Easy Air Fryer Meatballs

Last updated on: March 11, 2026

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Meatballs. The humble yet mighty heroes of the dinner table.

They’re like little flavour bombs, ready to explode with deliciousness in your mouth.

But let’s be honest—frying them is messy, baking them takes forever, and sometimes you just can’t be bothered.

Enter the air fryer: the modern-day miracle that gives you crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside meatballs with zero faff.

This healthy meatball recipe ditches the greasy frying pan and keeps things light with 5% fat beef mince, just enough breadcrumbs to hold them together, and an easy tomato sauce to tie it all up.

High in protein, easy to make, and minimal washing up? It’s a yes from us.

How to cook meatballs in an air fryer?

An air fryer meatball recipe is exactly what it sounds like—meatballs cooked in an air fryer instead of pan-frying or baking.

The air fryer circulates hot air around the meatballs, giving them a crispy outside and tender inside without drowning them in oil.

This makes them healthier, quicker, and frankly, just better. They cook in about 12 minutes at 190°C, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Whether you serve them with pasta, stuffed in a sandwich, or straight from the bowl (no judgement), these meatballs are an easy, high-protein meal you’ll want on repeat.

Air Fryer Meatballs Key Ingredients

Onion. Finely chopped and sautéed until sweet and soft, because raw onion in meatballs is a crime.

Garlic. Because everything tastes better with garlic. It’s the law.

Mixed Herbs. Adds an Italian-style herby goodness that makes these meatballs taste like they just walked out of a fancy trattoria.

Beef Mince (5% fat). High in protein, lower in fat, and perfect for a healthy meatball recipe that won’t leave you feeling like you need a nap after dinner.

Breadcrumbs. The secret weapon for keeping meatballs soft and tender instead of dense and rubbery.

Egg. The glue that holds everything together. Without it, you'd just have a pile of seasoned mince.

Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

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Healthy, delicious, and air-fried to perfection—these meatballs are your new weeknight favourite.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 onion, very finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tbsp. mixed herbs
• 5% fat beef mince
• 80 g breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pepper, to taste
• 500 g tomato-based pasta sauce from a jar (or make your own)

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Instructions

Start by softening the onion and garlic in a pan with a little olive oil. This makes them sweet and mellow instead of harsh and overpowering.

Next, mix together the beef mince, mixed herbs, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and the cooked onion mixture. Get your hands in there—it’s the only way to make sure everything is properly combined.

Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. You should get around 20 meatballs from this batch.

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C. Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer (no overcrowding—give them space to crisp up).

Cook for 12–14 minutes, turning them once halfway through. You’re looking for a golden brown crust and juicy centre.

Once cooked, add them to the tomato sauce and let them soak up all that saucy goodness before serving.

Pair with pasta, rice, or stuff them into a sandwich for an epic meatball sub. Or just eat them straight from the pan. Your kitchen, your rules.

• Author: Scott Baptie
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Meat
• Method: Hob
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 297
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 42g

Storing, Reheating & Freezing Air Fryer Meatballs

Storing

Keep cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If they’re in sauce, they’ll taste even better the next day.

Reheating

Warm them in the air fryer at 180°C for a few minutes to get the crisp back. If they’re in sauce, heat them gently on the stovetop or zap them in the microwave.

Freezing

Freeze cooked or raw meatballs in a sealed container for up to 3 months. If freezing raw, lay them out on a tray first so they don’t stick together.

FAQs About This Easy Meatball Recipe

Can I use turkey or pork instead of beef?

Absolutely. Swap the beef mince for pork mince or turkey mince for a leaner option. Just be aware that they might cook slightly faster, so check them a minute or two early.

Can I make these air fryer meatballs gluten-free?

Yep! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go.

Do I need to fry the onions and garlic first?

Not technically, but trust me, your taste buds will thank you if you do. Frying the onions and garlic first makes them sweeter, softer, and way more flavourful. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step and mix them in raw—but be prepared for a slightly sharper taste and a bit of crunch in your meatballs. Your call!

If You Liked These Air Fryer Meatballs, Try These:

Turkish Meatballs. If you love a good meatball (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), these Turkish-style beauties are packed with warming spices and served with a tangy yoghurt sauce. Perfect for when you want something a little different but just as easy and delicious.

Air Fryer Pork Meatballs. Another air fryer win! These pork meatballs are juicy, packed with flavour, and perfect for meal prep. Serve them with noodles, rice, or just eat them straight from the air fryer basket—we won’t judge.

Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken. A British pub classic made healthier! Tender chicken breast wrapped in bacon, smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, and finished with a melty layer of cheese—all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. High in protein and low in effort.

Leave A Comment Below

Loved the recipe? Got your own little tweaks and twists? I am all ears! Feel free to drop a comment below and share your cooking experiences with me.