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Easy Air Fryer Meatballs (Fresh or Frozen)

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Cook Time 14 minutes
Pre-heat 2 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes

Ingredients
  

For fresh meatballs (about 20-24 small meatballs):

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20) or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
  • 3/4 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Olive oil spray (for the basket)

For frozen meatballs:

  • 1 bag frozen fully cooked meatballs (any style)
  • Olive oil spray (optional)

Optional for serving:

  • Marinara sauce, pesto, BBQ sauce, or sweet chili sauce
  • Cooked pasta, sub rolls, or toothpicks for appetizers

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) for fresh meatballs or 370°F (188°C) for frozen. Let it heat for 3–5 minutes so the basket is hot.
  • Mix the fresh meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Don’t overmix.
  • Form the meatballs: Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls roughly 1 to 1.25 inches wide. You should get around 20–24 meatballs. Lightly damp hands help prevent sticking.
  • Prep the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Avoid using aerosol with propellants that can damage the coating—use a pump sprayer if possible.
  • Arrange in a single layer: Place meatballs in the basket with a little space between each. Work in batches if needed. Crowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
  • Cook fresh meatballs: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 9–12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning meatballs halfway. Cook until the centers reach 165°F (74°C) and the outsides are browned.
  • Cook frozen meatballs: Place frozen meatballs in a single layer. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 10–14 minutes, shaking halfway, until heated through and lightly crisp. Time varies by brand and size.
  • Optional glaze or sauce: For a sticky finish, toss cooked meatballs in warm BBQ, teriyaki, or marinara, then air fry 1–2 more minutes to set.
  • Serve: Enjoy over spaghetti, in meatball subs with melted provolone, or as a party bite with toothpicks and sauce on the side.