The combination of lean ground beef, pork, and a selection of fragrant herbs and spices makes these Low Carb Air Fryer Meatballs a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love It
- Air fryer meatballs are very versatile, while they are excellent on their own, you can also incorporate them into various dishes.
- These meatballs are a great time saver for your weekly meal prep. Make a big batch and freeze them to use later in the week.
- They cook so quickly, you can have a batch of delicious meatballs ready in no time, making it a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners.
» You might also like these Easy Keto Turkey Meatballs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef and pork – I prefer to use a 95/5 ground beef with ground pork mixed in for the best flavor. Lean ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitution for a lighter option.
- Seasoned bread crumbs – If you don’t have seasoned bread crumbs, you can make your own by combining plain bread crumbs with dried herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley.
- Egg – The egg acts as a binder to hold together the meatballs.
- Parmesan cheese – Grate your own or use a pre-grated or shaved parmesan.
- Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Garlic
- Onion – Onion adds flavor and moisture to the ground beef.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer – I use a Ninja MaxXL air fryer. If you don’t have an air fryer yet, check out these options to find one that fits your needs.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – A small cookie scoop or tablespoon will help you measure the mixture for evenly-sized meatballs.
Expert Tips to Follow
- Adding grated onion to the meat mixture is a great way to get onion flavor and add moisture to the recipe without big chunks of onion that some may find off putting.
- If the meatball mixture feels too wet, add more bread crumbs to help bind it together.
- Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to measure the mixture for evenly-sized meatballs.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary.
- Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze them in individual portions for quick and convenient meals later on.
How to Make Low Carb Air Fryer Meatballs
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix it all together until well combined. I like to use my hands to do the mixing. It’s easier than with a spatula.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Form 12 equal-sized meatballs from the mixture.
Place the meatballs, spaced so they aren’t touching each other, if possible, in the air fryer basket.
Step 3: Bake
Cook on 380° F(193°C) for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Transfer the meatballs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can serve them on their own, on top of mashed potatoes with some gravy, or with marinara sauce in a meatball sandwich. So many possibilities.
Storing Options
Refrigerator: Place the cooked meatballs in an airtight container or ziplock bag and store them in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Place the meatballs in an airtight container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. If you plan to store the meatballs for an extended period, consider using airtight freezer-safe containers or double wrapping them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for extra protection.
Reheating Options
Air Fryer: The air fryer is a great option for reheating meatballs as it helps retain their crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F(190°C) and place the meatballs in a single layer, and cook for 5-8 minutes.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F(176°C) and arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet, and cover them with foil to prevent drying. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
Questions About the Recipe
Can I make the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version?
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs. Just make sure they are finely ground for better binding.
Can I make mini-meatballs instead of regular-sized ones?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time accordingly when making smaller meatballs as they will cook faster. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
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Air Fryer Meatballs
Equipment
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound (227 g) lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound (227 g) lean ground pork
- 1/4 cup (30 g) seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons (10 g) parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon (5 g) Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup (40 g) onion diced
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
- Form 12 equal-sized meatballs.
- Place the meatballs, spaced so they aren’t touching, in the air fryer basket.
- Cook on 380° F (193°C) for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Transfer meatballs to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adding grated onion to the meat mixture is a great way to get onion flavor and add moisture to the recipe without big chunks of onion that some may find off putting.
- If the meatball mixture feels too wet, add more bread crumbs to help bind it together.
- Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to measure the mixture for evenly-sized meatballs.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary.
- Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze them in individual portions for quick and convenient meals later on.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Angela lives a low-carb lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest with her two kids. She loves to read, cook, bake, try new recipes, and travel.