Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs From Scratch

ByNkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
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Nothing BETTER Than Air Fryer Meatballs with Parsley!  Seriously speaking, these juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe on these internet streets! I know it may seem like making your meatball from scratch is time-consuming; on the contrary (making meatballs from scratch and in your air fryer), saves…

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These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

Nothing BETTER Than Air Fryer Meatballs with Parsley! 

Seriously speaking, these juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe on these internet streets! I know it may seem like making your meatball from scratch is time-consuming; on the contrary (making meatballs from scratch and in your air fryer), saves you time, energy, and calories! Yes, you heard me, lol—a win in my book. Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. 

Making meatballs in the air fryer makes me want to make them from scratch every time! Say no to those store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and then freeze them afterward. These homemade juicy air fryer meatballs are 1000% better than store-bought, and they are so delicious that you want to finish them before transforming them into a meal. Typically, I use them to make my one and only meatball sauce. These meatballs are perfect for my homemade meatball sauce! YUM!😋

These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

Are Air-Fried Meatballs Freezer-Friendly? 

Yes, these air fryer meatballs are freezer-friendly. Listen, this is one meatball recipe you want in your arsenal because they keep well in the freezer. Also, this is an Italian-inspired meatball recipe packed with flavors, and no matter how long they stay in the freezer, they will still be tasty, juicy, and tender! I suggest freezing up to 12 weeks/3 months. It usually lasts us up to 3 months. Please note that we do not eat it every week; however, it is generally on rotation alongside other recipes. 

These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

HOW TO MAKE THESE MEATBALLS

Why You Will Love This Italian-Inspired Meatball Recipe:

  • This meatball recipe is easy to make; each batch cooks in less than 10 minutes in the air fryer. I air-fried them for 9 minutes! WOW!
  • Very delicious and flavorful!
  • Healthier than fried meatballs and yet tastes even better.
  • Save you energy, lol; true!
  • Save the oil you may have needed to fry these meatballs,
  • Air fryer meatballs freeze well; I suggest you double batch this recipe to last your family longer! Especially if you are a large family! 
  • Making meatballs in the air fryer reduces the stress of making them from scratch. 
  • Fewer messes and clean-up is easy!  
  • These meatballs are versatile; add to homemade tomato sauce or store-bought marinara sauce, perfect with spaghetti, rice, or quinoa!
These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

Ingredients for Making Meatballs from Scratch in the Air Fryer:

Ground meat, Italian sausage, Ground oats, eggs, water, Olive oil, Fresh parsley, Parmesan, Salt, Knorr Bouillon seasoning powder, Onion powder, Garlic powder, Black pepper, Spicy chili, Dry thyme

How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs From Scratch (Step-by-Step):

Take away the stress of making meatballs and your air fryer! Making meatballs in the air fryer is really the best thing because they come true quickly and expeditiously! 

  1. Add all the ingredients into a big bowl

    Add all the ingredients (ground meat, sausage, ground oats, parsley, eggs, parmesan, salt, pepper, bouillon seasoning, dry thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and water) into a big bowl. There isn’t a particular order as to how to do this.Add all the ingredients (ground meat, sausage, ground oats, parsley, eggs, parmesan, salt, pepper, bouillon seasoning, dry thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and water) into a big bowl. There isn't a particular order as to how to do this.

  2. Combine the meatball ingredients

    Gently combine the meatball ingredients into a big ball; do not over-mix. However, ensure that everything mixes well.Gently combine the meatball ingredients into a big ball; do not over-mix. However, ensure that everything mixes well.

  3. Form the meatball into small balls.

    I typically use a 1-tablespoon scoop to measure my meatballs. You can use a 2-tablespoon scoop or even a 1/4-cup scoop. The bottom line is to ensure equal balls. This way, they cook evenly. Please note that your cooking time may change if your meatballs are bigger than mine. I suggest using a meat thermometer to ensure they thoroughly cook. Place formed meatballs on a lined cookie sheet; I suggest forming all the meatballs before you start air frying them because the air frying part happens quickly.Place formed meatballs on a lined cookie sheet; I suggest forming all the meatballs before you start air frying them because the air frying part happens quickly.

