Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

Ground beef: The base of the meatballs, providing rich flavor and protein.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and adds texture.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of onion.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the meatballs.

When mixing the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, use your hands to gently combine the ingredients. Over-mixing can result in tough meatballs. Additionally, if you want to ensure even cooking, try to make each meatball the same size. Using a small ice cream scoop can help with this.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is lighter and can be a healthier alternative while still maintaining a good texture.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can add a similar binding effect and a bit of extra flavor.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can be used as a gluten-free option and provide a similar binding quality.

• egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• egg - Substitute with chia egg: A chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoon water) works similarly to a flax egg and is also a vegan option.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more robust flavor; use about 2-3 cloves minced.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder can offer a slightly different but complementary flavor profile.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions can provide a more intense flavor; use about ¼ cup finely chopped.

• onion powder - Substitute with scallion powder: Scallion powder can offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor; use about 1 tbsp.

• salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and provides a similar salty and umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit more heat and a different flavor; use sparingly to taste.

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Transfer the cooled meatballs to an airtight container. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the meatballs remain fresh and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours or until solid.

• Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• Frozen meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months. This makes them a convenient option for quick meals.

• To reheat refrigerated meatballs, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes.

• For frozen meatballs, reheat directly from the freezer in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Ensure they are heated thoroughly before serving.

• Serve the reheated meatballs with your favorite dipping sauce or incorporate them into your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or salads.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check that the meatballs are heated through to your liking, then serve hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the meatballs with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want a slightly crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the meatballs are warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Add a splash of water or broth if the meatballs start to dry out.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
  2. Add a small amount of broth, sauce, or water to keep them moist.
  3. Cover and heat on low for 2-3 hours, or until the meatballs are thoroughly warmed.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Air fryer: This is the main cooking device used to cook the meatballs evenly and quickly with hot air circulation.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine all the ingredients together to form a uniform meatball mixture.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the breadcrumbs accurately.

• Whisk: Handy for beating the egg before adding it to the meat mixture.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly in the mixing bowl.

• Kitchen scale: Optional but helpful for ensuring you have exactly 1 lb of ground beef.

• Tongs: Useful for shaking the basket halfway through cooking without burning yourself.

• Plate: For placing the formed meatballs before transferring them to the air fryer basket.

• Serving dish: To serve the hot meatballs once they are cooked.

• Dipping sauce bowl: For serving your favorite dipping sauce alongside the meatballs.

Pre-mix ingredients: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices in advance and store in the fridge for up to a day.

Use a cookie scoop: This ensures uniform meatballs and speeds up the forming process.

Preheat the air fryer: Start preheating while you mix the ingredients to save time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Line the basket: Use parchment paper to reduce cleanup time.