Air Fryer Italian Meatballs
Juicy herby meatballs, browned in the air fryer.
Before You Start
Meatballs come out juicy and evenly browned in the air fryer, with no splattering pan to clean. Handle the mix lightly so they stay tender, then toss them in marinara for pasta or pile them into a sub. They freeze brilliantly too.
Instructions
-
Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, milk, salt and pepper with your hands, just until combined.
-
Roll into balls about the size of a golf ball.
-
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C / 350°F. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer with a little space.
-
Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking once, until browned and cooked through.
-
Toss in warm marinara, or serve as they're.
♨️ Air fryer notes
- Cook at 180°C / 350°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
💡 Cook's tips
- Don't overmix or pack them tight. A light hand keeps the meatballs tender.
- Soaking the breadcrumbs in the milk first keeps them extra juicy.
🔀 Make it your own
- Use half beef, half pork, or add a pinch of chilli flakes.
- Simmer in tomato sauce and serve over spaghetti.
📦 Storing & reheating
Keeps 3 days in the fridge, freezes 3 months. Reheat in sauce or the air fryer.
❓ Frequently asked
How do I know meatballs are done?
They should reach 71°C / 160°F for beef and no longer be pink inside. Cut one open to check.
Can I freeze them raw?
Yes, freeze the raw balls on a tray, then bag them. Air fry from frozen, adding a few minutes.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
More air fryer recipes
A note on cooking safely. Recipes are provided for informational purposes only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Cooking times, temperatures and quantities are suggestions: use your own judgement, and check that meat, poultry, fish and eggs are properly cooked before serving.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, particularly if you have allergies, a medical condition or specific nutritional requirements.