Juicy Homemade Air Fryer Meatballs.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
• ½ lb (225g) ground pork
• ¾ cup (about 75g) plain breadcrumbs (Panko works wonderfully)
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (or 2%)
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)

For Cooking

• Olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)

Instructions

Intensity Level: Easy (Cooking mostly passive)

1. Step 1: Prepare the Panade (The Moisture Secret) In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes. The breadcrumbs will absorb the milk and form a thick, porridge-like paste. This is your panade, and it’s crucial for tender meatballs. While the breadcrumbs soak, you can preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) . Note: Preheating ensures your meatballs start sizzling immediately for that perfect crust.
2. Step 2: Combine the Ingredients Add the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the bowl with the panade.
3. Step 3: Mix Gently (Crucial Step!) Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Do not overmix. Overworking the meat will activate the proteins and result in tough, dense meatballs. You want to mix only until the ingredients are evenly distributed, and the mixture is cohesive. It’s okay if there are a few streaks; they will even out during rolling.
4. Step 4: Form the Meatballs Using a standard medium-sized cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons) or your hands, roll the mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) balls. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly. You should get about 24-28 meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray as you work.
5. Step 5: Oil and Arrange Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; leave a little space between them for the air to circulate. You will likely need to cook them in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the tops of the meatballs with olive oil spray to help them get golden and crispy.
6. Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection Place the basket in the air fryer and cook at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes . There is no need to flip them! The air fryer’s design will cook them evenly. Start checking at the 10-minute mark. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are beautifully browned. (See note below for temperature and timing variations).
7. Step 7: Rest and Serve Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest on a clean plate for 3 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!

Nutrition

Calories: ~285 kcal · Protein: 22g · Fat: 18g · Carbohydrates: 8g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 7g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 2g · Sodium: 580mg