air fryer meatballs
These air fryer meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked in just a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. They make for a great appetizer or can be served over pasta for a wholesome meal.
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet or plate
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup marinara sauce for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined; do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch for even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).
- Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve with marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize the herbs and spices to your taste.
For a healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.