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.