I have a long list of favorite appliances in the kitchen, but my air fryer has to be near the top.
It’s my go-to when I want big flavor with minimal effort.
One of my go-to dinners on a busy weeknight is my juicy air fryer meatballs recipe.
You don’t have to stand over a hot stove splattering oil everywhere. (The worst!)
These homemade air fryer meatballs are quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
You’ll get perfectly golden brown, juicy meatballs in less time than it takes to boil pasta water.
Whether you’re making them for a meatball sub, tossing them with your favorite pasta sauce, or dunking them into marinara sauce, this is one of my favorite ways to get dinner on the table fast.
Why I Love Making Meatballs in the Air Fryer
Here’s why this has become my favorite way to make meatballs:
Quick cooking time – You’ll get a batch of meatballs done in about 10–12 minutes.
Juicy inside, golden outside – The hot circulating air crisps the surface without drying them out.
Minimal cleanup – No frying pans, no splattered oil, no mess.
Perfect for meal prep – Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for easy lunches and dinners.
Versatile – Pair them with pasta, serve them on a hoagie roll for meatball subs, or toss them into tomato sauce for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is a great recipe because it’s flexible. You can use lean ground beef, ground pork, or even ground chicken for healthy meatballs. Here’s what I use:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or a mix of ground pork and beef for flavorful meatballs)
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, but it adds brightness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 clove fresh garlic, minced, for extra depth
- A little additional oil or parchment paper to keep the air fryer basket clean
How to Make Homemade Air Fryer Meatballs
1. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your meat mixture: lean ground beef, ground pork, or ground chicken, with bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, seasonings, and worcestershire sauce.
Don’t overmix. That’s the quickest way to get dry meatballs.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Use a large cookie scoop or your hands to form even-sized balls. This recipe makes about 16–18 medium meatballs, but you can make mini meatballs or large meatballs.
3. Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Line your air fryer tray or air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
4. Place Meatballs in a Single Layer
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer so the hot air can circulate evenly. If you’re making a big batch of meatballs, you may need to cook them in stages.
5. Air Fry Until Juicy and Golden
Cook for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through. The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside.
Always check with an instant-read thermometer or meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F at the thickest part.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Meatballs
Use a mix of meats – Combining lean ground beef and ground pork gives you the best meatballs.
Don’t overmix – Overworking the meatball mixture = dry meatballs.
Keep them uniform – Use a large cookie scoop for even cooking.
Avoid extra oil – The air fryer does the crisping for you; no need to drench them.
Freeze for later – Make a double batch and freeze cooked meatballs or frozen meatballs in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long do you cook meatballs in the air fryer?
A: For medium meatballs, 10-12 minutes at 375°F works perfectly.
Q: Can I make these with ground chicken or ground turkey?
A: Absolutely! Using ground chicken or turkey makes healthy meatballs that are still juicy.
Q: Can I air fry frozen meatballs?
A: Yes! Add 3–5 extra minutes to the cooking time and check doneness with a thermometer.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Definitely. Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for longer.
Q: Do I need to flip the meatballs?
A: Not necessarily, but shaking the basket halfway ensures an even golden brown finish.
Why I Love Air Fryer Recipes
Making meatballs is great, but my obsession with air fryer recipes doesn’t stop there. If you’ve got extra time, try some of my other favorites:
- Air fryer chicken wings – Crispy and saucy..
- Air fryer hamburgers – Juicy patties in less time than a stovetop.
Once you start experimenting, your air fryer quickly becomes a weeknight lifesaver for easy recipes and new recipes alike.
If you’ve been searching for the best meatballs without the mess or hassle, this air fryer meatball recipe is it.
In just a few simple steps, you’ll have perfectly juicy meatballs with crispy edges and tons of flavor.
Pair them with pasta, pile them into meatball subs, or serve them with marinara sauce on the side.
No matter how you plate them, these homemade air fryer meatballs are a great recipe to have in your back pocket.
