Meatballs brown evenly in the air fryer with the fat draining away — no turning a spitting pan, no oven tray to scrub. Fresh or frozen, they're done in about 12 minutes. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do meatballs take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry meatballs at 190°C (375°F) for 10–12 minutes, shaking once, to an internal 71°C (160°F).
Q: Can you cook them from frozen?
A: Yes — cook from frozen at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, checking they're hot through.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh (beef/pork) | 190°C / 375°F | 10–12 min |
| Turkey / chicken | 190°C / 375°F | 9–11 min |
| From frozen | 180°C / 360°F | 12–15 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Beef Meatballs
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince
- 1 egg, 40g breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp oregano, 1 garlic clove
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Mix and roll into 16 even balls.
- Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 10–12 minutes.
- Shake once for even browning.
- Check 71°C and serve.
Tips
- Even sizes cook at the same rate.
- Toss in warm sauce after cooking for pasta.
- Great in subs, wraps or with Greek potatoes.
Frequently asked questions
How long do meatballs take in an air fryer?
About 10–12 minutes at 190°C, shaking once, to an internal 71°C. Turkey or chicken ones are a touch quicker.
Can you cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer?
Yes — from frozen at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, until hot all the way through. No need to defrost.
Do you add sauce in the air fryer?
Cook the meatballs first, then toss them in warmed sauce afterwards — adding sauce during cooking stops them browning.