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Juicy Air Fryer Italian Meatballs: Crispy Outside, Tender Inside

Close-up of several browned Air Fryer Italian Meatballs resting in bright red marinara sauce on a white plate.
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Follow these steps to cook perfectly tender and slightly crispy Italian meatballs using your air fryer. This method avoids excess oil while delivering classic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup plain 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 or light oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let stand for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs soften.
  2. Add the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
  3. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  4. Roll the mixture into uniform 1.5-inch balls. You should get about 18 to 20 meatballs.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary; do not overcrowd the basket.
  7. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Cook for 10 minutes.
  9. Carefully flip the meatballs.
  10. Continue to cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the exterior is nicely browned.
  11. Remove from the air fryer. Toss immediately with your favorite marinara sauce or serve as desired.

Notes

  • For extra juicy results, use an 80/20 blend of meat.
  • If you are cooking frozen meatballs, increase the initial cooking time by 5 minutes before checking for doneness.
  • If you plan to simmer the meatballs in sauce later, cook them for 2 minutes less in the air fryer to allow them to absorb more sauce flavor during simmering.

Nutrition

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