Air Fryer Beef Meatballs with Herbs
In short: Tender beef meatballs with grated onion, garlic, parsley and Parmesan, air fried in about 10 minutes until browned outside and juicy within. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 370 kcal
Meatballs cooked in the air fryer brown on every side without being turned one by one in a pan, and the excess fat drips away. A panade of panko and milk keeps them soft, while grated onion adds moisture and Parmesan adds savor. The recipe makes about twenty small meatballs, which suit pasta, sandwiches, rice bowls or a party platter with toothpicks. They also freeze well, so a double batch is worth the effort.
Instructions
- Stir the panko and milk together in a large bowl and leave for 5 minutes until the crumbs are soft.
- Add the egg, onion, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper and mix. Add the beef and mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing makes the meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into about 20 balls, each about 4 cm (1 1/2 inches) wide and 35 g (1 1/4 oz). Chill them for 10 minutes so they hold their shape.
- Heat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes. Mist the basket lightly with oil and arrange half the meatballs in one layer without touching.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes, until the meatballs are browned and read 71°C (160°F) in the center.
- Move them to a plate, cook the second batch, then serve with pasta and tomato sauce, in rolls, or on their own with a dip.
Tips
- Mix beef with ground pork or turkey if you like. Keep some fat in the mixture, since very lean meat makes dry meatballs.
- To freeze, cool the cooked meatballs, freeze them on a tray, then bag them. Reheat from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 6 to 8 minutes.
Questions and answers
Do I need to oil the air fryer basket for meatballs?
A light mist of oil prevents sticking, although meatballs with some fat usually release easily. Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants on a nonstick basket.
Can I cook the meatballs from frozen?
Yes. Raw frozen meatballs take about 12 to 14 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Check that they reach 71°C (160°F) in the middle.
Why did my meatballs come out dry?
The usual causes are very lean meat, overmixing or overcooking. Use 15 to 20 percent fat, mix lightly and remove them once they reach 71°C (160°F).
How long does it take to make Air Fryer Beef Meatballs with Herbs?
About 40 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Air Fryer Beef Meatballs with Herbs?
About 370 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 10 g of carbohydrates and 25 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 370 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
