Air Fryer Meatballs

WRITER BYJessica

POSTEDAugust 21, 2025

Air fryer meatballs are a total game-changer. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with Italian-inspired flavors. Cooking in the air fryer creates that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping meatballs moist and tender inside. The best part? It’s quick cooking, so you get that homemade meatball experience in a fraction of the time.

This recipe for homemade air fryer meatballs is one I’ve turned to time and time again. It’s a crowd-pleasing, family favorite that always disappears fast, whether it’s for dinner or a game day snack.

You only need a few simple ingredients and these step-by-step instructions to make these delicious meatballs in no time. Even better, you can keep leftover meatballs and use them for a variety of meals, like popping them into soups or serving them with marinara sauce for a classic meatball sub.

The beauty of air-frying meatballs lies in the texture. The outside gets perfectly crispy while the inside stays moist and flavorful. There’s no grease-filled mess, and the cooking process is quick, which is perfect for busy nights. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after your first batch.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS AIR FRYER MEATBALLS

Here’s why this great meatball recipe is so loved:

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside: The air fryer works magic in crisping up the meatballs without drying them out.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this recipe is perfect for anyone, even beginners.
Quick cooking: In just 12–14 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked meatballs ready to serve.
Customizable flavors: You can easily tweak the seasonings to suit your preferences, adding more garlic, herbs, or spice.
Great for meal prep: You can make a big batch and store leftovers to use throughout the week—perfect for quick meals or snacks.

INGREDIENTS FOR HOW TO MAKE MEATBALLS

These are the ingredients needed for the best air fryer meatballs:

1 cup of breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 lb ground beef

HOW TO COOK AIR FRYER MEATBALLS

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

While it’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and stir together all the ingredients except the ground beef.

Once it’s all mixed, add the beef and gently stir until just incorporated. You don’t want to overmix.

Next, wet your hands and shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.

Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them, as that can prevent them from crisping up properly.

Air fry the meatballs for 12–14 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the outside and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

After they’re done, let them rest for about 3 minutes before serving to lock in all that juiciness. Enjoy!

EXPERT TIPS ON HOW TO COOK MEATBALLS IN THE AIR FRYER

Want to take your air fryer meatballs to the next level? Here are some expert tips:

Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each meatball room to cook evenly by arranging them in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Wet your hands: When forming the meatballs, wetting your hands helps prevent the mixture from sticking and ensures smooth, round meatballs.
Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs have reached 165°F (74°C) in the center. This is the safest way to make sure they’re cooked through.
Spray with oil: Lightly spray the basket or the meatballs themselves with cooking spray to get an extra crispy texture.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH AIR FRYER MEATBALLS

These meatballs are super versatile and can be served in many different ways. Try these pairing ideas:

With marinara sauce: For a classic take, serve them with marinara sauce and spaghetti, or use them in a meatball sub.
As a snack: They’re perfect for snacking on their own or with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or BBQ sauce.
On a salad: Pop them on top of a salad for an easy and filling meal.
In soups: Air fryer meatballs are great to add to soups like Italian wedding soup or meatball minestrone.

VARIATIONS FOR EASY AIR FRYER MEATBALLS

Looking to switch things up? Try these simple variations:

Turkey or chicken meatballs: For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Add cheese: Stuff the meatballs with mozzarella cheese for a melty surprise inside.
Spicy meatballs: Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with a mixture of lentils and quinoa for a hearty vegetarian version.

HOW TO STORE AIR FRYER MEATBALLS

Leftover air fryer meatballs are great to keep for later. Here’s how to store them:

Refrigerating: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Lay the meatballs out on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they’ll be crispier if you use the air fryer.