Classic Meatballs in the Air Fryer are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The air fryer cooks them evenly while giving the outside a beautiful golden crust, locking in moisture so the inside stays tender. This method also reduces grease compared to pan frying, making cleanup quick and simple.
These meatballs are perfect for pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, or meal prep.
Ingredients 🛒
- 1 pound ground beef (or beef and pork mix)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons milk
Optional for serving:
- Marinara sauce
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl combine:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Milk
Mix gently until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1–1½ inch meatballs. You should get about 14–16 meatballs.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes.
4. Cook the Meatballs
Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through cooking.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve
Serve the meatballs immediately or toss them in warm marinara sauce.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
These meatballs are delicious with:
- Spaghetti and marinara
- Meatball subs
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
- As party appetizers with dipping sauce
Nutrition (Approximate per serving) 📊
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
✅ Pro Tip:
For extra juicy meatballs, chill the shaped meatballs in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before air frying. This helps them hold their shape and cook evenly.