Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner hero: Air Fryer Meatballs. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, these meatballs are ridiculously easy to make and cook up in a fraction of the time compared to oven baking or stovetop frying. With a crisp golden-brown exterior and a perfectly moist center, they’re everything you want in a meatball—minus the mess and wait time. Whether you’re tossing them in marinara, serving them over pasta, or tucking them into subs, these meatballs come together so quickly, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without your air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll have juicy, evenly cooked meatballs in under 15 minutes—no turning, no splatter, and no heating up the whole kitchen.
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: The circulating heat crisps the outside just enough to lock in all those savory juices.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for later. These reheat like a dream.
Versatile: These meatballs go with everything—pasta, rice bowls, sandwiches, or served on their own with a dipping sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make flavorful, juicy meatballs in your air fryer:

Ground Meat: Use beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. A blend of beef and pork adds amazing richness and flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meat and keep the meatballs tender. Panko or regular both work—just don’t skip them.
Egg: Essential for binding everything together and keeping the meatballs from falling apart.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that makes these meatballs stand out. Freshly grated is best.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives you that punchy, savory base flavor.
Onion: Grated or finely chopped, onion brings moisture and a subtle sweetness.
Parsley: Adds a pop of color and brightness. Fresh parsley works beautifully here.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp—these are crucial for flavor. Taste your mix before forming if you’re unsure.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to add classic flavor.
Olive Oil Spray: Helps achieve that crispy, golden crust in the air fryer without extra grease.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste to the mix.
Cheesy Center: Press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.
Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binder.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast for a similar umami depth.

How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll end up with tough meatballs.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into even-sized balls, about 1½ inches in diameter. Use a cookie scoop if you want perfect portions.

Step 3: Preheat and Spray

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook

Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F).

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately with your favorite sauce, or let them cool slightly and pack them up for meal prep.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients just until they come together—overworking the meat will make the meatballs tough.
Even Size: Keep your meatballs the same size to ensure they cook evenly. Use a cookie scoop if needed.
Test First: Cook one meatball as a test to check seasoning before cooking the whole batch.
Keep It Moist: If your mixture feels too dry, add a splash of milk or a bit more grated onion.

How to Serve

Air Fryer Meatballs are incredibly flexible. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

###Classic Spaghetti:
Serve over spaghetti with a generous ladle of marinara and a shower of Parmesan.

###Meatball Subs:
Tuck them into hoagie rolls with melted provolone and sauce for a comforting sandwich.

###Appetizer Platter:
Skewer them with toothpicks and serve with marinara, pesto, or garlic aioli for dipping.

###Grain Bowls:
Pair with quinoa or rice, roasted veggies, and your favorite sauce for a hearty lunch bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

Let meatballs cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. You can also simmer them in sauce straight from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs in the air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure they’re heated to the proper internal temperature (165°F).

What type of meat is best for air fryer meatballs?
A mix of beef and pork gives the best flavor and juiciness, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?
Using grated onion, egg, and breadcrumbs helps retain moisture. Don’t overcook, and check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.

Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Yes! Swap in almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or even oats for a breadcrumb-free version that still holds together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Meatballs are everything a home cook dreams of—fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking the freezer, or just trying to get dinner on the table fast, this recipe will never let you down. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked!

Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe