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Juicy Air Fryer Italian Meatballs

A close-up shot of a white plate piled high with freshly cooked, browned Air Fryer Italian Meatballs.
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Make simple, juicy Italian meatballs using your air fryer. This recipe provides clear steps for cooking raw meatballs until they are fully cooked and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (for basket)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  2. Roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 18 to 20 meatballs.
  3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of crisping.
  5. Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through the cooking time.
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; they are done when they reach 160°F (71°C).
  8. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sauce or use them in a sub sandwich.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, you can lightly brush the raw meatballs with a small amount of olive oil before placing them in the air fryer.
  • If you prefer to cook frozen meatballs, set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • To clean the basket easily, line it with a small piece of parchment paper designed for air fryers, ensuring the paper does not cover the air vents.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/air-fryer-italian-meatballs/