What makes air fryer meatballs a good choice?
Cooking meatballs is a great choice for busy weeknights because it saves time. The circulating hot air creates a nice texture without needing much extra oil. You do not have to flip them as often as you would in a frying pan. It is a simple method that keeps the kitchen clean and the food delicious.
How to cook air fryer meatballs
Prepare the mixture: Place the minced beef into a large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Mix everything together with your hands until the ingredients are well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
Shape the meatballs: Scoop out a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your palms. Each ball should be about the size of a golf ball or 3 centimetres wide. Place them on a plate as you go. Ensure all the meatballs are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Arrange in the basket: Preheat your to 200 degrees Celsius for a few minutes. Place the meatballs into the basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each one so the air can circulate freely. You might need to cook them in two batches if your is small.
Cook and serve: Set the timer for 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown on all sides. Check that the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Serve the meatballs hot with your favourite sauce or side dish.
My best tips for air fryer meatballs
Try using a mix of beef and pork for a softer texture. If the mixture feels too wet, add a few more breadcrumbs to help it hold its shape. Do not overcrowd the basket as this can lead to uneven cooking. Lightly greasing the basket can help prevent any sticking.
Check the meatballs a few minutes before the end of the time to avoid overcooking. Smaller meatballs will cook faster than larger ones. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep the juices inside.
For a little more variety, you can also try
air fryer breaded onion rings,
air fryer lamb rump roast or
air fryer cheese toasties.