Air fryer meatballs
Air fryer meatballs might just become your new favourite dinner hack. Juicy on the inside, beautifully browned on the outside, and ready in under half an hour. They are everything you love about classic meatballs without the mess of pan-frying. Best of all, you do not need a drop of extra oil. Serve them with pasta, mash, or bread and enjoy comfort food the easy way.
Ingredients
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1
Yellow onion
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2 tbsp
Butter
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40 g
Breadcrumbs
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1
Egg
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1 tsp
Dijon mustard
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1 tsp
Salt
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¼ tsp
Black pepper
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500 g
Minced beef
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Combine the meatball mixture evenly without overmixing to keep them tender. Start by mixing the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, then let the mixture swell to lock in moisture. Add the cooked onion and minced beef, and fold everything together just until combined. Avoid squeezing or kneading the mixture, or it can become too dense. The mixture should look uniform in colour and texture but still feel light and slightly loose.
Let the air fryer meatballs rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to make them juicier and more tender. The juices will spread evenly and keep them inside when served. It also helps the proteins relax for a more tender bite. After taking them out of the air fryer, let them sit uncovered at room temperature to prevent them from getting soggy. Always check that the internal temperature reaches at least 70 °C to ensure they are fully cooked.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer meatballs
Making air fryer meatballs is very easy once you know the basics. These questions and answers walk you through the essentials, so you are well-equipped to make them yourself.
Can you cook meatballs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook meatballs in an air fryer. Start by preparing your mixture with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, seasoning, and minced beef, then shape it into evenly sized balls. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate. Cook at 180 °C until golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside, shaking the basket once during cooking for even results. This gives you tender, juicy meatballs without the need for pan-frying.
How long to cook meatballs in the air fryer?
Cook the meatballs in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes at 180 °C if they are fresh and small to medium-sized, shaking the basket halfway through so they are browned all over. For larger meatballs, allow a few extra minutes to make sure the centre cooks through. If the meatballs are frozen, cook them for 15–18 minutes at the same temperature until hot throughout. In every case, check that the internal temperature reaches at least 70 °C to make sure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
How do I make sure my meatballs are cooked properly in the air fryer?
To make sure your meatballs are cooked properly in the air fryer, check that their internal temperature has reached at least 70 °C using a digital meat thermometer. You can also tell they are ready when the outside is golden brown, the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and the inside is no longer pink. Cut one open to check it is firm and juicy, not raw or overly dry.
Can I prepare air fryer meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare air fryer meatballs ahead of time, either by making the mixture or cooking them in advance. You can shape the meatball mixture and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, making it easy to air fry them when needed. If you have already cooked the meatballs, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm refrigerated meatballs at 175 °C or frozen ones at 200 °C, shaking the basket halfway through.
How to store air fryer meatballs?
To store air fryer meatballs, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. In the fridge, they will last for up to 4 days, staying moist and flavourful. For more extended storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking tray first, then move them into freezer-safe bags or containers. This prevents them from sticking together. Properly frozen, they can last up to 3 months. Always label the container with the date so you know how long they have been stored.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
423 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 2.9 gram fibers |
| Protein | 10.7 | 11.1 gram |
| Fat | 63.5 | 30.4 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 25.8 | 26.9 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Enjoy our tender and juicy air fryer meatballs
Meatballs are one of those dishes that everyone seems to have a memory of. Whether it is Sunday dinners at home, a favourite recipe passed down through generations, or a comforting plate served at a weekly family dinner. They are beloved across cultures and cuisines, often prepared with a distinctive take.
No matter where you are from, you probably have a version that reminds you of home – soft, juicy, and full of flavour. So, of course, we had to try them in the air fryer. The result? A recipe for air fryer meatballs that are unbelievably succulent, with a lightly seared exterior and a tender, flavourful centre that makes your mouth water.
If that was not reason enough, the air fryer keeps things wonderfully simple. Quick and easy cooking, no need for extra oil, barely any clean-up, and perfectly cooked every single time. You can also check out our recipes for air fryer chicken wings, air-fried halloumi, or pork ribs from the air fryer.
With minced beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and Dijon mustard
One thing that every great meatball recipe has in common is sticking to simple, everyday ingredients. That is why the base for the air fryer meatballs is made with minced beef and breadcrumbs to soak up all the moisture and flavour from the other ingredients.
Cooked onions are mixed in for a gentle sweetness that runs through every bite, while a spoonful of Dijon mustard adds a very subtle but pleasant tang to the beef taste. To hold everything together and make the texture extra tender and juicy, we add an egg and some milk.
It is proof that you do not need anything fancy, just a few kitchen staples that come together to make the most irresistible meatballs.
Delicious ways to serve your air-fried meatballs
So, you have made a batch of juicy air fryer meatballs. Now what? Try serving them over creamy mashed potatoes, tossing them with spaghetti and tomato sauce, or stuffing them into a sub roll with plenty of melted cheese. But there are loads of other ways to enjoy them.
Enjoy them as little appetisers with dipping sauces, wrap them up with fresh veggies for a quick lunch, or add them to a rice or couscous salad bowl. They are even great for meal prep. Put a few in your lunchbox with salad or grains and you are set.
Explore new ways to adjust the recipe
If you know how to adjust the recipe, you will never get tired of these air fryer meatballs. For a Mediterranean touch, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or mint, and maybe a hint of lemon zest for brightness. If you are craving Italian flavours, mix in Italian seasoning, garlic, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino. Cheese lovers can go even further by tucking a small cube of mozzarella into the centre of each meatball for a gooey surprise.
Do not feel limited to beef. Try half-and-half with pork for extra juiciness, or swap in chicken or turkey if you prefer a lighter taste. If you like things spicy, stir in chilli flakes, smoked paprika, or even a spoonful of harissa for a much bolder kick. With just a few changes, you can take the same base recipe in countless delicious directions.
