Print

Air Fryer Italian Meatballs

A close-up stack of golden-brown, perfectly cooked Air Fryer Italian Meatballs resting on a white plate.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make tender Italian meatballs quickly in your air fryer. This recipe uses a mix of beef and pork for flavor and cooks them without excess oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (or a light brush of olive oil)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let stand for 5 minutes to soften the breadcrumbs.
  2. Add the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
  3. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, or the meatballs will become tough.
  4. Roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 18 to 20 meatballs.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush the meatballs lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  8. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through the cooking time.
  9. Check the internal temperature; they are done when they reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce or use them in sandwiches.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, you can briefly simmer the cooked meatballs in sauce for 5 minutes after air frying.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half the beef with ground veal.
  • These meatballs freeze well after cooking; cool them completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Nutrition