Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these mouthwatering Air Fryer Italian Meatballs! Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, these juicy meatballs are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dish that’s bursting with Italian flavors and sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re serving them with spaghetti, in a sub, or simply enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t miss out on the secret to achieving that perfect texture and taste—read on for the full recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients using your hands, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough. Mix until the ingredients are just combined and evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield about 12-16 meatballs depending on size.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer's size.
- Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatballs using a meat thermometer. They should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce, over pasta, or as part of a meatball sub. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Meat: For the best flavor and moisture, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork. This combination gives the meatballs a richer taste and juicier texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is combined.
- Uniform Size: Aim for meatballs that are about
- 5 inches in diameter. This ensures even cooking and helps them brown nicely in the air fryer.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer before adding the meatballs. This helps them cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Cook in Batches: If your air fryer is small, don’t overcrowd the basket. Cooking in batches ensures that each meatball gets the proper airflow for even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. They should reach 160°F (71°C) to be safe to eat.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making them even more flavorful.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these meatballs with marinara sauce and spaghetti, or place them in a sub roll with cheese for a delightful meatball sandwich.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 456kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 139mg
