Easy Air Fryer Meatball Recipe
Looking for a hassle-free, mouthwatering dish that will delight your taste buds? Look no further than these delectable air fryer meatballs. Packed with a combination of ground beef and mild sausage, these savory bites are elevated with the unexpected addition of a box of stuffing.
With a blend of aromatic seasonings, these meatballs are bound to become a family favorite. Plus, the air fryer ensures they’re cooked to perfection with minimal effort.
I decided to make some meatballs for meatball soup the other day but I didn’t want to have to run the whole oven to brown them. Instead, I decided to make air fryer meatballs really quick. This was so easy and it made the perfect crisp meatballs, I do not think we will be making them any other way.
Why you will love these easy meatballs in the air fryer
What you need for these easy air fryer meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound mild sausage
- 1 box of stuffing mix
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
What you need to make air fryer meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and mild sausage. Gently mix them together until well combined.
Incorporate the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Montreal steak seasoning into the meat mixture. Ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Now, it’s time to add your dry stuffing to the meat mixture. Gradually incorporate it, being careful not to overwork the mixture. This will help keep the meatballs tender.
With clean hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into evenly sized-meatballs. Aim for approximately 1-inch diameter meatballs for even cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. To flip these I just shake the basket to make them roll around.
To ensure the meatballs are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef and sausage.
Once cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the meatballs from the air fryer. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Great ways to use meatballs
Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of creative and delicious ways. Here are some ideas:
Spaghetti and Meatballs:
Serve meatballs with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal.
Meatball Subs:
Place meatballs in a sub roll, top with marinara sauce and melted cheese for a satisfying sandwich.
Meatball Skewers:
Thread meatballs onto skewers with vegetables for a fun and flavorful kabob.
Meatball Soup:
Add meatballs to a broth-based soup with vegetables for a hearty and comforting dish.
Meatball Pizza:
Use sliced meatballs as a pizza topping along with cheese and your favorite sauce.
Stuffed Bell Peppers:
Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with meatballs, rice, and sauce for a tasty and filling meal.
Meatball Appetizers:
Serve mini meatballs as appetizers with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
Meatball Tacos:
Use meatballs as the protein in tacos, along with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
Meatball Stir-Fry:
Add meatballs to a stir-fry with vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Meatball Curry:
Simmer meatballs in a rich and flavorful curry sauce, then serve over rice or with naan bread.
Meatball and Rice Casserole:
Combine meatballs with cooked rice, vegetables, and sauce in a casserole dish, then bake until bubbly and golden.
Meatball Sliders:
Place mini meatballs on small rolls with cheese and sauce for a tasty appetizer or party snack.
Meatball Breakfast Skillet:
Cook meatballs with eggs, potatoes, and vegetables for a hearty breakfast or brunch dish.
Meatball and Cheese Stuffed Bread:
Hollow out a loaf of bread, fill it with meatballs and cheese, then bake for a delicious stuffed bread.
Meatball and Veggie Noodle Bowl:
Toss meatballs, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.