat the meatballs before cooking. It helps to keep them moist and flavorful and prevents them from sticking to the air fryer basket. 

How to make meatballs in the air fryer?

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is completely combined.

Recipe tips for the best homemade air fryer meatballs

• Use lean ground beef 93% or higher for healthier meatballs.
• Don’t pack the meatballs too tightly. It can make them tough instead of juicy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook these in batches.
• Flip the meatballs halfway through cooking.

How long to cook homemade meatballs in the air fryer?

Making meatballs in air fryer takes 10-12 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to serve with air fryer meatballs besides spaghetti?

• Mashed potatoes - Make your favorite style of mashed potatoes, or if you’re counting carbs, try making mashed cauliflower.
• Rice - Use your Instant Pot to make brown rice to serve the meatballs over.
• Salad - Serve meatballs alongside a simple green salad like this air-fried artichoke salad.
• Appetizers - Meatballs make great appetizers! Try serving these in marinara sauce (or your own favorite pasta sauce) with other snacks like Cauliflower Buffalo Wings for a party. 

How to store leftovers?

Refrigerator: After they come to room temperature, air fryer meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. 

Freezer: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.  

FAQ’S

What to do with leftover meatballs?

Leftover air fryer meatballs can be used in a variety of ways. They can be added to soups, stews, or chili. They can also be used to make meatball subs, meatball sliders, or meatball pizzas.

Can you freeze raw homemade meatballs?

• Yes, you can. To freeze, first flash freeze by simply placing the meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and placing them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Once the meatballs are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. 

• To cook frozen meatballs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if you prefer, or simply cook the raw meatballs in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 minutes or until cooked through.

Air Fryer meatballs recipes you’ll love

• Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
• Pork Meatballs Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• BBQ meatballs in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
• Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

More air fryer favorites

• Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
• Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
• Broccoli and Cauliflower in Air Fryer 
• Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp
• Air Fryer Swordfish

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