  4. Place Meatballs in the Air Fryer

    First, set the air fryer to 9 minutes at 350F, then preheat. Place the formed meatballs in an air fryer basket after it finishes preheating. Place on single layer. These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

  5. Air Fry the Meatballs

    Air fry the meatballs for 9 minutes without turning. Add more time if needed; ensure to cook your meatballs thoroughly and equally, not to overcook them. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. This recipe made about 75 – 80 one-tablespoon-sized meatballs.These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

How to Freeze Meatballs/ Store Leftovers

Allow the air-fried meatballs to cool down completely before freezing. First, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, then place meatballs, ensuring space between each meatball. Allow them to freeze for up to 2 hours, and then transfer them into a ziplock bag. 

If you are in a hurry or your freezer has no space to place a cookie sheet for that initial freezing, you can place them directly into a ziplock bag and freeze. I suggest laying the ziplock bag down and placing the meatballs as you would on a tray. Always ensure that the air fryer meatballs are not tightly packed that stick together. This makes them harder to separate when you want to use a few! 

These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

Notes/Tips for Meatball Recipe in the Air Fryer  

  • Preheat the air fryer; however, you can make these without preheating the air fryer.
  • Ensure to form the meatballs into equal sizes for even cooking.
  • Refrain from overcooking the meatballs; they may become tough and unpleasant.
  • Properly wash your hands before combining the ingredients, or wear gloves.
  • If using ground oats, grind old-fashioned oats yourself, lol. I have never tried store-bought ground oats with this recipe.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer. 
  • This recipe doesn’t require oil spray because it has enough fat! 
  • If possible, form all the meatballs before you start air frying because the air frying part is the quickest and happens very fast! I typically place them on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet as I form them.
These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

Air Fryer Meatballs FAQs 

Is it Better to Bake or Fry Meatballs? 

It is definitely better to bake meatballs than fry them before putting them into the sauce! Baking them keeps them juicy and flavorful and saves you some unnecessary calories. On the other, it is best to air fry meatballs before adding them to the sauce. It keeps them juicy, tender, and yet crisp on the outside. Nothing better than air fryer meatballs from scratch like today’s recipe!

What is the Best Meat for Making Meatballs?

A combination of ground beef and pork makes the absolute best meatball. Though you can clearly make meatballs with only ground beef. However, combine ground beef and pork if you want tasty, juicy, and tender meatballs. These air fryer meatballs wouldn’t be the same without this combo. And I specifically prefer ground beef chuck. Ground chuck beef and sausage for air fryer meatball recipe

Can I Put Frozen Meatballs in an Air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely put frozen meatballs in the air fryer. Ensure to spread them in a single layer, and set the air fryer at 350F. Shake the air fryer or turn the meatballs in between cooking. Air fry for 10 -15 minutes or until fully cooked. 

How do you Reheat Meatballs in the Air Fryer?

Set the air fryer to 250F for 5 minutes, place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, and cook until warm/appropriately reheated.  

How do You Make Tasty Meatballs?

You can easily make meatballs tastier and more flavorful by using a variety of spices, herbs, and seasonings. For instance, I used a combination of herbs and spices such as parsley, rosemary, Knorr bouillon seasonings, onion, and garlic powder to elevate the taste of this recipe.Spices, herbs and seasonings for making juicy meatballs in the air fryer

Variations/Substitutions: 

  • You can easily swap the meat and use your choice of ground meat. Ground lamb, turkey, or chicken would be just fine!
  • If you don’t have fresh parsley, I’m sure dry parsley leaves would work, or better still, use fresh cilantro or basil. 
  • Air fryer meatballs are fire; however, if you don’t have an air fryer yet, you can bake these meatballs. 
  • I used water in this meatball recipe, but you can substitute it with milk.
  • Dry thyme is an excellent substitute for dry rosemary leaves. 
These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE:

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These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs From Scratch

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 75–80 meatballs; 18 + servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. 

