Description
These Juicy Air Fryer Beef Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make main course that delivers perfectly cooked, flavorful meatballs with a crispy exterior and tender inside. Using the air fryer, they cook quickly while maintaining moisture, making them an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the meatballs evenly.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, plain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Mix gently just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 even meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter to ensure uniform cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each for proper air circulation.
- Cook Meatballs: Cook at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to brown meatballs evenly. Cook until the exterior is browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture and flavor, add 2 tablespoons of finely grated onion to the meatball mixture.
- These meatballs can be tossed in marinara sauce for serving over pasta or used in sandwiches and subs.
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
