Name: Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ pound ground pork; 1 egg, lightly beaten; ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons green onions, chopped; Nonstick cooking spray

If you’re craving a delicious, juicy, and perfectly browned meatball but want to skip the extra oil and mess, this Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe is a game changer! You’ll get that crispy outside with tender, flavorful inside in under 30 minutes. Ready for a meal that’s simple, quick, and downright satisfying? Let me show you how!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Speedy and fuss-free: Air frying turbocharges the cooking time, so dinner’s ready before you know it.
Less oil, more flavor: Get that crispy, golden exterior without deep frying or excess grease.
Perfectly juicy inside: Mixing beef and pork creates meatballs that’re moist but hold together beautifully.
Customizable spice kick: A touch of red pepper flakes adds just the right zing, but you can dial it up or down to suit your taste buds.

The image shows a white plate filled with many small, round meatballs that have a well-cooked, browned, and slightly crispy texture. Each meatball has a mix of brown and golden hues with tiny green herb pieces sprinkled on top. In the background, a white bowl filled with red sauce is partially visible. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, and the focus is sharp on the meatballs, showing their juicy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Air Fryer Meatballs, healthy meatball recipes, quick dinner ideas, crispy homemade meatballs, air fryer recipes for busy nights

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe plays a vital role in crafting just the right mix of texture, flavor, and aroma. From the savory umami punch of Parmesan cheese to the freshness of chopped green onions, these components come together effortlessly for a crowd-pleasing bite.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef and ground pork shaped into raw meatballs, a lightly beaten egg in a small glass bowl, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs neatly piled, grated parmesan cheese scattered gently, bright green chopped onions sprinkled around, red pepper flakes adding a pop of color, all arranged with a sprinkle of black pepper, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Air Fryer Meatballs, healthy meatball recipes, quick dinner ideas, crispy homemade meatballs, air fryer recipes for busy nights

Lean ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and a tender base for the meatballs; you can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Ground pork: Adds moisture and richness to the blend, ensuring the meatballs stay juicy.
Egg: Acts as the natural binder to keep everything perfectly shaped without drying out.
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: These not only help with texture but also contribute essential herbs and seasoning—plain breadcrumbs work fine if you prefer to add your own spices.
Parmesan cheese: Infuses a subtle sharpness and depth to the meatballs, making each bite more savory.
Kosher salt and black pepper: The classic duo for seasoning, balancing all the flavors beautifully.
Red pepper flakes: A pinch adds just a whisper of heat—adjust depending on how adventurous you feel!
Green onions: Brightens and freshens the overall flavor while adding a slight crunch.
Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for keeping the meatballs from sticking in the air fryer basket and helping them crisp up evenly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F—that’s the sweet spot for perfectly cooked meatballs. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and green onions. Use your hands or a spatula, but be careful not to overmix; the goal is tenderness, not toughness.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Now, form the mixture into 1 to 1 ½-inch meatballs—roughly bite-sized but still hearty. Using a small cookie scoop can speed up this step and ensure uniform sizes. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined plate or sheet pan while you prep the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray, then arrange the meatballs inside making sure there’s space between each one to allow hot air circulation. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re golden brown with no pink in the center. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F internal temperature. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to do this in batches.

How to Serve Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a small, round meatball with a brown, slightly crispy surface held above a white bowl filled with smooth red sauce by a thin wooden skewer. The meatball has some green garnish on top and looks juicy and cooked. Behind it, there is a blurred white plate piled with more meatballs on a white marbled surface. The colors emphasize the contrast between the brown meatball, red sauce, and white dishes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Air Fryer Meatballs, healthy meatball recipes, quick dinner ideas, crispy homemade meatballs, air fryer recipes for busy nights

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil work wonders as a garnish, adding color and a fresh, herby pop that complements the savory meatballs. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil also elevates the presentation and flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these meatballs alongside spaghetti with marinara for a classic combo, or get creative with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad. They also pair well with crusty bread for a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try popping these meatballs onto skewers for a fun party appetizer, or sandwich them in a toasted hoagie bun with melted provolone and marinara for a hearty meatball sub. You can also toss them in your favorite sauce for easy meatball sliders or add them to soups for extra richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their deliciousness well, making for an easy grab-and-go snack or quick meal addition.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully! Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat meatballs in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crisped back up. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, but you might lose some of that beautiful outer crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use just ground beef for this Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe?

Absolutely! While the combination of beef and pork adds extra juiciness and flavor, using just ground beef will still yield tasty meatballs. You might want to add a bit of extra moisture like an additional egg or a splash of milk if you do.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps the meatballs cook evenly and get that crispy exterior right away. It’s recommended to preheat to 375°F for this recipe, but if you’re tight on time, you can start cooking straight away and just adjust the cooking time slightly.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

You can cut one open to check for any pink inside, or better yet, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety and best texture.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Just make sure the alternative you choose absorbs moisture well to keep the meatballs from falling apart.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe enough—it’s quick, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping up a speedy weeknight dinner or preparing tasty appetizers for friends, these meatballs deliver every single time. Give them a try and let your air fryer work its delicious magic!

Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe