Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs – Easy, Quick, and Delicious Recipe
These Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs are ready in under 30 minutes and pack incredible flavor with minimal effort. If you’re tired of standing over the stovetop or waiting for a baking sheet of meatballs to cook, the air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Trust me, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need something fast, satisfying, and kid-approved.
I discovered this shortcut when I was desperate for a quick dinner idea that wouldn’t sacrifice flavor. Traditional meatballs baked in the oven or simmered on the stove can take over half an hour. But making homemade meatballs in the air fryer? You’ll only need a fraction of that time, and they’ll still turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender in the center. Let’s get started!
Why This Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe Is a Game-Changer
- Saves time: No need to preheat an oven or babysit a skillet—just pop these into the air fryer for 12-14 minutes and walk away.
- Hands-off cooking: Unlike pan-frying, you don’t have to hover over these. The air fryer evenly cooks them for you.
- Perfectly crispy texture: The air fryer gives the meatballs that golden-brown exterior you love without all the extra oil.
- Easy cleanup: Say goodbye to greasy pans! The air fryer basket is quick to clean—and dishwasher friendly.
- Healthier option: Thanks to the lean ground beef and turkey combo, plus minimal added fat, these qualify as healthy air fryer meatballs.
Equipment You’ll Need for This Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
The star of this recipe is, of course, your air fryer. I use a basket-style air fryer, which works perfectly for meatballs because it allows the hot air to circulate for even cooking.
- Air fryer: Set it to 400°F to preheat, then drop it to 380°F to cook the meatballs evenly without over-browning. Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in two batches if needed.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need two: one for combining the base ingredients and one for mixing in the meats.
- Mini scoop or spoon: For evenly sized meatballs. Aim for about 1-inch diameter for even cooking.
Simple Ingredients for Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs
You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make the best meatball recipe in the air fryer. Here are the key players that make these flavorful and easy:
- Ground Meat: A combo of lean ground beef and ground turkey keeps these tender yet hearty. Swap in pork or chicken if you’d like!
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These provide structure while adding an extra layer of flavor. Regular breadcrumbs work too, just add a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Grated Parmesan: Just a little goes a long way to amp up the Italian-style vibes. Pre-grated or freshly grated works fine here.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried will work in a pinch (just use half the amount).
Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 16 meatballs
- Difficulty: Easy
- Equipment: Air fryer
Complete Ingredients List
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound lean ground turkey
- ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, egg, milk, parsley, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add ground beef and turkey to the bowl. With clean hands or a fork, gently combine until just incorporated. Don’t overmix to avoid dense meatballs.
- Form the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Use a scoop or spoon for consistency.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, then lower it to 380°F right before cooking.
- Place the meatballs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to help them cook evenly.
- Cook for 12-14 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove and rest the meatballs on a plate for 3 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute.
Jake’s Tips for the Best Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs
- Preheat the air fryer: This step shortens the cooking time and ensures even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd: If your basket is small, cook in two batches to get evenly cooked meatballs.
- Mix gently: Overmixing the meat mixture can make meatballs dense. Keep a light touch.
- Clean as you go: Stick the mixing bowls in hot water while the meatballs cook to save on cleanup time after dinner.
- Make ahead: Form the meatballs and freeze them raw. Cook straight from frozen—just add 3-4 extra minutes to the cook time.
Easy Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs Variations
- Spicy Meatballs: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a kick.
- Cheesy Centers: Insert a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball before cooking.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap the parsley and Parmesan for chopped green onions and a splash of soy sauce.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Double the recipe and freeze half for those super busy evenings.
Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs FAQs
What temperature should I cook meatballs in the air fryer?
The perfect temperature for homemade meatballs in air fryer is 380°F. Start with 400°F to preheat, then lower the temperature to ensure even cooking without burning the exterior.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety.
Can I use only beef or turkey?
Absolutely! You can make these easy air fryer meatballs using just one type of meat. Keep in mind, ground turkey alone may require a shorter cooking time as it’s leaner.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Conclusion
With their crispy exterior, tender center, and quick cook time, these Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs are bound to become a dinner staple in your home. Ready to try them? Let me know your favorite way to serve meatballs in the comments below!
Air Fryer Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, egg, milk, parsley, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add ground beef and turkey to the bowl. With clean hands or a fork, gently combine until just incorporated. Don’t overmix to avoid dense meatballs.
- Form the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Use a scoop or spoon for consistency.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, then lower it to 380°F right before cooking.
- Place the meatballs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to help them cook evenly.
- Cook for 12-14 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove and rest the meatballs on a plate for 3 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute.
Notes
Written by Jake
Hi, I’m Jake — the home cook behind Kitchen Shortcuts. I create easy crockpot meals and slow cooker recipes designed for busy families who want flavorful home-cooked food with less effort.
