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Juicy Air Fryer Italian Meatballs

A close-up of several golden-brown, juicy Air Fryer Italian Meatballs piled on a white plate, catching the sunlight.

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Make tender, flavorful Italian meatballs quickly using your air fryer. This method keeps them moist and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 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 (non-stick)

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 16 to 18 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. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if necessary.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Air fry the meatballs for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them 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 in a sandwich.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet for 2 minutes per side before air frying.
  • If you are cooking frozen meatballs, cook them at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
  • To prevent sticking, ensure you use cooking spray or line the basket with a perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.

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