Crispy Air Fryer Meatballs

Crispy Air Fryer Meatballs

These air fryer meatballs are juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. They’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried meatballs and perfect for appetizers, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a combination of ground beef and pork)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or more Parmesan)
• 1 tablespoon grated onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Guide:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, onion, parsley, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Lightly wet your hands and roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs in a single layer on your air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for air circulation.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Air fry the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of a meatball. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them plain, with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, or tossed in a glaze.

Tips:

• For extra crispy meatballs, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes before adding the meatballs.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will prevent the meatballs from cooking evenly and getting crispy.
• If your meatballs are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for a few minutes longer.
• You can use any type of ground meat you like, such as ground turkey, chicken, or a mixture.
• To make the meatballs ahead of time, form them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and air fry as directed.
• Get creative with your flavorings! You can add chopped fresh herbs, grated red pepper flakes, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a bit of a kick.