Golden brown air fryer beef meatballs served hot on a plate
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Emma Lawson | 
15.07.2025

Beef Meatballs in Air Fryer Recipe

These beef meatballs in air fryer are a perfect choice for a quick and delicious meal. Using ground beef, these juicy air fryer meatballs are seasoned to perfection, making them an ideal addition to any dinner table. Whether you opt for fresh or frozen meatballs in air fryer, you will discover how easy it is to create flavoursome dishes. Explore this brilliant method for cooking air fryer Italian meatballs, perfect for anyone seeking an efficient and tasty meal solution.
Prep Time
10m
Cook
10m
Total Time
20m
Yield
serves 4
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Beef
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Beef

Ingredients Needed for Beef Meatballs in Air Fryer

Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Italian Meatballs

  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped Fresh Herbs

Adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate your air fryer ground beef meatballs to new savoury heights, providing a burst of freshness and colour. Not only do these herbs add visual appeal, but they also infuse the meatballs with extra flavour nuances. Simply sprinkle them on your hot meatballs as a final garnish.

Why Use Non-Stick Spray

Using a non-stick spray or parchment in your air fryer basket prevents the meatballs from sticking, ensuring they maintain their perfect shape and don’t break apart. It’s essential for avoiding unnecessary frustration and for easy cleanup. Make sure to coat the basket lightly before adding the meatballs.

Steps to Cook Juicy Beef Meatballs in Air Fryer

Cooking beef meatballs in the air fryer is straightforward and quick.

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for approximately 3 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper by hand.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring the balls don’t touch.
  4. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  5. Remove them once they are golden brown and cooked through.

Avoid Overcrowding

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even airflow around each meatball, ensuring they are cooked perfectly without any raw centres.
Juicy air fryer meatballs in a basket just removed from the air fryer

Nutrition for Air Fryer Beef Meatballs

Calories: 320 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 18g

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Beef Meatballs

Serve these beef meatballs with spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce for a classic dish or alongside a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a lighter option. These easy air fryer meatballs are also great in a sub sandwich with melted cheese on top.

Why You’ll Love These Beef Meatballs in Air Fryer

These beef meatballs in air fryer are not only quick and easy to make, but they are also irresistibly delicious. Perfect for a family meal or a casual dinner party, the air fryer Italian meatballs are packed with flavour, thanks to simple yet delicious ingredients like grated parmesan and herbs. Explore a world of taste with our easy air fryer meatballs and be sure to share your culinary creations with others by tagging airfryerrecipe.co.uk on social media.

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FAQs About Beef Meatballs in Air Fryer

Can you cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer?

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Yes, you can easily cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer by adjusting the time and temperature slightly.
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How do you ensure meatballs are juicy in the air fryer?

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Mix by hand and avoid overcooking to keep air fryer ground beef meatballs juicy.
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What temperature should meatballs be cooked at in air fryer?

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Cook your meatballs at 400°F for optimal results.
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Can I add cheese to my meatballs?

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Absolutely, adding grated parmesan can enhance the flavour of your Italian meatballs.
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