The rich, savory flavors of these lamb meatballs are enhanced by the smoky, crisp bacon bits that infuse every bite with a delightful crunch. The Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty depth that complements the natural earthiness of the lamb, while the subtle seasoning of garlic and onion powder ties everything together without overpowering the meat’s star quality. Cooking them in the air fryer gives them a perfect outer crispness while keeping the interior juicy and tender, making each meatball irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 500g ground lamb
- 4 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 egg (optional for extra binding)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped bacon, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If the mixture feels too crumbly, add a beaten egg to help bind the ingredients together. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the lamb.
- Shape the meatballs: Using your hands, form the lamb mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 18-20 meatballs depending on the size. Place them on a plate or tray as you prepare them.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the lamb meatballs in the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the meatballs at 180°C (356°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the meatballs and your air fryer model. Check for doneness by cutting into one of the meatballs or using a meat thermometer (internal temperature should reach 74°C or 165°F).
- Serve and garnish: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a minute or two. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a salad or roasted vegetables.
