Air Fryer Meatballs
These tender beef meatballs brown all over in the air fryer without any turning in a spattering pan. Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk first keeps them juicy, and they are just as good in a tomato sauce over spaghetti as they are on their own with a salad.
Updated
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 12 mins
- Total Time
- 22 mins
- Servings
- 20 meatballs
Air Fryer Meatballs at a glance
Mix 500 g ground beef with milk-soaked breadcrumbs, an egg, parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper. Roll into 20 meatballs, about 3.5 cm wide. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until browned and 71°C (160°F) in the centre.
- Total time
- 22 mins
- Calories
- 330 per serving
- Protein
- 31 g
- Yield
- 20 meatballs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Equipment
Air fryer · Large bowl · Instant-read thermometer
Quick Directions
- 1
Soak the breadcrumbs
Stir the breadcrumbs and milk together in a large bowl and leave for 5 minutes until the crumbs have absorbed the milk.
- 2
Mix
Add the ground beef, egg, parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper.
- 3
Shape
With damp hands, roll the mixture into 20 even balls, about 3.5 cm wide.
- 4
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- 5
Serve
Serve the meatballs on their own, over greens, or simmer them in warm marinara sauce for 5 minutes and spoon over spaghetti.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer meatballs.
- 1
Soak the breadcrumbs
Stir the breadcrumbs and milk together in a large bowl and leave for 5 minutes until the crumbs have absorbed the milk.
- 2
Mix
Add the ground beef, egg, parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; overmixing makes meatballs tough.
- 3
Shape
With damp hands, roll the mixture into 20 even balls, about 3.5 cm wide.
- 4
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Spray the basket with oil and add the meatballs in a single layer with space between them. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until browned. Ground beef is safe at 71°C (160°F) in the centre.
- 5
Serve
Serve the meatballs on their own, over greens, or simmer them in warm marinara sauce for 5 minutes and spoon over spaghetti.
Recipe Tips
- Use a small ice-cream scoop so every meatball is the same size and cooks in the same time.
- Lean ground beef (about 10% fat) keeps the air fryer from smoking while still staying juicy.
- Do not crowd the basket. Cook in two batches if needed.
Variations
- Swap half the beef for ground pork or veal for softer meatballs.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or quick oats to make them gluten-free.
- Add 1/4 tsp chili flakes and 1 tsp fennel seeds for an Italian sausage flavour.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 330 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbs | 9 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated fat | 7 g |
| Fibre | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze cooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat
- Reheat from the fridge in sauce on the stove, or in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-6 minutes, until hot in the centre. From frozen, allow 10-12 minutes.
Air Fryer Meatballs FAQs
How long do meatballs take in the air fryer?
Meatballs about 3.5 cm wide take 10-12 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Larger meatballs need 14-15 minutes. Check that the centre reaches 71°C (160°F).
Do I need to flip meatballs in the air fryer?
You do not need to flip each one. A good shake of the basket halfway through is enough to brown them on all sides.
Can I cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry frozen cooked meatballs at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until hot all the way through.
Why are my meatballs dry?
Very lean meat, skipping the soaked breadcrumbs, or overcooking will all dry them out. Soak the crumbs in milk, mix gently and take them out once they reach 71°C (160°F).
