Ninja Air Fryer Meatballs

These ninja air fryer Italian meatballs are bursting with so much flavor! They are soft and juicy on the inside, and perfectly browned outside! What's more, you can make them using any air fryer, if you do not own a Ninja Foodi.

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Italian, World Cuisine

Diet Diabetic, Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Servings

Calories 284kcal

Author Kate Hahnel

Equipment

Ninja Foodi Air fryer (or your preferred air fryer)

Ingredients

½ cup breadcrumbs
⅔ cup milk (or plant milk, if preferred)
1 lb ground beef- minced meat (or ground meat of choice - approximately 500 g)
¼ medium-sized onion (finely minced)
2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
1½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dry)
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
½ cup breadcrumbs, ⅔ cup milk
Preheat your air fryer at 190°C/ 374°F.
Add the ground meat, minced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, dried basil, red chili flakes (if desired), salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs tough.
1 lb ground beef- minced meat, ¼ medium-sized onion, 1½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon red chili flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 cloves garlic
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking (see notes).
Place the meatballs in a single layer, inside your air frying basket making sure to leave some space between them for proper air circulation.
Air fry the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (73.9°C). Flip them halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
Once done, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Serve your ninja air fryer meatballs with marinara, or your preferred sauces, or side dishes.

Video

Notes

For added moisture and tenderness, soak the breadcrumbs in milk before incorporating them into the meat mixture.
Using a regular spoon, or a cookie scoop ensures that the meatballs are evenly sized. Scoop out about two tablespoons per meatballs.
Grease your hands with oil as you shape the meatballs to prevent them from sticking.
For even cooking, do not stack the meatballs on top of each other.

Nutrition