How To Cook Frozen Meatballs In An Air Fryer

How to cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer so that they turn out perfect every time. Eat them as an appetizer, or toss them in marinara sauce and serve over a bed of pasta or in between a sub bun.

When it comes to cooking for two, there is no better appliance than an air fryer. It is the perfect mechanism to cook individual or small meals.

But if you have been hesitant to purchase an air fryer, worried that it is just another appliance that will sit on your counter unused, let me explain why I love it so much.

Benefits of Cooking in an Air Fryer

1. Healthier Meals

An air fryer uses a fan, that is most often placed at the top of the appliance, to circulate hot air. This hot air is what cooks the food that is placed in the air fryer basket.

Therefore, you can enjoy foods that are typically deep-fried, such as French fries, fried chicken, and tater tots without the extra calories and guilt of them being cooked in oil.

2. Quick Meals

For those who are familiar with a convection oven, you know that it cooks faster than a conventional oven. That is because a convection oven also cooks by using hot air circulating around the food.

As you will learn when I show you how to cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer, food gets done much faster than even a convection oven. That is because an air fryer is smaller and more compact than a larger oven, which allows the food to be closer to the heat source. It is a great way to cook everything from Chicken Breasts to a side dish of Red Potatoes.

3. Energy Efficient

The third benefit of cooking in an air fryer is that it is much more energy efficient than turning on a large oven. This is especially true when it comes to cooking a small amount of food for two people.

Because it is a small appliance and it takes less time to cook the same amount of food, you use less energy than when you use your oven.

Can you tell I am a fan of cooking in an air fryer? I was like most people and was hesitant at first to purchase my first air fryer. However, when I got the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker/Air Crisper Combo, I was instantly hooked!

Now there are several air fryers on the market that are designed for individuals, couples, small and large families. My only recommendation is to purchase a size larger than you think you need.

That is because once you start using an air fryer, are going to want to cook everything in it! This includes cooking a Whole Chicken In The Air Fryer!

But now it is time to show you how easy it is to cook frozen meatballs!

How To Cook Frozen Meatballs In An Air Fryer

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb. Frozen Meatballs
Olive oil spray

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket in an even layer, leaving a little room between each one. Spray the meatballs evenly with olive oil spray.

You want to use olive oil spray not only to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the basket. But also, the light spray of olive oil will give the meatballs that iconic brown color on the outside surface.

2. Cook at 380°F (195° C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping or shaking the meatballs half way through the cooking process. The cook time will depend on the size of the meatballs. Small appetizer meatballs will take less time to cook when compared to full size, spaghetti meatballs.

Be sure to check the internal temperature of the largest meatball with an instant read digital thermometer. Cook until it reaches 165°F when inserted in the center.

3. Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and toss them in your favorite sauce if desired.

Seriously, that is all that it takes! No waiting for the oven to heat pre-heat, and no waiting 20 minutes for them to cook.

So on average, using an oven would take a total of 25-30 minutes to cook your meatballs. But now, you can have your meatballs and the dishes done in less time than that!

How To Serve Meatballs That Have Been Cooked In An Air Fryer

Frozen meatballs are great to keep on hand when you are cooking for one or two people. They can be used in a variety of recipes, some which you may hot have even considered.

In an effort to use everything in my freezer, I have found both common and creative ways to use them in my recipes. Below I have listed some of my favorite ways to serve air fryer cooked meatballs:

1. Stand Alone Appetizer or Main Dish – Serve them as is for a quick and easy appetizer with a side of barbecue sauce or as the main protein at dinner time.

2. Tossed In Marinara Sauce – Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in a pan with warm marinara or pasta sauce. Then serve over a bed of pasta. Or, even better in my opinion, place the drenched meatballs between a toasted sub bun with a slice of Provolone cheese.

3. Tossed in Grape Jelly & Chili Sauce – Although it doesn’t sound that delicious, you will be shocked at the flavor of these meatballs. Combine grape jelly and chili sauce in a saucepan and heat until combined. Then toss the meatballs in and serve them as an appetizer. One taste alone and you will be so glad that you learned how to cook meatballs in an air fryer!

Get Creative!!

4. Other Uses: Use the leftover meatballs as the protein in your breakfast scramble, as the meat in your Carbonaro sauce, or in your favorite Asian dish. Simply cut the meatballs in small pieces and mix them in whatever dish that you typically use ground beef!

For other fantastic Air Fryer Recipes be sure to visit my other recipe website Make Your Meals. There is a ton of air fryer recipes that are perfect for not only two people, but for families as well!

Enjoy! Mary

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