These air fryer meatballs are quick and easy to make, flavorful, and perfectly juicy with a lightly crisp exterior. Made with lean ground beef, pantry-friendly seasonings, an egg for binding, and a bit of panko for texture, the recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners and appetizers. The air fryer cuts down the cooking time while still giving you beautifully browned meatballs without needing extra oil or frying.
Serve the meatballs just as they are, or dress them up with your favorite sauce. Toss them in marinara and serve over pasta or on sub rolls for classic meatball sandwiches. For a retro-style appetizer, coat them in a sweet and tangy grape jelly and chili sauce mixture. Or glaze them with smoky BBQ sauce for a crowd-pleasing party bite. However you serve them, they are sure to disappear fast!
Air Fryer Tips
The air fryer circulates superheated air around the food at a high speed, so avoid crowding the meatballs. Work in batches if necessary to ensure uniform cooking.
Spraying the basket and food can encourage browning.
Make sure to shake the basket occasionally to brown the meatballs evenly.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store the cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled air-fried meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes (longer if frozen).
- Microwave: Cover and heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Stovetop: Simmer gently in your chosen sauce until warmed through.
Air Fryer Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Meatballs, Appetizers
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup panko crumbs
Instructions
1. Mix the seasonings
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add the meat and crumbs
Add the ground beef and panko crumbs to the bowl. Mix thoroughly using a fork or your hands until just combined—don’t overmix.
3. Shape the meatballs
Form the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1 ounce each. Roll them gently for a smooth, even shape.
4. Preheat the air fryer and cook
Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 380°F for a few minutes. This helps with even cooking and browning. Cook for 12 minutes, or until browned and cooked through, shaking the basket from time to time to ensure even browning. The internal temperature should be at least 160°F for beef (165°F if using poultry).
5. Sauce as desired
Toss with your favorite sauce—marinara, BBQ, grape jelly-chili sauce, or something spicy for a kick. Or leave them as-is.
6. Serve
Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Equipment
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, 5 QT
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