Air Fryer Meatballs are a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, juicy meatballs with minimal oil. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Why These Air Fryer Meatballs Are the Best
- Crispy Exterior: The air fryer cooks the meatballs to a perfect golden-brown, providing a satisfying crispy exterior.
- Juicy Interior: Despite being air-fried, the meatballs remain juicy and tender inside.
- Healthy Option: Using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making this a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
- Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, making these meatballs a quick and convenient option.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a tasty appetizer, Air Fryer Meatballs are the perfect choice. The combination of a crispy exterior and juicy interior makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds a salty, savory flavor to the meatballs, enhancing their richness and tenderness.
- Italian-Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Provides structure, helping the meatballs hold together while adding a hint of Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- Parsley (Dried or Fresh): Adds a fresh, earthy note that balances the richness of the cheese and meat.
- Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes: Season the meatballs with depth, a bit of sharpness, and optional heat.
- Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: These spices give the meatballs a classic Italian flavor profile, with a warm, aromatic taste.
- Lean Ground Turkey, Chicken, or Beef: Using 93% lean ground meat keeps the meatballs tender without being greasy, ideal for the air fryer.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture together, resulting in perfectly shaped, tender meatballs.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Meatballs
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ground meat and herbs.
- Season Generously: Season the meatballs with your favorite herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatball mixture just until combined to keep them tender.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestions
- With French Fries: Serve Air Fryer Meatballs with crispy French fries for a delicious meal.
- With Pasta: Pair with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic dish.
- With Rice: Serve with steamed white or brown rice for a complete dinner.
- With Garlic Bread: Enjoy with garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With a Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, barbecue, or ranch.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Air Fryer Meatballs. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Air Fryer Meatballs
Air Fryer Meatballs are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a classic dish, with Parmesan, Italian herbs, and breadcrumbs creating a tender, savory bite. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, making these meatballs perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or addition to pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 93% lean ground chicken
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
- ⅓ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs whole wheat if possible
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley flakes or 3 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tsp kosher salt
- 1 Tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ Tsp onion powder
- ¼ Tsp black pepper
- ½ Tsp garlic powder
- ¼ Tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set it aside. To maintain warmth for the meatballs while cooking multiple batches, preheat the oven to 300°F and line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Add chicken into the mixture. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, then add it to the larger bowl (you can also crack it directly into an open area of the big mixing bowl and lightly beat it there). Using a fork or your hands, gently combine the ingredients until evenly mixed, taking care not to compress the meat.
- Divide the mixture into portions and form them into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter (you should end up with around 20 meatballs). Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket generously with non-stick cooking spray. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't touch each other to allow proper air circulation (you may need to cook them in multiple batches). Lightly mist the tops of the meatballs with non-stick spray.
- Air fry the meatballs at 400°F for 8 to 9 minutes, pausing halfway through to carefully turn them over using tongs. The meatballs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured with an instant-read thermometer. When cut in half, the meat should appear fully cooked.
- Transfer the first batch of cooked meatballs to the second clean baking sheet and place it in the oven to keep them warm. Continue this process with the remaining meatballs.
- While the meatballs are air frying, heat the sauce on the stove and prepare any additional items you'd like to serve alongside. Enjoy the meatballs while they're hot, topped with sauce, cheese, herbs, and any other desired accompaniments.
Notes
- To store, place the meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
- To reheat leftovers, warm them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F or use the microwave.
- To freeze, arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To make ahead, prepare the meatballs up to Step 4. Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the freezer until they are solid. Then, transfer the uncooked frozen meatballs to an airtight freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to cook, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Air Fryer Meatballs