These Air Fryer Meatballs may become your go-to method for making meatballs. They’re juicy inside, nicely browned on the outside, full of flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Enjoy them tossed in marinara over pasta, served as an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauces, or stuffed into pita pockets or subs for a fast sandwich option.
When I need a quick dinner that everyone will eat, these air fryer meatballs are a lifesaver. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while staying tender inside. Kids and adults alike love grabbing one hot from the basket. With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, these meatballs work well for family meals and meal prep alike.
Why I Love This Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
- Quick and easy: Mix, shape, and air fry—restaurant-quality meatballs in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: Fresh herbs, onion, and balanced seasonings give these meatballs great depth of flavor.
- Juicy: The air fryer creates a crisp exterior while keeping the interior tender and moist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a mix of ground beef and Italian pork sausage for a rich, well-rounded flavor. Breadcrumbs and an egg bind the mixture, while onion and fresh herbs brighten the taste.
- Ground beef & ground Italian sausage: I use 80/20 beef for flavor and moisture, plus sweet Italian pork sausage (spicy works too).
- Breadcrumbs & egg: These help bind the meatballs. Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs as you prefer.
- Seasonings: Sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder are used here for simple, reliable seasoning.
- Veggies & herbs: Finely diced onion, chopped parsley, and optional cilantro add freshness.
How to Cook Meatballs in the Air Fryer
Follow these easy steps to make flavorful meatballs in your air fryer in under 30 minutes. Refer to the recipe card below for exact details and measurements.
- Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, seasoned breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), diced onion, parsley, and optional cilantro. Mix gently until just combined—avoid over-mixing.
- Shape: Form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. A cookie scoop helps make them uniform so they cook evenly.
- Air fry: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until the centers are no longer pink or a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if needed.
- Rest: Let the meatballs rest a few minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t over-mix: Mix only until the ingredients are combined to avoid dense meatballs.
- Even sizing: Keep meatballs uniform so they cook at the same rate.
- Single layer: Avoid crowding the air fryer; overcrowded meatballs won’t brown evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Slow cooker option: If you prefer the crockpot, sear the meatballs quickly in a skillet, transfer to the slow cooker, add sauce, and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours for tender, saucy results.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are versatile—serve them as finger food, in subs, over spaghetti, or alongside mashed potatoes and a salad. They pair well with lighter sides like a tomato and burrata salad or a crunchy kale quinoa salad. Add a few meatballs to garlic butter pasta, creamy tomato one-pot pasta, or pasta with red pepper sauce and spinach for a hearty meal.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage (sweet or spicy)
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients: ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder or minced garlic, onion, parsley, and cilantro.
- Gently mix with your hands until just combined—avoid overworking the meat.
- Form 1.5‑inch meatballs. Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizes if desired.
- Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry 10–12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and no pink remains.
- Remove and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (optional)
Notes
- Meat options: A mix of beef and Italian sausage yields great flavor, but you can use all beef or all sausage.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain, seasoned, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs as needed.
- Herbs: Omit cilantro if you don’t like it and add extra parsley or other fresh herbs.
- Oven method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
Nutrition estimates are approximate and will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Storing Leftovers
- Cool meatballs completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Preheat the air fryer to 250°F (120°C) and heat meatballs in a single layer for about 5 minutes, or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Easy Air Fryer Recipes To Try
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Salmon with Mustard Sauce
- Air Fryer Lobster with Cream Sauce
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops