Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs
These Air Fryer Meatballs are so juicy and flavorful, they’ve quickly become a favorite for anyone craving a quick and easy meal with minimal mess.
With just a handful of ingredients—seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh parsley—these meatballs come together in no time.
The air fryer gives them that perfect crispy outside while keeping the inside perfectly tender.
In under 30 minutes, you’ll have mouthwatering meatballs that are sure to become a family favorite!
So why wait? Let’s dive into the easiest, juiciest meatballs you’ll ever make!
For Air Fryer Meatballs
- Ground Beef & Veal– A mix of lean ground beef and veal gives the meatballs a juicy, flavorful base.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs together while adding a little extra flavor.
- Egg – Works as a binder to hold everything together and add moisture.
- Milk – Adds tenderness and keeps the meatballs moist while cooking.
- Fresh Parsley – For a burst of freshness and color.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory, cheesy richness to the meatballs.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to season the meatballs.
- Onion Powder – Adds depth and savory flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – Basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Craving juicy, tender meatballs with a crispy exterior but don’t want the mess or extra calories of frying? These Air Fryer Meatballs are the perfect solution!
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Servings: 16 meatballs
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Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ lb lean ground veal
- ⅓ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except the ground beef and ground veal.
- Stir well to blend the seasonings.
- Add the Meat:
- Add the ground beef and ground veal to the bowl, mixing everything together until evenly combined.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Form the mixture into 16 meatballs.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Reduce the air fryer temperature to 380°F.
- Cook the meatballs for 12-14 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Meatballs:
- Let the meatballs rest for about 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Air fryer models can vary, so check the meatballs a couple of minutes before the cooking time is up to prevent overcooking. The ideal internal temperature is 165°F.
- Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to a month.
Nutrition
Calories: 114 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 143mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 65 IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
- How do I prevent my meatballs from being tough?
To keep your meatballs tender and juicy, avoid overmixing the meat. Mix until just combined to prevent them from becoming dense. A light touch is key! - Can I use just ground beef instead of mixing with veal?
Absolutely! While combining beef and veal makes the meatballs juicier, you can easily stick with all beef. Just make sure to use a leaner cut for the best result. - Do I really need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes! Preheating your air fryer ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and get that perfect crispy exterior. Just a couple of minutes should do the trick! - How can I store leftovers, and can I reheat them?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them back in the air fryer at 380°F for about 5 minutes to heat through. - Can I freeze uncooked meatballs for later?
Yes, freezing is a great option! Form the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about an hour before transferring them to a bag. When ready, cook straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
