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5.0 from 3 votes

Pork Meatballs With Fennel

My pork meatballs with fennel seeds are juicy, tender and incredibly tasty. Serve them as part of a main course or as a hearty appetizer. Oven method and air fryer method included.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 12 meatballs (serves 3)
Calories: 242 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more to spray
  • 1 small onion finely chopped (60g)
  • 1 lb ground pork 450g, I used 10% fat
  • 1.5 teaspoon fennel seeds crushed
  • 1.5 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or use thyme and oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan. Add the onions and sauté on a medium heat for 3 minutes until soft. Add the crushed fennel seeds for 2 more minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the ground pork, salt, pepper, sautéed onion, garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs and fennel seeds.
  3. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs (about 40g each). Use wet or oiled hands. Handle the mixture lightly and do not compact the meatballs.
Oven Method
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F/ 200C. Arrange the meatballs on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spray with olive oil.
  2. Bake the meatballs until they are browned and cooked through, for about 15 - 18 minutes.
Air Fryer Method
  1. Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each meatball so the air can circulate. Mist them with olive oil.
  2. Air-fry at 190C / 370F for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Turn them halfway through. Air fryers differ and some can take longer to cook than others.

Notes

  • 1g net carbs per serve. Makes 12 meatballs, 4 meatballs per serving (serves 3).
  • The recipe can be scaled easily with the oven method. Air fry additional amounts in separate batches so the meatballs do not touch.
  • Tip: Oven-roast vegetables at the same time as making the meatballs. 
  • The meatballs are done when the centre reaches a minimum temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • The meatballs are done when the centre reaches a minimum temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving 160g Calories 242kcal (12%) Total Carbohydrates 4.7g Protein 32.4g (65%) Fat 10.9g (17%) Saturated Fat 2.8g (14%) Fiber 1.6g (6%) Sugar 1.6g (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12meatballs (serves 3)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 242

% Daily Value*

Serving 160g
Calories 242kcal 12%
Total Carbohydrates 4.7g 2%
Protein 32.4g 65%
Fat 10.9g 17%
Saturated Fat 2.8g 14%
Fiber 1.6g 6%
Sugar 1.6g 3%

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