Want the ultimate convenience without compromising on taste? Air fryer frozen meatballs are your answer for a quick, delicious meal in just 15 minutes. These perfectly cooked meatballs emerge with a crispy exterior while staying juicy inside – and the best part?
Zero prep work needed. With 29g of protein per serving and minimal cleanup required, this method revolutionizes weeknight dinners. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this foolproof cooking technique delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen Meatballs: 1 package of any variety, thawed or unthawed both work great
- Cooking Oil: A light coating of spray oil helps achieve perfect golden-brown exterior
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Unwrap your frozen meatballs from their packaging and remove any excess frost
- Basket Arrangement: Carefully arrange meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded
- Oil Application: Lightly spray the meatballs with cooking oil for enhanced crispiness
- Air Frying: Set temperature to 350°F/180°C and cook for 12-15 minutes until thoroughly heated
- Final Check: Ensure meatballs are heated through completely before serving
- Serving: Transfer to serving plate and enjoy while hot
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer meatballs are super versatile! Toss them with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a classic combo, or pile them onto crusty rolls for amazing meatball subs. Want something lighter? Add them to a fresh garden salad or serve them as appetizers with toothpicks and a side of BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover cooked meatballs, let them cool completely and pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just put them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months – they’re perfect for quick meals later!
Helpful Tips
For the best results, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – the meatballs need a bit of space around them to heat evenly. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through cooking to help them brown all over. If you’re making a big batch, it’s better to cook them in several smaller portions than to pile them all in at once.
Quick Variations
Add extra flavor by brushing your meatballs with sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking – BBQ, teriyaki, or buffalo sauce all work great! For Italian-style meals, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top right when they come out of the air fryer. Want them extra crispy? Add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen meatballs any type
- cooking oil or oil spray
Instructions
- Remove your frozen meatballs from their outer packaging.
- Place the frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Spray the meatballs with cooking oil.
- Air Fry at 350°F/180°C for 12-15 minutes, until the meatballs are heated through.
- Serve immediately.
