If you’re on the hunt for a quick and delicious dinner that practically cooks itself, look no further than these air fryer meatballs! Imagine juicy bites of seasoned beef that are ready in just 12 minutes—yes, you heard that right! It’s like magic, but it’s just the power of the air fryer working its wonders. The beauty of this recipe is not only in its speed but also in the incredible flavor that comes from the simple, fresh ingredients. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! You can whip them up for a weeknight meal, serve them with spaghetti, or even pile them onto a sub for a tasty meatball sandwich. Let’s get cooking, shall we?
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these air fryer meatballs a juicy delight! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
These simple ingredients come together beautifully, so make sure you have everything ready before you start mixing! You’ll love how quickly and easily they transform into something absolutely mouthwatering.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Meatballs 12 Minute Juicy Delight
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making these air fryer meatballs! They’re super quick and easy, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how juicy they turn out. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your delicious creation in just 12 minutes!
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, let’s get that air fryer nice and hot! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes just a few minutes, but trust me, it’s worth it for that golden-brown crust we all love!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
While the air fryer is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl. Toss in your ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Now, it’s time to get your hands in there! Mix everything together until it’s well combined. I like to use my hands because it really brings everything together, but you can also use a spoon if you prefer. Just make sure not to overmix; we want tender meatballs!
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape those meatballs! Scoop out a portion of the mixture, about 1 inch in diameter, and roll it between your palms until it’s nice and smooth. Repeat this until you’ve formed all your meatballs. This step is so satisfying, and I always end up sneaking a taste of the raw mixture—just a little, though!
Step 4: Arrange in Air Fryer
Now, let’s get those beauties into the air fryer! Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer. Make sure to leave a little space in between each one; this helps them cook evenly. I usually do this in batches if I’m making a lot, but if you have a big enough air fryer, you’re golden!
Step 5: Cooking Time
Pop the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 10-12 minutes. Flip the meatballs halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get that lovely crispy exterior. The smell wafting through your kitchen is going to be incredible—just wait!
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Once the timer goes off, it’s time to check on your meatballs. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). This ensures they’re cooked through and safe to eat. If they need a bit more time, pop them back in for another minute or two. And there you have it—juicy meatballs ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 12 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Juicy and flavorful, thanks to simple, fresh ingredients.
- Versatile for a variety of meals: spaghetti, sandwiches, or on their own.
- Easy clean-up with the air fryer—no messy pans to deal with!
- Customizable! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices.
Trust me, once you try these air fryer meatballs, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Tips for Success
To make your air fryer meatballs truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—add more herbs or spices if you like a little kick. I often throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat! Also, make sure to space the meatballs well in the air fryer basket; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. If you’re using leaner meats like turkey, be mindful of the cooking time, as they may need a minute or two less. And remember, let them rest for a minute after cooking to lock in that juiciness. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt, because they’re so good!), storing your air fryer meatballs is a breeze. Simply let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re sealed well to lock in that juicy goodness!
When it comes time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of great options. For the best results, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This way, they’ll warm up evenly and maintain that delicious crispiness. If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also reheat them in the microwave—but be careful! Microwaving can sometimes lead to a bit of dryness, so cover them with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Trust me, you want to keep them as juicy as possible!
Nutritional Information
Wondering about the nutritional values of these tasty air fryer meatballs? Here’s a breakdown per serving (which is about 4 meatballs). Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 20g
These juicy meatballs are not only quick to make but also packed with protein, making them a satisfying choice for any meal. Enjoy knowing you’re indulging in something that’s both delicious and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of meat for these meatballs?
Absolutely! While I love the classic taste of ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the type of meat you choose.
What should I serve with air fryer meatballs?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can toss them in marinara sauce for a spaghetti night, pile them onto a sub for a hearty meatball sandwich, or serve them with a side of veggies for a lighter meal. They’re great on their own, too—just dip them in your favorite sauce!
How do I store leftover meatballs?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, because they’re so good!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the meatball mixture ahead of time! Just mix everything together and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can save you time on busy nights!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They’ll still be delicious, just not quite as crispy as the air fryer version!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Air Fryer Cookie Dough Bites!
Print
Air Fryer Meatballs: 12 Minute Juicy Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air fryer meatballs are a quick and juicy delight that you can prepare in just 12 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature; it should be 160°F (70°C) when fully cooked.
Notes
- Serve with marinara sauce or on a sub for meatball sandwiches.
- You can use turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer meatballs, quick meatballs, juicy meatballs, easy dinner
