Air Fryer Meatballs
Let’s face it: sometimes you just need dinner on the table, like, five minutes ago. Maybe it’s a frantic Tuesday night, maybe you have surprise guests, or maybe you just really, really want a meatball sub without the hassle of simmering sauce for hours. We’ve all been there. That’s where your air fryer swoops in like a culinary superhero.
Cooking frozen meatballs in the air fryer is one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” moments. It takes something convenient—a bag of frozen meatballs—and turns it into something genuinely delicious in less time than it takes to preheat a traditional oven.
There’s no soggy microwave texture and no waiting for a skillet to heat up. Instead, you get juicy, hot meatballs with a slightly browned exterior that taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Why This Method Works
You might be wondering, “Can’t I just throw them in the microwave?” Sure, you can. But if you want meatballs that actually have texture—crisp on the outside, tender on the inside—the air fryer is the only way to go. The circulating hot air cooks them evenly and quickly, locking in juices while avoiding that rubbery texture microwaves tend to produce. Plus, the cleanup is practically non-existent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is the shortest shopping list you’ll ever see, which is exactly why we love this recipe.
- 1 bag (approx. 1lb) frozen meatballs: You can use beef, pork, turkey, or even plant-based meatballs. Pre-cooked frozen meatballs work best for this quick timing.
- Spray oil: A quick spritz helps them brown nicely and prevents sticking, though many frozen meatballs are oily enough on their own.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to save dinner? Here is how to get perfectly cooked meatballs in under 10 minutes.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Let it run empty for about 3 to 5 minutes. While this step isn’t strictly mandatory, getting that blast of heat right from the start helps caramelize the outside of the meatball immediately.
Step 2: Arrange the Meatballs
Open the bag and pour the frozen meatballs into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer. It’s okay if they are touching slightly, but don’t stack them on top of each other. Air needs to circulate around each ball to cook them evenly. If you’re feeding a crowd, it’s better to do two batches than to overcrowd one.
Step 3: Spray (Optional but Recommended)
Give the meatballs a quick, light coating of spray oil. This helps encourage that lovely browning we all want.
Step 4: Cook and Shake
Slide the basket in and cook at 390°F (199°C) for 5-6 minutes.
Here is the crucial part: Halfway through (around the 3-minute mark), pause the air fryer and give the basket a good shake. This moves the meatballs around so they don’t get too crispy on just one side.
Step 5: Check and Serve
After the timer beeps, check your meatballs. They should be heated through to the center and nicely browned on the outside. If they aren’t quite hot enough for your liking, give them another minute.
Carefully remove them from the basket (they will be piping hot!) and serve immediately. Toss them in your favorite sauce or serve them plain with toothpicks.
Serving Ideas
Now that you have a basket full of hot meatballs, what do you do with them?
- Classic Spaghetti: Toss them directly into a simmering pot of marinara sauce.
- Meatball Subs: Load them into a hoagie roll with provolone cheese and toast until melty.
- Party Appetizers: Glaze them with grape jelly and chili sauce (trust us on this one) or your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Low Carb Bowl: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a protein-packed meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We know even the simplest recipes can raise questions. Here’s everything you need to know to troubleshoot.
Absolutely. Not all frozen meatballs are created equal. If you are using mini “cocktail” size meatballs, check them after 4 minutes. If you have large, golf-ball-sized dinner meatballs, they might need 7-8 minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
Technically, no. You can throw them in a cold air fryer. However, preheating guarantees that nice sear on the outside. If you skip preheating, just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are hot all the way through.
Most frozen meatballs have enough fat in them that sticking isn’t a huge issue, but it can happen. To prevent it, ensure your basket is clean before starting, and don’t skip the “shake halfway” step. That movement keeps them loose.
Since frozen meatballs usually come pre-seasoned, you don’t need to add anything. However, if you want to kick it up a notch, sprinkle some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes over them right after spraying with oil. Alternatively, tossing them in a sauce after cooking is the best way to add major flavor.
If you bite into one and it’s still lukewarm in the center (the worst!), just slide the basket back in. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Air fryers vary in power, so you might just need a little extra time compared to our machine.
Yes! If you have leftovers from this batch, reheat them at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. They’ll taste just as good as the first time.
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen meatballs
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer.
- Spray the meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs in the air fryer at 390°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even heating.
- Once the meatballs are heated through and browned, carefully remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately.
