Air Fryer Italian Meatballs on a plate

Air Fryer · Easy

Air Fryer Italian Meatballs

These air fryer Italian meatballs are tender, flavorful, and simmered in marinara for a classic dinner. The air fryer makes browning them quick and mess-free.

15Prep min
12Cook min
27Total min
  • 1 lbground beef
  • 1/2 lbground pork
  • 3/4 cupbreadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cupmilk
  • 1egg
  • 1/2 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoonsfresh parsley, chopped
  • to tastesalt and black pepper
  • 2 cupsmarinara sauce, for serving
  1. 1Soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes, then mix with the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  2. 2Roll the mixture into 20-24 meatballs, about 1.5 inches each.
  3. 3Preheat the air fryer to 380F and lightly spray the basket.
  4. 4Arrange the meatballs in a single layer and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned and cooked through to 165F.
  5. 5Warm the marinara sauce in a pot and add the cooked meatballs, simmering for a few minutes before serving.

Make it yours

  • Serve over spaghetti for a full meal.
  • Use all ground beef if you don't have pork on hand.
  • Add red pepper flakes to the marinara for heat.

Good with

  • Spaghetti or another pasta
  • Crusty bread
  • Extra Parmesan

Good questions, answered.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, cooked meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months, with or without the sauce.

Do I need to flip the meatballs?

Shaking the basket halfway through helps them brown evenly on all sides.