Juicy, easy, and perfect for meal prep
If you want a versatile, no-mess dinner option, Air Fryer Meatballs are a must. They come out juicy on the inside, lightly crispy on the outside, and cook faster than oven or stovetop versions — all without standing over a pan.
These meatballs are perfect for pasta, subs, bowls, or simple weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No frying, no splatter
- Ready in 12–15 minutes
- Juicy and evenly cooked
- Great for meal prep
- Works with beef, chicken, or turkey
Recommended Air Fryers for This Recipe
Large Capacity & Batch Cooking
Meatballs cook best when they’re spaced out evenly.
NinjaLarge-Capacity Air Fryer
✔ Ideal for meatballs, meal prep, and family dinners
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
Even Cooking & High Heat
Strong airflow helps meatballs brown evenly without drying out.
TurboBlaze Premium Air Fryer (Ceramic Coating)
✔ Perfect for juicy meatballs and quick roasting
- 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, …
- 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori’s unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dis…
- 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a premium ceramic coating that is nonstick, durable, and he…
Small Kitchens & Quick Meals
For small batches or quick dinners, a compact air fryer is more than enough.
ChefmanMini Air Fryer
✔ Space-saving and beginner-friendly
- FAST AND EASY: This small air fryer comes prepared for any culinary challenge. The capacitive touch screen display can c…
- HEALTHY COOKING: Say goodbye to excess oil and fat, and hello to healthy cooking. This mini air fryer uses little-to-no …
- SUPREME SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its coun…
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: chopped parsley
How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs
Step 1: Mix
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
Step 2: Shape
Roll mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 1½ inches).
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
Place meatballs in a single layer.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
Remove meatballs and serve hot with your favorite sauce or side.
Tips for Juicy Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the meat
- Keep meatballs similar size
- Shake halfway for even browning
- Add sauce after cooking, not before
Serving Ideas
Air fryer meatballs are great with:
- Pasta and marinara
- Meatball subs
- Rice bowls
- Appetizers with dipping sauce
Storage & Reheating
- Store in fridge up to 4 days
- Freeze cooked meatballs up to 2 months
- Reheat in air fryer at 370°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Meatballs are simple, versatile, and perfect for everyday cooking. Fast prep, easy cleanup, and great results make them a staple recipe for any air fryer collection.