Air Fryer Meatballs are the ultimate weeknight meal hack that combines crispy, perfectly browned meatballs with minimal effort. With the help of your air fryer, you can make delicious, juicy meatballs in a fraction of the time it would take to bake them in the oven. What’s more, the air fryer ensures that the meatballs are crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside every time.
One of the key benefits of using the air fryer is that it allows you to make healthier meatballs with less oil, while still achieving a satisfying, golden crust. The air circulates around the meatballs, cooking them evenly and locking in flavor without needing to fry them in a pan. This makes air fryer meatballs a great option for those looking to enjoy a comfort food favorite in a lighter, more convenient way.
The great thing about meatballs is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins to make the meatballs your own. Add your favorite herbs and spices, garlic, parsley, oregano, and crushed red pepper are all great choices for added flavor. You can even stuff them with cheese or spinach for an extra surprise in every bite.
These meatballs are perfect for a variety of dishes. Serve them over pasta with marinara sauce for a classic Italian dinner, or slide them into a sandwich bun for a hearty meatball sub. You can also pair them with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a lighter, more balanced meal.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, healthy meatballs are quick, easy, and guaranteed to please. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned for extra flavor
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Finely grated for even distribution
- 1 egg Lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Optional
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or over pasta.
Nutrition
Yumm! Fast and easy! I have even made them with ground turkey and it works perfectly.
I never thought turkey would work, but it sounds great! Definitely gonna try this soon.
Really? Ground turkey? I don’t see how that can taste as good as beef! But hey, if it works for you!
Super tasty! I added some chili flakes for a kick!
Good base recipe, but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe some onion or something?
These meatballs were a huge hit with my family! So easy and delish, we’ll be making them again for sure.
I tried this recipe and my meatballs came out dry! Did I overcook them? Not sure if I’d try again.
Meatballs are good, but I’d suggest a sauce on the side. They can be a bit dry without it.
Why would you air fry meat? That’s not how italians do it! Better off just oven baking. 😂
Air frying meat is weird. Italians bake or fry in oil, not this weird gadget stuff. 🤷♂️
I get your point, but air frying is just a faster way and still gives a nice crispy texture! Maybe give it a try? 😊
cooked it for 8 minutes, and it was still raw inside. Gotta follow instructions better next time. 😬
Maybe try cooking them for a few more minutes next time! Air fryers can be tricky but they usually turn out great! 🍽️
I was skeptical about using an air fryer, but these meatballs turned out great!! Love the ease of cleanup too.
Yummy! But why do you need an air fryer? Can’t you just use the oven? Seems like a waste of energy.
I get what you’re saying! The oven can totally work, but the air fryer does give that crispy finish faster! 🤷♂️
Why bother with new gadgets? The oven exists for a reason! Air fryers are just a fad, if you ask me.
They turned out pretty dry for me. Maybe I overcooked them? 😕 Not sure I did it right.
I substituted turkey for beef and it was ok, but not the same. Just sayin’.
Mmm, meatballs! Not bad but my grandma’s are way better. Sorry, just saying.
I thought they were too dry. Maybe too much breadcrumbs?
These meatballs were a huge hit at my family dinner! So juicy and flavorful! I’ll definitely make them again. Thanks!
So glad to hear they were a hit! I made them last week and my kids loved them too. It’s so easy with the air fryer!
First time using an air fryer, and WOW, these are so much better than baking! 💯 Love it!
I followed the recipe but they turned out kinda dry. Maybe I overcooked them?
The recipe says mix it well, but not too much. What does this even mean? Confused!
It just means to mix until everything is combined but not to overwork the meat! Otherwise, it can get tough. Don’t worry too much, just go with your gut!
These meatballs were amazing! So juicy and full of flavor. Definitely a keeper!
Really? I tried making these and they turned out kinda dry. Maybe I messed up the cooking time?
I totally agree! These meatballs are the best I’ve ever made. So easy and delicious!
Tried these with turkey and they were still delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
I didn’t have oregano, but used some Italian seasoning instead. They turned out fine, but a bit dry.
Can you use turkey instead of beef? Just wondering…
Yeah, you can use turkey instead of beef! Just make sure to season well since turkey can be a bit drier. Hope that helps!
I don’t get why use the air fryer? Just use the oven. Same diffrent if you ask me. 🙄
I kinda see your point, but the air fryer makes them crisper without all the extra oil. Less cleanup too! 😋
Good recipe, but they could use more seasoning! Like some paprika or something.
Totally agree! A little paprika would really elevate the flavor! I also like adding some chili flakes for a kick.
Easy recipe but I prefer my meatballs from a jar. Not a fan of the air fryer.
I get that! Jars can be sooo convenient. But you could try making a big batch and freezing them for later, right? Just a thought!
Love this recipe! Used to be scared of cooking meatballs but now I’m a pro thanks to you!
I used turkey instead of beef, and they were pretty decent. Just as good if not better!
Can’t believe meatballs can be made this easy! So fast, and perfect for my busy days! 😅
Totally agree! Makes weeknight dinners a breeze. 🍝
But is it really that easy? I’ve tried other recipes and they turned out weird. 🤔
Can I skip the egg? Don’t have any right now and I’m hungry! 😅
I dunno, I think the egg is pretty important for holding the meatballs together. Maybe just wait till you get some?
You can totally skip the egg! Just add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it together. Good luck!
Way too salty! Next time, I’m gonna skip the extra salt. Not trying this again.
I didn’t have parmesan, so used cheddar, kinda weird but still tasty.
Follow the steps but mine burnt! Air fryers are tricky. 😩
Really loved this recipe! My kids gobbled them up, even the picky one! Thanks!! 😍
Made these for dinner and nobody liked them… idk why, they just didn’t taste right.
Just saying, you can also make them in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer! But they do taste better in air fryer.
Easy and quick! I love using the air fryer! 🔥
Really? Air fryer meatballs? Sounds too easy, what if they get dry? 🤔
I tried this recipe last night, and wow, they turned out amazing! The air fryer really makes a difference.
I mixed the egg in the ground beef before(not supposed to) but they still turned out okay. LOL!
Yum! My kids loved these meatballs, gonna make again for sure.
That’s awesome! Kids are so picky sometimes, but these meatballs seem to be a hit! 😄
Meatballs again? I dunno, they always taste the same to me. Maybe try something different next time?
👍 Fantastic recipe! Can’t wait to make it again next week!
Meatballs? More like meat lumps!! Lol, mine didn’t hold together. What did I do wrong?
I think it taste too salty. I regret adding all that salt. Next time I do less.
These meatballs were a hit with my family! So juicy and flavorful.
These meatballs turned out great! Crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Will make again! 😊
Meatballs? Who eats that? I prefer salad.
Meatballs are delicious! Perfect for those days when you need protein. Salad’s good too, but meatballs have flavor! 😋
I don’t get it. Meatballs are just ground beef rolled up. Salad is way healthier! Who wants all that fat?
These meatballs were so good! Better than I thought they would be. My kids loved them!
Better than expected? That’s kinda surprising. I mean, how good can meatballs really be? They look easy to make tho.
I’m glad to hear that! These meatballs are a hit with kids! My son can be picky, but he devoured them too!
Just made these in my new air fryer! Wow, I think I’m in love! ❤️
I dunno, I’ve tried air frying before and wasn’t impressed. Maybe I did it wrong? 🤔
That’s awesome! Air fryers really make things so easy and delicious! What sauce did you use? 😊
Delish! But I added some chili flakes for kick. Spice it up! 🌶️
Can I bake them in the oven instead? I don’t own an air fryer. Anyone tried that?