These air fryer meatballs are tender, juicy, and full of classic Italian-style flavor, all made in under 30 minutes. Using the air fryer gives you beautifully browned meatballs without the mess or excess oil of pan-frying, making them perfect for quick weeknight meals, appetizers, or make-ahead meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready fast, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Juicy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Easy to freeze and reheat for meal prep
Cooked with minimal oil for a lighter option
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Gently mix the ingredients together using your hands or a spoon just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Scoop the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray.
If time allows, chill the shaped meatballs in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through cooking, until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes
Variations
Herb-forward meatballs: Add chopped fresh parsley or basil to the mixture for extra freshness.
Spicy meatballs: Mix in red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheesy meatballs: Add small cubes of mozzarella into the center of each meatball before cooking.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or warm them gently in a skillet or microwave.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Do I need to flip the meatballs while cooking?
Turning them halfway through ensures even browning, but they will still cook through if left untouched.
What size should the meatballs be?
About 1 1/2 inches in diameter works best for even cooking in the air fryer.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, finely grated hard cheeses with similar texture work well.
How do I keep meatballs from drying out?
Avoid overmixing the meat and do not overcook them. The milk and egg help retain moisture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the meatballs in batches so they are not overcrowded.
Are these meatballs good for meal prep?
They are excellent for meal prep and reheat very well.
Can I add sauce before air frying?
It’s best to cook the meatballs first, then add them to sauce afterward.
What should the internal temperature be?
The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I cook these without chilling them first?
Yes, chilling is optional and mainly helps with shaping.
Conclusion
These air fryer meatballs are a reliable, flavorful option for quick dinners, appetizers, or make-ahead meals. With minimal prep and fast cooking time, they deliver juicy results every time and can be customized to suit your taste or menu. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
These air fryer meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. With classic Italian seasoning and a light crisp from the air fryer, they’re perfect for quick dinners, appetizers, or meal prep—all without the mess of pan-frying.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Air Frying
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, milk, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Gently mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Form into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a tray or plate.
Optional: Chill meatballs in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to help hold their shape.
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chilling the meatballs helps them hold their shape during cooking but is optional.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for best results.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
Add fresh herbs, chili flakes, or cheese for variation.
Best served with pasta, in sandwiches, or with dipping sauces.
