30-Minute Air Fryer Italian Meatballs
Tender beef and pork meatballs seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh parsley, then air fried to golden perfection. The air fryer creates a beautifully crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. These versatile meatballs work perfectly over pasta for a hearty dinner or served as appetizers for entertaining. The combination of two meats adds richness and depth, while the quick cooking method makes this an ideal weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality results in just 14 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- 1
Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray
- 2
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl
- 3
Work the mixture together with clean hands until well combined without compacting too much
- 4
Form into 1 inch spheres
- 5
Cook in batches at 400F for 14 minutes per batch
- 6
Drizzle hands with olive oil if meat sticks to prevent sticking and help crisp the outside
Tips
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender - mix just until ingredients are combined.
Oil your hands if the mixture sticks while forming meatballs, which also helps create a crispier exterior.
Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even browning.
Good to Know
Store in a container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Serve with pasta or as an appetizer
Common Mistakes
Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent dense, tough meatballs
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these meatballs larger?
Yes, but increase cooking time to 16-18 minutes for larger meatballs and check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute with soy sauce or omit entirely. The meatballs will still be flavorful from the other seasonings.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Reheat in air fryer at 350F for 3-5 minutes until heated through.