If you’ve ever made homemade meatballs, you know that the most delicious and traditional method is frying them. The crispy, golden-brown crust that forms on the outside is simply unparalleled! The only problem is that frying meatballs can be a hassle. After frying a batch, it feels like the entire kitchen is covered in a thin layer of oil. But if you have an air fryer, you can enjoy all the deliciousness without the mess.
Ⅰ.Time Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ⅱ.Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 green onions, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 pound ground beef (I recommend using 80/20 ground beef)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ⅲ.Detailed Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream (or ricotta), and milk until well combined.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a small skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced green onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before adding it to the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Combine the Meats and Seasonings:
- Add the ground beef and ground pork to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
4. Form the Meatballs:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
5. Air Fry the Meatballs:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 160°F or 70°C).
Ⅳ.Pairing Suggestions
1.Spaghetti and Marinara:
Serve these air fryer meatballs over a bed of spaghetti with your favorite marinara sauce. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a classic Italian meal.
2.Meatball Subs:
Place the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This makes a delicious and hearty sandwich.
3.Appetizer:
Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
4.Salad:
Add these flavorful meatballs to a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a protein-packed meal.
Ⅴ.Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Meatballs
1.Don’t Overmix:
When combining the meat with the other ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
2.Uniform Size:
Try to make the meatballs the same size to ensure they cook evenly. Using a small ice cream scoop can help with this.
3.Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheating the air fryer helps achieve that crispy exterior and ensures the meatballs cook evenly.
4.Avoid Overcrowding:
Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking.
Ⅵ.Conclusion
Using an air fryer to cook meatballs has transformed my kitchen routine, making it easier and more enjoyable to prepare this classic dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, I hope you find this recipe for flavorful air fryer meatballs as delightful and convenient as I do.