Easy Recipe for Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs

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Are you craving something hearty, delicious, and easy to make? These juicy air fryer meatballs are the answer! This easy recipe for juicy air fryer meatballs combines the simplicity of homemade cooking with the efficiency of your air fryer. Whether you’re a fan of Italian seasoning, enjoy tender meatballs in your spaghetti sauce, or love the idea of a meatball sub, this recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean meat recommended)
• 1/2 lb ground pork or sausage
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (plain breadcrumbs or gluten-free if needed)
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated mozzarella
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp parsley (fresh herbs if available)
• 1 tsp pepper
• Optional: onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavor

Instructions:

Preparation

Start by prepping your ingredients. If using a food processor for the breadcrumbs, ensure they’re finely ground. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. This blend of meats promises juicy interior and flavor-packed meatballs.

Mixing the Meatball Mix

To the meat, add bread crumbs, egg, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, mozzarella, salt, parsley, pepper, and a pinch of onion powder and garlic powder if desired. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing to ensure tender meatballs.

Forming the Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into 1-2 inch balls. This size is perfect for ensuring that the meatballs cook evenly. If you’re making a big batch, you might consider using a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to place the uncooked meatballs.

Prepping the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, or if you prefer, you can use a light brush of olive oil.

Cooking the Meatballs

Place meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through. For larger meatballs, you may need a couple of extra minutes.

Checking for Doneness

The best part of cooking meatballs in an air fryer is the quick way to delicious results. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. This step is crucial for food safety.

Serving

Serve these juicy air fryer meatballs with your favorite pasta sauce, in a meatball sub, or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They’re also great with spaghetti sauce or as part of a larger meal.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bags and refrigerated for busy weeknights or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply place meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

Tips and Variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute bread crumbs with a gluten-free alternative.
• Leaner Option: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier version.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like fresh garlic or spices for varied flavors.
• Cook Times: Adjust cooking times for smaller or larger meatballs.
• Freezing: Freeze raw meatballs on a baking sheet before transferring to a ziplock bag for easy cooking later.

Conclusion:

This easy air fryer meatball recipe is a great way to make perfect meatballs with a juicy interior and delicious flavor. Whether it’s for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or preparing a double batch for the next day, these homemade meatballs are sure to become your new favorite way to cook meatballs. Follow these step-by-step instructions and enjoy your delicious, juicy air fryer meatballs!

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