Name: Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 egg; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 2 garlic cloves (minced); ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound 85% lean ground beef; Marinara sauce (as desired)

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes, these meatballs are a game-changer for busy weeknights or easy appetizers.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds about fifteen browned meatballs sprinkled with chopped green herbs, spread out loosely around a small white bowl filled with smooth red sauce lightly dusted with black pepper. A green and white striped cloth is placed to the right side of the plate, and a wooden salt or pepper grinder is visible in the top right corner. The meatballs have a textured, slightly rough surface with bits of herbs and seasoning visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, these meatballs quickly became a kitchen favorite for me. They turn out perfectly every time—tender, well-seasoned, and cooked to juicy perfection thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

Speedy Cooking: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy nights.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and lean ground beef for a healthy, tasty meal.
Great Texture: Panko breadcrumbs keep the meatballs light and tender, not dense.
Versatile Serving: Serve as a main dish or an appetizer with marinara for dipping.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients is a key part of making these meatballs shine. I always opt for fresh herbs and quality ground beef to get that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.

Flat lay of one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped fresh parsley, two fresh garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl containing a mixture of Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, a portion of fresh raw 85% lean ground beef shaped loosely in a mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs from falling apart.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Lightweight crumbs that add tenderness without heaviness.
Milk: Adds moisture to keep the meatballs juicy.
Chopped Parsley: Freshness and a pop of color inside your meatballs.
Minced Garlic: Gives a punch of savory depth and aroma.
Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend that complements the beef beautifully.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the meatball.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and spice.
85% Lean Ground Beef: The perfect balance for juicy, flavorful meatballs without excess fat.
Marinara Sauce: For serving — tangy and comforting, making every bite irresistible.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you like your meatballs spicy, herbaceous, or a bit on the cheesy side, these variations will help you make every batch uniquely yours.

Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture kicks up the heat without overpowering the rich flavors. I love this variation for those cozy movie nights—it adds a fun little zing!
Cheesy Surprise: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese into the ground beef blend before forming the meatballs. The cheese melts inside, making each bite luscious and gooey.
Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up and keep it low lactose. Just be sure to watch the cooking time, as leaner meats can dry out faster.
Herb-Forward: Amp up the parsley and add fresh basil or oregano for a garden-fresh vibe. It’s like a little Italian herb garden in every bite!
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising the texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds a mixture of raw ground meat in pink color placed roughly in the center. Around it, there are small piles of crushed light beige crumbs, finely chopped bright green herbs on the right side, and a golden-yellow liquid spread mostly on the left. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer to Perfection

Before you start mixing ingredients, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF. This ensures the basket is hot enough to cook the meatballs evenly, giving them a beautifully browned exterior without drying them out. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes, so it’s the perfect time to prep your ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat 1 egg until frothy. Then add ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything well to get a moist and aromatic mixture that will coat your meatballs with flavor.

Step 3: Combine with Ground Beef

Add 1 pound of 85% lean ground beef to the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently but thoroughly mix everything together. Be careful not to overwork the meat—you want the meatballs tender, not tough. The mixture should be evenly combined, fragrant, and ready to be shaped.

Step 4: Shape Into 16 Even Meatballs

Divide the meat mixture into 16 equal portions and roll each into a compact ball. Uniform size is key here so that all meatballs cook evenly in the air fryer. Place them on a plate or tray, ready for cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden and Juicy

Arrange the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If they don’t all fit comfortably, cook them in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 400ºF for 8-10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking—this ensures every side gets that perfect browning. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160ºF for safe and juicy results.

Step 6: Let Them Rest and Serve

Once cooked, give your meatballs a 5-minute rest. This brief pause lets the juices redistribute, keeping each bite tender and flavorful. Serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce, whether for dipping or spooned over pasta, and enjoy!

Top Tip

To make your Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe turn out perfectly every time, a few small tweaks can really elevate the final result.

Even Size Matters: I always take the time to roll the meatballs evenly sized—about 16 per batch—to help them cook uniformly and brown beautifully.
Don't Skip the Rest: Letting the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after air frying locks in that juicy goodness and prevents the flavorful juices from spilling out the moment you bite in.
Batch Cook with Care: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can cause uneven cooking. I cook in two batches when needed and keep the first batch warm in a low 200ºF oven while finishing the rest.
Use a Thermometer: I avoid guessing doneness by checking for that safe internal temperature of 160ºF—this guarantees juicy and thoroughly cooked meatballs every time.

How to Serve Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

The image shows a black air fryer basket filled with sixteen cooked meatballs. The meatballs are round, browned with a slightly crispy texture, and speckled with bits of green herbs and small chunks of a lighter ingredient. They are spread out evenly inside the basket, resting directly on the grill-like surface of the air fryer. The background around the basket is a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the texture and slight shine on the meatballs, making them look juicy and well-cooked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese over the warm meatballs can brighten the flavors and add a lovely touch of color and texture. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes also works wonders if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair beautifully with a simple spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal, or serve alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter option. Garlic bread or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also complement the dish perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and safe to enjoy later without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these meatballs either cooked or uncooked. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This makes for super convenient quick meals down the line!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through to keep the exterior crisp. Alternatively, warming them gently in a covered microwave-safe dish with marinara sauce works if you're short on time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep an eye on the cooking time since poultry can dry out more quickly; the internal temperature should reach 165ºF for safety.

How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before placing the meatballs in. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture light and tender.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating to 400ºF ensures the meatballs start cooking at the right temperature for a beautifully browned exterior and evenly cooked interior.

Final Thoughts

Making these Air Fryer Meatballs is like giving yourself a warm hug from the inside. They’re juicy, full of flavor, and come together in a flash—perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine. Happy cooking and even happier eating!