The secret to these juicy, flavorful air fryer meatballs lies in the combination of ground beef, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, which creates a perfect balance of savory and aromatic notes. Cooking them in the air fryer gives the meatballs a delightful crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. Plus, the air fryer reduces the need for excess oil, making these meatballs a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to pan-frying or baking.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for added moisture)
- Cooking spray for the air fryer
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and get a nice crisp exterior. - Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until all the ingredients are well combined. If the mixture seems dry, you can add the olive oil to provide extra moisture. - Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, about the size of a golf ball. Make sure they are uniform in size so they cook evenly. You should get around 18-20 meatballs, depending on the size. - Air Fry the Meatballs
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space between them for the air to circulate. You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. - Cook the Meatballs
Air fry the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, which should read 160°F (71°C) when fully cooked. - Serve and Enjoy
Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, over pasta, or in a sub sandwich! - Tips for Success:
- For an even lighter option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture—overmixing can lead to dense, tough meatballs.
- For extra flavor, consider adding 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce directly to the meatball mixture.
