Air Fryer Meatball Recipe

Learn how to make quick and easy air fryer meatballs recipe with perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior. This simple how to cook method delivers restaurant-quality results in under 20 minutes using your air fryer.

Prep

15 mins

Cook

12 mins

Serve

Kcal

320

Carbs: 8g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 18g

320

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g ground beef (80/20 blend)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g fresh breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g grated Parmesan cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g fresh parsley, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil spray</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by combining the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl, stirring gently until the breadcrumbs are completely soaked and form a paste-like mixture. Let this sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to fully absorb the milk - this creates what we call a panade, which keeps your meatballs incredibly moist and tender.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In your large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumb mixture, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until just combined - don't overwork the mixture as this will make your meatballs tough and dense. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but still feel light and airy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, using slightly damp hands to prevent sticking, portion the mixture into 16 equal pieces, each about 30g. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls - the key here is to roll them just enough to hold their shape without compacting the meat too much.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in the basket, ensuring they don't touch each other - you want about 1cm space between each one for proper air circulation. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in two batches.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Cook the meatballs at 200°C for 12 minutes total. After 6 minutes, carefully shake the basket or use tongs to turn each meatball - they should have developed a lovely golden crust by now. Continue cooking for the remaining 6 minutes until they're beautifully browned all over and the internal temperature reaches 71°C when checked with a meat thermometer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving - this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce, pasta, or as part of a sub sandwich. These beauties are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the air fryer.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Air Fryer Meatball Recipe

How long do you cook meatballs in an air fryer?

Cook meatballs in an air fryer at 200°C for 12 minutes total, flipping them halfway through at 6 minutes. This ensures even browning and reaches the safe internal temperature of 71°C.

Can you cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Fresh homemade meatballs will have better texture and flavor than frozen ones.

What temperature should meatballs be cooked to?

Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) when measured with a meat thermometer. This ensures they're fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy inside.

Why are my air fryer meatballs dry?

Air fryer meatballs turn dry from overcooking or using lean meat. Use 80/20 ground beef, don't overmix, add a milk-soaked breadcrumb panade, and avoid cooking beyond 12 minutes at 200°C.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer for meatballs?

Yes, preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes before cooking meatballs. This ensures immediate searing for a crispy exterior and helps achieve even cooking throughout.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

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Air fryer is a game changer!", "name": "Perfectly Crispy and Juicy", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sarah Kim", "datePublished": "2024-12-25", "reviewBody": "Made these for Christmas dinner and everyone raved about them! So much faster than oven method and the texture is amazing. Kids devoured them instantly.", "name": "Christmas Hit", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Carlos Mendoza", "datePublished": "2024-12-28", "reviewBody": "Best meatball recipe I've ever tried! The panade technique really makes them incredibly tender. Restaurant quality at home for sure.", "name": "Restaurant Quality", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amara Johnson", "datePublished": "2025-01-02", "reviewBody": "Quick weeknight dinner solution found! These cook so fast and taste amazing. Perfect for meal prep too. Never making oven meatballs again.", "name": "Weeknight Winner", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Raj Patel", "datePublished": "2025-01-05", "reviewBody": "Absolutely fantastic texture! The golden browning is gorgeous and they're so tender throughout. This air fryer method is brilliant.", "name": "Amazing Texture", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }


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August 26, 2025

Air Fryer Meatball Recipe

Learn how to make quick and easy air fryer meatballs recipe with perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior. This simple how to cook method delivers restaurant-quality results in under 20 minutes using your air fryer.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 8g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Directions

How long do you cook meatballs in an air fryer?

Can you cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer?

What temperature should meatballs be cooked to?

Why are my air fryer meatballs dry?

Do I need to preheat my air fryer for meatballs?