Description

These Juicy Air Fryer Beef Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Made with lean ground beef and seasoned with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, they cook quickly in the air fryer to achieve a tender, golden brown exterior and juicy center. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, serving over pasta, or stuffing into a sandwich, these meatballs are flavorful, easy to prepare, and kid-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean)
1 large egg
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior on the meatballs.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender—avoid overmixing.
Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, making about 16–18 pieces. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking.
Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each meatball to allow air circulation.
Air Fry the Meatballs: Cook for 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), shaking the basket or turning the meatballs halfway through the cooking time. Meatballs should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the meatballs and let them rest for a couple of minutes to retain their juices. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides or sauces.

Notes

These meatballs are delicious served with marinara sauce, over pasta, or in a sub sandwich.
You can freeze uncooked meatballs for later. To cook from frozen, add 2–3 extra minutes to the air frying time.
For crispier meatballs, you can lightly spray the meatballs with oil before cooking.