Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make? Say hello to Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs! These tender, flavorful meatballs are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up this classic American favorite. Whether you serve them with marinara sauce, toss them over pasta, or enjoy them on their own, these meatballs are sure to impress. Ready to dive into a recipe that will have your family begging for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently roll the meat mixture into uniform-sized meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-14 meatballs from the mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer's size.
- Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Once cooked, remove meatballs from the air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce, over pasta, or as desired. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the juiciest meatballs, opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/
- This will ensure they stay moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Aim for uniform meatballs, about
- 5 inches in diameter, to ensure even cooking. You can use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the meatballs. This helps achieve that perfect golden brown crust.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches if necessary will help them cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making them even juicier when you take your first bite.
- Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or add-ins like chopped herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
