Easy Air Fryer Meatballs

Air fryer meatballs are an easy weeknight staple with browned edges and a juicy center in a fraction of the time needed for oven baking. A cracker-and-broth mixture keeps the meat tender, while a light flour coating helps the outside brown.

Make a double batch and freeze the extras for pasta, meatball subs, rice bowls, or quick dinners. If you prefer poultry, our buffalo chicken meatballs are another easy option.

Why These Meatballs Stay Tender

Crushed crackers absorb broth and egg before the meat is added, forming a panade that helps prevent the meatballs from becoming tough. Mix the beef or turkey gently and stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.

How to Air Fry Meatballs

Mix the binder and seasonings first and let them rest briefly. Add the meat, shape into evenly sized balls, dust lightly with flour, then air fry at 400°F in a single layer until browned and cooked through.

How to Serve Them

Serve with marinara and pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or tuck them into toasted rolls with cheese. They are also useful as a meal-prep protein.

Freezing

Freeze raw shaped meatballs on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag, or freeze them fully cooked. Thaw overnight before cooking or reheating for the most even result.

Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe Card

Easy Air Fryer Meatballs

Juicy, freezer-friendly meatballs with crisp edges, ready in about 25 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
• 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for light dusting

Method

 

1. Mix crackers, broth, parsley, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, basil, and red pepper flakes. Rest 10 minutes.
2. Add meat and mix only until combined. Shape into 15 meatballs and dust lightly with flour.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F and spray basket.
4. Air fry meatballs in a single layer for 9 to 11 minutes, until cooked through. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cooked or raw meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Adapted from Tastes Better From Scratch. Seasoning and serving guidance have been rewritten.

Recipe image used with permission from Tastes Better From Scratch.