Plant-based meatballs brown beautifully in the air fryer without sticking — whether shop-bought or homemade from beans and lentils. Serve with pasta or in a wrap. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do vegan meatballs take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry vegan meatballs at 180°C (360°F) for 12–14 minutes, shaking, until browned and hot through.
Q: Can you make them from scratch?
A: Yes — mashed beans or lentils with breadcrumbs, herbs and a binder work well.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chilled / homemade | 180°C / 360°F | 12–14 min |
| Frozen | 180°C / 360°F | 14–16 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Vegan Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 tin black beans, mashed
- 50g breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp flour
- Garlic, herbs, paprika
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
Method
- Mash and mix into a firm mixture.
- Roll into balls; chill 10 min.
- Air fry at 180°C for 12–14 minutes.
- Shake once; serve with sauce.
Tips
- Chill homemade ones so they hold together.
- Single layer for even browning.
- Serve with pasta, in wraps or with sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long do vegan meatballs take in an air fryer?
Chilled or homemade ones take 12–14 minutes at 180°C; frozen 14–16, shaking, until browned and hot through.
How do you make vegan meatballs hold together?
Mash beans or lentils with breadcrumbs and a binder, then chill the rolled balls for 10 minutes before cooking so they firm up.
Are vegan meatballs healthy?
Bean- and lentil-based ones are high in fibre and plant protein, and air frying keeps them low in added fat.