These Italian meatballs are super easy to make in the air fryer! With ground meat, breadcrumbs, and tasty herbs, they’re juicy and full of flavor.
Bonus: they cook quickly and make your kitchen smell amazing! I love tossing them in pasta or enjoying them with a dip—so versatile and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually use a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just keep in mind they’ll be a bit drier without the fat!
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These give great flavor, but you can make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with Italian herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano. If gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, which will still give a cheesy taste.
Fresh Parsley: This adds brightness to the meatballs. If you don’t have fresh, you can use dried parsley, but remember to use less—about a teaspoon will do.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Tender and Juicy?
Getting tender meatballs is all about mixing and shaping. Here are my tips:
- Mix gently: Combine your ingredients without overworking the meat to keep the texture light.
- Shape carefully: Use wet hands to shape the meatballs; this keeps the mixture from sticking and helps maintain a nice round shape.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Give the meatballs space in the air fryer for even cooking and browning.
These simple techniques will help you make delicious, juicy meatballs every time!
Easy Air Fryer Italian Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooking spray or a bit of olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. For a total of around 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy Italian meatballs ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together gently until just mixed—be careful not to overmix so your meatballs stay tender!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, take a portion of the mixture and roll it into small meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Aim for even sizes so they cook evenly!
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the meatballs start cooking right away, making them nice and crispy!
4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This step helps your meatballs to achieve a lovely golden crust.
5. Cook the Meatballs:
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning. They’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the meatballs from the air fryer, garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve them hot! Enjoy them plain, with your favorite pasta, or in a delicious meatball sub sandwich.
Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful Italian meatballs!
FAQ for Easy Air Fryer Italian Meatballs
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that they may be a bit drier, so you might want to add an extra splash of milk or a bit more cheese to keep them moist.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. If you’re in a pinch, just use plain breadcrumbs and add 1 tsp of Italian seasoning for flavor.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the meatballs ahead of time! Shape them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them raw and cook directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that perfect texture!
