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Crispy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe Easy Juicy Tender Centers

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These crispy air fryer meatballs have a golden crust with juicy, tender centers, perfect for a quick and comforting meal. Ready in under 25 minutes, they are easy to make and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/3 cup (35 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk in a medium bowl for about 5 minutes until soft.
  2. Add ground beef, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently combine without overmixing.
  3. Form the mixture into 18-20 meatballs about 1 1/4 inches (3 cm) in diameter using a cookie scoop or spoon.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
  6. Place meatballs in a single layer in the basket without touching; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, then flip meatballs and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Check doneness with a meat thermometer and let meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs. Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is key for tender centers. Preheat the air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket for best crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F (71°C). For leaner meats like turkey or chicken, add olive oil or an extra egg to maintain juiciness. Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer before transferring to a bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer meatballs, crispy meatballs, easy meatballs, quick dinner, ground beef meatballs, juicy meatballs, air fryer recipes

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/crispy-air-fryer-meatballs-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-centers/