Air Fryer Meatballs: A Quick and Healthy Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Place the onion in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped onion, lean beef mince, dried Italian herbs, Dijon mustard, egg, grated zucchini, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Divide the mixture into 20 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small, uniform ball.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with low-calorie cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
5. Air Fry: Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. The meatballs are done when they are browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; they should reach 160°F (71°C).
6. Serve: Serve the cooked meatballs as a main course with your favorite sauce, or use them as a component in a larger dish like a pasta bake or sub sandwich.

Tips for the Best Results

1. Uniform Size: Make sure your meatballs are all the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking in batches is crucial for achieving that desired crispy exterior.
3. Customize: Feel free to add other seasonings to the meatball mixture, such as garlic powder, a pinch of nutmeg, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
4. Sauce Pairing: These meatballs are perfect with marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, or a creamy mushroom sauce.