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Air Fryer Italian Meatballs

A close-up stack of perfectly browned Air Fryer Italian Meatballs piled high on a white plate.

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Make moist and flavorful Italian meatballs quickly using your air fryer. This recipe skips the mess of pan-frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  2. Roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 18-20 meatballs.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.
  4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring there is space between them for air circulation. Work in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through the cooking time.
  6. Check the internal temperature; they are done when they reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sauce or as an appetizer.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes before mixing them with the meat.
  • If you prefer a crispier exterior, increase the final 2 minutes of cooking time at 400°F (200°C).
  • If cooking from frozen, add 5 to 7 minutes to the total cook time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition