Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes, as garnish
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion (if using) and all the seasonings including garlic, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, and milk. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or a large spoon to portion out the meat mixture, then roll each portion into 2-inch meatballs with your hands. As you finish shaping each meatball, place them into the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply run it empty at 400°F for a few minutes to warm the basket.
- Cook Meatballs: Air fry the meatballs at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, turn the meatballs to brown them evenly on all sides. Cook until they are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs from the air fryer and garnish with parsley flakes if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta and sauce, on a sandwich, or as a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If using plain breadcrumbs, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to keep the classic flavor.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
