Delicious and Easy Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs Recipe

Are you looking for a quick and easy meal idea? Try making Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs! Not only is it a faster cooking method than the traditional oven or stovetop, but it also produces deliciously crispy results.

In this post, we'll provide you with a simple and tasty recipe for frozen meatballs in the air fryer. Plus, we'll share some helpful tips and tricks for making the most out of your air fryer.

this recipe

Why you'll love making frozen meatballs in the air fryer?

• Quick and easy: Making frozen meatballs in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook up a delicious meal or snack. With minimal prep time, you can have perfectly cooked meatballs in just a few minutes.
• Healthier option: Using an air fryer to cook frozen meatballs is a healthier option than deep frying. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the meatballs, which reduces the amount of oil needed for cooking, resulting in a healthier meal.
• Versatile: Frozen meatballs in the air fryer can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as with different sauces or seasonings, making it a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfectly cooked: The air fryer is a great tool for cooking frozen meatballs because it cooks them evenly and thoroughly, resulting in perfectly cooked meatballs that are juicy and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
• Convenient: Cooking frozen meatballs in the air fryer is a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The air fryer does most of the work for you, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal is cooking.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

This is one of my favorite air fryer recipes. To make air fryer meatballs in the air fryer, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Frozen Meatballs: we like to make use of our homemade Fried Meatballs recipe and then freeze them so we can enjoy them anytime. Use store bought frozen meatballs in a pinch.
• Olive Oil or Olive Oil Spray: you'll need a small amount of oil to coat the meatballs before cooking.
• Optional Ingredients: for seasonings, sauce, and garnish, see the recipe variations below for additional ingredients you can use in this recipe.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Steps by step instructions

How to cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer?

STEP 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes and then place frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket, make sure to leave some space between them to allow for even cooking.

STEP 2: Spray the meatballs with olive oil spray to help them brown and crisp up. Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Once the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F), remove them from the air fryer.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or on top of low carb pasta or rice.

Other recipes you might enjoy

• Pan Fried Meatballs
• Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
• Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs
• Air Fryer Low Carb Stuffed Peppers
• Low Carb Pizza Bowls

Recipe tips

Tips on making the best frozen meatballs in the air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer: Before placing the frozen meatballs in the air fryer, it's important to preheat them. This will help ensure that the meatballs cook evenly and have a crispy outer layer.
• Shake the basket: To make sure the meatballs cook evenly and don't stick together, shake the air fryer basket a few times during the cooking process.
• This will help ensure that all sides of the meatballs are exposed to the hot air, resulting in a crispy and evenly cooked exterior. If you're cooking a large batch of meatballs, you may need to do this multiple times throughout the cooking process.

About store-bought frozen meatballs

If you are following a low-carb or keto diet, it is important to be cautious when buying store-bought frozen meatballs. Many brands use breadcrumbs as a binding agent, which can significantly increase the carb content of the meatballs.

Breadcrumbs are often made from wheat flour, which is a high-carb ingredient. Even if the meatballs are labeled as "homestyle" or "traditional," they may still contain breadcrumbs. It's always a good idea to check the ingredient list and nutrition information on the packaging to ensure that the meatballs fit into your dietary goals.

What to serve with the meatballs?

• Pasta: Meatballs and pasta go together like peanut butter and jelly. Serve your meatballs with your favorite low carb pasta or zucchini noodles and some marinara sauce for a classic and satisfying meal.
• Salad: A fresh and crisp salad can be a great complement to meatballs. Try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a more substantial salad with mixed greens, vegetables, and a creamy dressing.
• Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus, can add some color and nutrients to your meal while complementing the meatballs nicely.
• Cauliflower rice: Instead of traditional rice, try serving your meatballs with cauliflower rice. It's a low-carb and nutrient-dense alternative that pairs well with meatballs.

Storage

To store air fryer frozen meatballs, follow these steps:

1. Allow the meatballs to cool down to room temperature after cooking in the air fryer.
2. Transfer the meatballs to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.
3. Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of when you cooked them.
4. Place the container or bag in the freezer. The frozen meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to reheat and serve the frozen meatballs, you can either microwave them, bake them in the oven, or air fry them again.

If using the air fryer, simply cook them at the same temperature and time as you did when you originally cooked them, or until they are heated through and have a crispy exterior.

Recipe variations

• Seasonings: You can add any seasonings or herbs you like to the meatballs to enhance their flavor. Some common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
• Sauce: You can also add a sauce to the meatballs to give them more flavor. Some popular sauce options include barbecue sauce, marinara sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
• Garnish: To finish off your dish, you can add a garnish such as chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Try brushing your meatballs with Sugar Free BBQ sauce before air frying for a tangy twist.
• For a healthier option, use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef.
• Add some veggies like bell peppers or onions to the air fryer basket for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions