Dinner

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Introduction

These quick and easy air fryer meatballs are perfect for a tasty protein-packed meal with minimal effort. Ready in just minutes, they deliver a deliciously juicy texture and flavorful bite every time.

Inside a black air fryer basket, there are about 20 cooked round meatballs, arranged in a loose circle and some in the center. Each meatball is medium brown with a slightly shiny, crispy texture and has small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The basket’s surface is perforated with small holes, and the meatballs sit evenly spaced. The background below the air fryer is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg

1/2 cup milk

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, egg, and milk. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and arrange them in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer.

Step 3: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Try substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

If you don’t have an air fryer, bake meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic meal, or enjoy as a protein-packed snack.

Storage

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A pile of about ten golden-brown meatballs with a slightly crispy texture and bits of herbs on the surface sits in a shallow, white bowl with a speckled pattern. Each meatball is round and juicy, with small green parsley pieces sprinkled on top. A woman's hand is holding a toothpick and picking up one meatball from the top of the pile. The background is a soft white marbled texture that highlights the warm tones of the meatballs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.