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Air Fryer Meatballs

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These Air Fryer Meatballs are a game-changer—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in just 10–12 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a hearty appetizer.

Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef (70–80% lean recommended)
    ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
    ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    1 large egg
    2 tablespoons milk
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
    ½ teaspoon salt
    ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  2. Wet your hands and roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. You should get approximately 24 meatballs.
  3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  4. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Let the meatballs rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a cheesy center, insert a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball before cooking.
  • For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for an herbaceous twist.
  • For leaner meatballs, substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
  • To add extra nutrition, mix in finely chopped vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

Nutrition