If you're craving juicy, flavorful meatballs with a perfectly crisp exterior—without the mess or long cook times—this Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Air frying delivers meatballs that stay tender and moist inside while developing a golden, lightly crispy outside that your oven can’t quite replicate. Whether you’re meal prepping, building the perfect meatball sub, topping spaghetti night, or serving them as toothpick appetizers, this method guarantees consistent results every time. Simple ingredients, fast cooking, and a healthier approach—what more could you ask for?
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10–12 mins
Total Time: 20–22 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: About 16 meatballs (1 to 1½ inches each)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for extra moisture)
- Cooking spray
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1–2 tablespoons finely grated onion
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This helps the meatballs start cooking immediately for a crisp exterior.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a medium bowl, gently combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk (if using). Mix just until combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll mixture into 1- to 1½-inch balls, making them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place meatballs in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if needed.
- Air Fry: Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appear lightly browned.
- Serve: Enjoy them as-is, or toss with marinara, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, or use them in your favorite pasta or sub sandwich.
Tip: If your meatballs look dry before forming, add an extra tablespoon of milk or a drizzle of olive oil. For extra tenderness, let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before shaping.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
(Nutrition will vary depending on meat choice and breadcrumb type.)
Pro-Tip:
If you haven’t invested in an air fryer yet—or you’re thinking about upgrading—this recipe is the perfect reason to do it. Air fryers create a beautifully crisp exterior on meatballs while keeping the inside incredibly juicy, all in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. They’re energy-efficient, easy to clean, and ideal for busy cooks who want fast, reliable results every time. If you’d like to explore top-rated models that make recipes like these Air Fryer Meatballs even better, click the button below to browse the best options available on Amazon.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Meatballs deliver everything you love about classic meatballs—juicy centers, rich flavor, and a satisfying golden exterior—without the long bake time or excess oil. They’re versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or effortless entertaining. Once you see how fast and consistently they cook in the air fryer, you may find yourself making them weekly. Serve them with pasta, stuff them into a toasted sub, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
