Air Fryer Cheesy Meatball & Potato Bake

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish or air fryer-safe casserole dish
• Spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 500 g ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Potato Bake

• 700 g potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 2–3 cm in size. Smaller meatballs cook more evenly in the air fryer and are perfect for this bake.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

1. Place the cubed potatoes in a bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Toss well until every potato piece is coated with seasoning. This helps the potatoes become crispy and flavorful during air frying.

Step 3: Air Fry the Potatoes

1. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3–5 minutes .
2. Add the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15–18 minutes , shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
3. The potatoes should become lightly golden and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

1. Place the prepared meatballs into the air fryer basket.
2. Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 10–12 minutes , turning halfway through. The meatballs should be browned on the outside and fully cooked inside.
3. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F) for beef or pork meatballs.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesy Bake

1. Place the cooked potatoes and meatballs into an air fryer-safe baking dish.
2. Pour the tomato pasta sauce evenly over the top.
3. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the entire dish.
4. Return the dish to the air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the bake carefully from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for extra color and freshness.
3. Serve warm with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 520 kcal · Protein: 32 g · Fat: 27 g · Carbohydrates: 38 g · Saturated Fat: 10 g · Fiber: 5 g · Sugar: 5 g · Sodium: 780 mg