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Air Fryer Meatballs

Air Fryer Meatballs are juicy inside, lightly crispy outside, with yummy Italian seasoning. Use them for spaghetti, subs, and more!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 20 meatballs
Calories: 53 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
  • ⅓ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs whole wheat if possible
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes or 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey, chicken, or lean ground beef keep in your refrigerator until the last possible second so it stays very cold
  • 1 large egg
FOR SERVING:
  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • grated parmesan
  • Prepared pasta sauce
  • Cooked whole wheat pasta or Zucchini Pasta
  • Creamy Polenta
  • Split and toasted hoagie buns
  • Prepared brown rice

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and keep it handy. To keep the meatballs warm between batches, preheat the oven to 300°F and line a second baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
  3. Add the ground turkey. In a small bowl, beat the egg, then add it to the bowl (you also can crack it into an open space in the big mixing bowl and lightly beat it there). With a fork or your fingers, mix lightly just until the ingredients are evenly combined, being careful not to compact the meat.
  4. Portion the meat and shape into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (you will have about 20 total), then arrange them on the first baking sheet.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Generously coat the basket with non-stick spray. Arrange a single layer of meatballs in the basket, ensuring they do not touch so air can circulate (you will need to cook them in batches). Mist the tops with non-stick spray.
  6. Air fry the meatballs at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, sliding out the basket and using tongs to gently turn the meatballs over halfway through. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. When a meatball is cut in half, the meat should look fully cooked.
  7. Place the first batch of cooked meatballs on the second, clean baking sheet, and transfer to the oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining meatballs.
  8. While the meatballs air fry, warm the sauce on the stove, and prep any other items you’d like to serve them with them. Enjoy the meatballs hot, topped with the sauce, cheese, herbs, and any other additions.

Notes

  • Adapted from my Turkey Meatballs.
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate meatballs in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave.
  • TO FREEZE: Place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to an airtight freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • TO MAKE AHEAD: Prepare the meatballs as directed through Step 4. Place the baking sheet of meatballs in the freezer until solid. Transfer the uncooked frozen meatballs to an airtight freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1meatball Calories 53kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 26mg (9%) Potassium 64mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 58IU (1%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 31mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 20meatballs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 53

% Daily Value*

Serving 1meatball
Calories 53kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 26mg 9%
Potassium 64mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 58IU 1%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 31mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.