Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the meatballs, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Breadcrumbs: Used to bind the meatballs and give them a nice texture.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the meatballs.

Onion powder: Provides a mild onion flavor without the need for fresh onions.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When mixing the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, egg, and spices, use your hands to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This helps to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatballs tough. Additionally, lightly oiling your hands can prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers, making it easier to form uniform 1-inch meatballs.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is lighter and can be a healthier alternative while still maintaining a good texture.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar binding effect and add a slight crunch.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with rolled oats: Rolled oats can act as a binder and add a bit of texture and fiber to the meatballs.

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a vegan binding agent.

• egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a binder and adds a slight sweetness to the meatballs.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt can be used, but reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and moisture to the meatballs.

• onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to onion powder.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while providing the necessary saltiness.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement and may offer a slightly different mineral flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds more heat and a different flavor, so use sparingly.

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to store them for a longer period, consider freezing. Arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.

• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the meatballs are frozen solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When ready to use, you can reheat the meatballs directly from the freezer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until heated through.

• Alternatively, you can thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This method ensures even heating and maintains their texture.

• For reheating in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

• If using a microwave, place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• Use your microwave for a quick reheat. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Reheat in the air fryer for a crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• Warm them up on the stovetop. Place the meatballs in a saucepan with a bit of broth or sauce to keep them moist. Cover and heat over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• For a slow cooker method, place the meatballs in the slow cooker with a bit of sauce or broth. Set to low and heat for 1-2 hours until thoroughly warmed. This method is great for keeping them warm for a longer period without drying out.

• Air fryer: This is the main cooking appliance used to cook the meatballs to a perfect golden brown.

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing all the ingredients together to form the meatball mixture.

• Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Measuring cup: Necessary for measuring the breadcrumbs.

• Whisk: Handy for beating the egg before adding it to the meatball mixture.

• Mixing spoon: Useful for combining all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Kitchen scale: Optional but helpful for ensuring you have exactly 1 lb of ground beef.

• Tongs: Useful for shaking the basket halfway through cooking without burning your hands.

• Plate: To place the formed meatballs before transferring them to the air fryer basket.

• Air fryer basket: The component of the air fryer where the meatballs will be placed in a single layer for cooking.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot air fryer basket.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to form uniform meatballs quickly and easily.

Preheat the air fryer: Start preheating your air fryer while mixing the ingredients to save time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half of the uncooked meatballs for a quick meal later.