Print

Crispy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe Easy Juicy Tender Meatballs

crispy air fryer meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer meatballs are juicy and tender inside with a golden crispy crust outside, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1/2 cup plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or any milk of choice
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Olive oil spray for the air fryer basket

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until breadcrumbs soak up the milk and become soft.
  3. Add ground beef, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano to the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently combine using a wooden spoon or hands without overmixing.
  4. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
  6. Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each for even air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the meatballs halfway through cooking.
  8. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If not, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  9. Let the meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Flip meatballs halfway through cooking for even browning. Let meatballs rest after cooking to keep them juicy. For low-carb, substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs and use dairy-free milk if needed. Frozen meatballs can be cooked directly in the air fryer with extra cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer meatballs, crispy meatballs, easy meatballs, juicy meatballs, quick dinner, family recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-air-fryer-meatballs-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-meatballs/