Air Fryer Meatballs

Air Fryer Meatballs – caramelized outside, tender, juicy inside. Use ground beef, chicken or turkey – pair your favorite sauce or gravy. Easy recipe – cooks in under 10 minutes!

If you know me, you know I love my air fryer for so many reasons with this easy meatballs recipe at the top of the list.

Caramelized on the outside – tender, juicy inside and absolutely delicious. Bonus: they’re also a great source of protein if you’re trying to meet goals like I am.

Use any ground meat you like – lean ground beef, chicken or turkey and serve the with pasta and marinara sauce, tzatziki and rice – even a simple gravy and creamy mashed potatoes. They even make a great appetizer. 

If you’re single or a small household like me, you’ll love how you freeze them and pull out only what you want for a meal.

Why I love this recipe:

Versatile – use ground beef, chicken or turkey. Pair with any sauce: marinara, teriyaki, tzatziki, bbq.

Quick and easy – they air fry in just xx minutes.

Any size household – freeze raw – thaw and cook only what you need. No leftovers.

Ingredients needed to make Air Fryer Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken, turkey or beef
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk (whatever kind you have at home)
• 1/2 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion minced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1/4 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• cooking spray

How to make Air Fryer Meatballs:

Combine all ingredients just until blended without overmixing (which can make the meatballs dry and dense).

I like using a 1″ scooper to form the meatballs (eyeball if you don’t have one). If you prefer larger meatballs adjust cook time accordingly.

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees (this helps crisp the outside of the meatballs). Lightly spray with cooking spray. Transfer as many meatballs as will fit in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fryers vary in size – cook in batches if needed.

Cook meatballs 8-10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.

What to serve with these Air Fryer Meatballs:

They’re the ideal size to serve an an appetizer with barbecue sauce a teriyaki glaze. To enjoy as a main dish, here are few other ideas:

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl – toss meatballs in teriyaki glaze, serve with rice, thinly sliced cucumber and bell pepper – even pineapple.

Spaghetti and Meatballs – drop into homemade or store bought marinara and your favorite pasta.

Greek Meatball Bowl – with diced cucumber and tomatoes, feta cheese, tzatziki and some air fryer potato wedges.

Meatballs and Gravy – add to your favorite homemade or store bought gravy. Enjoy with creamy mashed potatoes.

Subs and variations:

• Optional spices: onion powder, Italian seasoning or Greek seasoning.
• Add a small cube of mozzarella or feta cheese to the center of raw meatballs when you’re forming them.
• Use ground beef, turkey or chicken for the meatballs.

Storage and reheating:

Cool leftover meatballs completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.

Freeze cooked or meatballs in a freezer-safe bag (squeeze out the air) or container up to 3 months. To freeze raw meatballs, flash freeze on a baking sheet the add to a freezer safe bag or container.

Thaw In the refrigerator, warm cooked meatballs in sauce or cook in the air fryer as directed in the recipe.

More favorite air fryer recipes:

Chick fil-A Copycat Chicken Sandwich

Steakhouse Style Baked Potatoes

BBQ Spare Ribs

Juicy Marinated Flank Steak

Full details in the printable recipe card below.

Enjoy!