Quicky Cooking magic happening... ⚡
Juicy Air Fryer Italian Meatballs
📹 Video Tutorial from YouTube
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🛒 Quick Ingredients
📋 Complete Ingredients List
💡 Pro tip: Tap items to check them off as you prep!
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray for air fryer basket
🍳 Quick Cooking Steps
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper
Mix ingredients gently with your hands until just combined - do not overmix
Form mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter each
Preheat air fryer to 375F for 3 minutes
Lightly spray air fryer basket with olive oil
Place meatballs in air fryer basket, leaving space between each for air circulation
Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking basket gently halfway through
Check internal temperature reaches 165F
Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving
🔧 Kitchen Tools & Equipment
📋 Complete Tools List
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small ice cream scoop or tablespoon
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Paper towels
⚡ Quick Cooking Tips
For extra tender meatballs, soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing
Add grated onion for moisture and flavor
Use a mixture of meats for best flavor (beef, pork, veal)
Make smaller meatballs for appetizers, reducing cooking time
Add red pepper flakes for spicy version
Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter option
Mix in sundried tomatoes and fresh basil for Mediterranean flavor
📊 Nutrition Facts
🔥 Time to Burn Calories
Walking 55min, Running 25min, Cycling 35min
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Store cooled meatballs in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days Keep sauce separate from meatballs if storing Place parchment paper between layers if stacking
🔥 Reheating Tips
- Reheat in air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, covered Add a splash of sauce when reheating to maintain moisture
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Form meatballs and store raw for up to 24 hours before cooking Mix seasonings ahead and store in airtight container Freeze raw meatballs on baking sheet before transferring to freezer bag
❄️ Freezing Guide
- Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months in freezer-safe container Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating Separate layers with parchment paper when freezing
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve over spaghetti with marinara sauce Make meatball subs with melted provolone Pair with zucchini noodles for low-carb option Serve with crusty Italian bread and side salad Add to homemade pizza as a topping
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the meat mixture which makes tough meatballs Making meatballs too large or uneven in size Overcrowding the air fryer basket Not preheating the air fryer Skipping the resting period after cooking
🎨 Recipe Variations
- Swedish style: Add allspice and serve with cream sauce Greek style: Mix in mint, oregano, and serve with tzatziki Asian fusion: Add ginger, garlic, and serve with sweet chili sauce Mexican style: Include cumin, chili powder, serve with salsa Middle Eastern: Mix in zaatar, serve with hummus
❓ Quick Cooking Q&A
Internal temperature should reach 165F and they should be browned on outside
Yes, but increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes and check temperature
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and don't overcook
Yes, form meatballs and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking
Usually 4 meatballs per serving as main course
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding
80/20 beef provides good flavor and moisture
Use eggs and breadcrumbs as binders, and don't move them too much while cooking
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour
Classic marinara, but also good with alfredo or pesto
Up to 4 days in refrigerator when properly stored
Yes, freeze cooked meatballs up to 3 months
Pasta, salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread
Yes, but mixture of meats provides better flavor and texture
Spray basket with oil and don't move meatballs until browned
