Air Fryer Meatballs

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PRESENTATION

Whip up a batch of air fryer meatballs and bring that authentic Italian flair right to your table, but with a modern twist. I mean, combining ground pork and beef gives these meatballs their classic taste, right? Plus, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and a dash of paprika add just the right amount of flavor. Across Italy, everyone has their own way of making meatballs—some prefer baking, others enjoy them fried. And you know what, you'll even find rustic, stewed, or microwave versions. But honestly, the air fryer version? It's perfect. Crispy, golden exterior without drowning them in oil. Super super tasty. The result is a tender and moist interior—seriously good—and makes these homemade air fryer meatballs feel special without too much fuss in the kitchen.

Perfect for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or casual gatherings, these easy air fryer meatballs are a total crowd-pleaser. I gotta say, no need to hover over a pan or deal with splattered oil. The air fryer ensures even browning, so each bite is just as good as the last. For real, the cheese melts beautifully into the mix, adding a juicy burst of flavor. Italians often tweak recipes with extra cheese or different herbs based on what's available, and look, you can do the same. Pair these meatballs with a fresh salad or some golden, air-fried zucchini. Really, it's a meal that's light yet satisfying. This air fryer meatball recipe aligns with modern cooking habits—focusing on healthy choices and simple methods without sacrificing taste. Whether you're juggling a busy schedule or enjoying a relaxed weekend, these healthy air fryer meatballs are the perfect solution—way way better—seamlessly fitting into any routine and offering a delicious taste of Italy. And the sauce? That's up to you.

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INGREDIENTS
Ground pork 10.5 oz (300 g)
Ground beef 0.5 lb (250 g)
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 1 cup (100 g) - (to grate)
Breadcrumbs ¾ cup (100 g)
Eggs 2
Parsley 1 tuft - (to be chopped)
Sweet Paprika to taste
Extra virgin olive oil 2 ½ tbsp (35 g)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Air Fryer Meatballs

To prepare the air fryer meatballs, put the ground pork and ground beef in a bowl, then add the eggs 1, the grated Parmigiano Reggiano 2, salt and pepper 3.

Also add the sweet paprika 4, the breadcrumbs 5 and the chopped parsley 6.

Mix the ingredients 7 until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. After this time, take about 1.8 oz of the mixture with damp hands and shape it into a ball 8. As you form the meatballs, place them on a tray, then brush them well with oil 9.

Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket (we used an air fryer with a capacity of 6 liters — about 6.3 qt) 10 and cook at 392°F for 20 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking 11. Your air fryer meatballs are ready to enjoy 12!

Storage

The air fryer meatballs keep in the refrigerator, in a closed container, for 2-3 days.

They can be frozen raw: once brushed with oil, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, then put them in the freezer until frozen and finally transfer them to a food bag. This way they will keep for about one month. When you want to enjoy them, cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, increasing the cooking time by a few minutes.

Tip

You can also make air fryer meatballs with other types of meat, such as chicken, turkey, or a mix of the two.

If you like bold flavors, you can enrich the mixture with spices like curry, cumin or cayenne pepper.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.