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add all the ingredients into a big bowl. Add all the ingredients (ground meat, sausage, ground oats, parsley, eggs, parmesan, salt, pepper, bouillon seasoning, dry thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and water) into a big bowl. There isn’t a particular order as to how to do this. Add all the ingredients (ground meat, sausage, ground oats, parsley, eggs, parmesan, salt, pepper, bouillon seasoning, dry thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and water) into a big bowl. There isn't a particular order as to how to do this. 
  2. Step 2: Combine the meatball ingredients. Gently combine the meatball ingredients into a big ball; do not over-mix. However, ensure that everything mixes well. Gently combine the meatball ingredients into a big ball; do not over-mix. However, ensure that everything mixes well.  
  3. Step 3: Form the meatball into small balls. I typically use a 1-tablespoon scoop to measure my meatballs. You can use a 2-tablespoon scoop or even a 1/4-cup scoop. The bottom line is to ensure equal balls. This way, they cook evenly. Please note that your cooking time may change if your meatballs are bigger than mine. I suggest using a meat thermometer to ensure they thoroughly cook. Place formed meatballs on a lined cookie sheet; I suggest forming all the meatballs before you start air frying them because the air frying part happens quickly. Place formed meatballs on a lined cookie sheet; I suggest forming all the meatballs before you start air frying them because the air frying part happens quickly. 
  4. Step 4: Place Meatballs in the Air Fryer. First, set the air fryer to 9 minutes at 350F, then preheat. Place the formed meatballs in an air fryer basket after it finishes preheating. Place on single layer. These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals 
  5. Step 5: Air Fry the Meatballs. Air fry the meatballs for 9 minutes without turning. Add more time if needed; ensure to cook your meatballs thoroughly and equally, not to overcook them. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. This recipe made about 75 – 80 one-tablespoon-sized meatballs. These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals 

Notes

Preheat the air fryer; however, you can make these without preheating the air fryer.

Ensure to form the meatballs into equal sizes for even cooking.

Refrain from overcooking the meatballs; they may become tough and unpleasant.

Properly wash your hands before combining the ingredients, or wear gloves.

If using ground oats, blend old-fashioned oats yourself, lol. I have never tried store-bought ground oats with this recipe.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer. 

This recipe doesn’t require oil spray because it has enough fat! 

If possible, form all the meatballs before you start air frying because the air frying part is the quickest and happens very fast! I typically place them on the cookie sheet as I form them. 

Here’s my homemade tomato sauce recipe that I typically add these meatballs to. 

This is my air fryer, I have used it three years and counting. 🙂

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Favorite Air Fryer Main Dishes to Try:

How to Serve:

Excellent in my Homemade “Marinara” Sauce and Spaghetti. YUM

Homemade Marinara sauce

Perfect with Macroni Jollof! Add some meatballs to the macaroni Jollof for a more filling meal!

stewed macaroni aka macaroni Jollof recipe

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These juicy air fryer meatballs from scratch with parsley are simply the best meatball recipe you can find anywhere! Making meatballs from scratch in the air fryer saves time, energy, and calories! Then you will end up with healthy meatballs that are super tasty, juicy, tender, easily freezable, and a crowd-pleaser. Say no to store-bought meatballs; easily make your meatball recipe with healthier ingredients and freeze them afterward. Add these meatballs to marinara sauce and serve with spaghetti and any pasta of choice. #Meatballs #Airfryermeatballs #airfreyrecipes #dinnerrecipe #easymeals

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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I'm Nkechi Ajaeroh, a 2x International Best Selling Author, Food Enthusiast, and Public Health expert with a Master's in Public Health. Originally from Nigeria, I now reside in the United States. My passion is crafting heart-healthy Nigerian meals with an American twist. My blog explores the joy of food and life, sharing my personal and professional journey and helping you navigate your healthy lifestyle. I am dedicated to impacting lives through storytelling and inspiring others to achieve their personal goals. LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

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11 Comments

  1. I tried this recipe today and ate it with spaguetti. It was delicious!!



    Reply

  2. These meatballs are amazing! They stayed super moist, and I love how the air fryer gave the exterior just the right crust. Will definitely make these again.



    Reply

  3. I just love this and its was a big hit with everyone. And this was such a pleasing experience!



    Reply

  4. Talk about juicy! Great for an app for a party I’m having.



    Reply

  5. Ooooh, I will need to try these now that I finally have an air fryer! Meatballs are my son’s favorite and these look absolutely fantastic.



    Reply

  6. These look amazing and I love using the air fryer!

    Reply