Juicy Homemade Air Fryer Meatballs

Achieving an evenly browned exterior with a juicy interior is incredibly simple with these homemade Air Fryer Meatballs. Skipping the traditional frying pan means you avoid the messy stovetop splatter while still enjoying a savory, classic German-style recipe. The step-by-step video below shows you exactly how to mix, shape, and air fry them to a beautifully cooked finish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 3 tbsp unseasoned breadcrumbs (plus more if needed)
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 medium or large egg
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Finely chop the small yellow onion and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, 3 tablespoons of unseasoned breadcrumbs, the chopped onion, the egg, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Using your clean hands, mix everything until the ingredients are well combined. If the mixture feels overly wet, you can add a few more breadcrumbs.
4. Form approximately 14 to 16 small meatballs in the palms of your hands. Keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly, and set them aside on a plate.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
6. Once the air fryer is hot, place the meatballs in the basket, leaving some space between them. If your air fryer is smaller, cook them in two batches.
7. Cook for about 13 to 15 minutes total, flipping them over about halfway through the cooking time.
8. Check that the meatballs are fully cooked and browned on the outside. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
9. Remove the cooked meatballs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
10. If cooking in two batches, drain the grease from the air fryer and give it a good wipe before adding the second batch. Use clean tongs to avoid touching the cooked meat with tools that touched the raw meat.
11. Add the second batch to the plate once done. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like mustard, or as an ingredient in a pasta dish.

Notes and Tips

Checking for doneness: Since every air fryer is different and sizes can vary, exact cooking times may fluctuate slightly. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 165°F.

Preventing cross-contamination: Be sure to wash your tongs or switch to a clean pair after handling the raw meat and before pulling the finished meatballs from the basket.

Managing grease: Wiping out the air fryer basket between batches keeps excess drippings from smoking or burning.