Air Fryer Beef Meatballs

Beef Meatballs are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic dinner. These meatballs turn out juicy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside without using much oil. You can serve them with pasta, in a sub roll or on their own with a dipping sauce. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that everyone likes.
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Photo of Air Fryer Beef Meatballs cooked in the air fryer

Reasons to choose air fryer beef meatballs

Making Beef Meatballs saves a lot of time compared to oven roasting or pan frying. The hot air circulates around each meatball to cook them evenly and brown the surface quickly. You do not need to stand over a stove or flip them constantly to get a great result. Using an also means there is very little mess to clean up after cooking.

Follow these 4 steps for air fryer beef meatballs

Step 1
Mix ingredients: Place the minced beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan and spices into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything until the ingredients are just mixed. Do not overwork the mixture as this can make the texture tough.
Step 2
Shape meatballs: Scoop out small portions of the beef mixture and roll them between your palms. Each meatball should be roughly the size of a golf ball or about three centimetres wide. Try to keep them all the same size so they cook at the same speed.
Step 3
Cook: Preheat the to 200 degrees Celsius for a few minutes. Place the Beef Meatballs in the basket in a single layer with space between them. Cook for ten to twelve minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
Step 4
Serve: Remove the meatballs carefully using tongs once the timer goes off. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to keep the juices inside. Serve your meal while it is hot with your favourite sides.

The best tips for air fryer beef meatballs

To get the best results with Beef Meatballs, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. If you have a smaller machine, it is better to cook them in two batches. Lightly greasing the basket can help prevent sticking, though beef usually has enough fat to release easily. You can add a splash of milk to the breadcrumbs if you prefer a softer texture inside.

If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of dried chilli flakes to the mix before rolling. These meatballs also freeze very well after they have cooled down completely. Always check that the centre is no longer pink before serving.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also try air fryer kale, air fryer frozen fish fingers or air fryer turkey fillet.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 500 g minced beef
  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 30 g grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1690 kJ / 404 kcal
  • Fat:28 g
  • - of which saturates:12 g
  • Carbohydrates:9 g
  • - of which sugars:1 g
  • Protein:29 g
  • Fibre:1 g
  • Salt:675 mg

People also ask

Air Fryer Beef Meatballs usually takes about 12 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
Follow the stated timings and temperatures. Stir or turn it only when the method calls for it.
Do not leave it over the heat for too long. Check the texture near the end and adjust the time if needed.
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4.9 / 5 - (25 ratings)