5 from 6 votes
Ninja Air Fryer Meatballs
These ninja air fryer Italian meatballs are bursting with so much flavor! They are soft and juicy on the inside, and perfectly browned outside! What's more, you can make them using any air fryer, if you do not own a Ninja Foodi.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
22 mins
Servings:
5
Calories:
284 kcal
Course:
Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
Italian, American, International
Ingredients
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅔ cup milk (or plant milk, if preferred)
- 1 lb ground beef or ground meat of choice - approximately 500 g, minced meat
- ¼ onion finely minced, medium-sized
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon parsley fresh or dry, chopped
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
- Preheat your air fryer at 190°C/ 374°F.
- Add the ground meat, minced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, dried basil, red chili flakes (if desired), salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs tough.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking (see notes).
- Place the meatballs in a single layer, inside your air frying basket making sure to leave some space between them for proper air circulation.
- Air fry the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (73.9°C). Flip them halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
- Once done, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Serve your ninja air fryer meatballs with marinara, or your preferred sauces, or side dishes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- For added moisture and tenderness, soak the breadcrumbs in milk before incorporating them into the meat mixture.
- Using a regular spoon, or a cookie scoop ensures that the meatballs are evenly sized. Scoop out about two tablespoons per meatballs.
- Grease your hands with oil as you shape the meatballs to prevent them from sticking.
- For even cooking, do not stack the meatballs on top of each other.
Nutrition Information
Calories
284kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
9g
(3%)
Protein
17g
(34%)
Fat
19g
(29%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
64mg
(21%)
Sodium
653mg
(27%)
Potassium
298mg
(6%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
139IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
95mg
(10%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 284
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 284kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 64mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 653mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 298mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 139IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 95mg | 10% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.