Description
These juicy air fryer beef meatballs combine lean ground beef with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful and tender meal. Cooked quickly and evenly in the air fryer, they’re perfect for a hassle-free dinner served over pasta or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, milk, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoiding overmixing keeps the meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, making about 16 to 18. Keep them uniform for consistent cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. Confirm the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve hot. They pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces or over pasta for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a leaner alternative, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- These meatballs freeze well; cook fully, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a sealed container for storage.
