Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on this site, I may earn a commission.
Read my Privacy Policy.
Meatballs are a fantastic option when you aren’t sure what to make for dinner. They are made even easier when you use an air fryer. Air fryer meatballs are fast and easy to make, require minimum cleanup, and you can enjoy them as a main course or add them to other things such as a plate of pasta or to some bread to make a sandwich.

Meatballs are a great way to stock your freezer. You can freeze them raw or cooked (though, cooked is often the better choice), and then simply thaw them when you’re ready to make a fast dinner. The uses for meatballs are seemingly endless. Let’s take a look.
Ways To Use Meatballs
If you make a big batch of these and aren’t sure how to use them up, I’m here to tell you that this is a very short list of options, but a great place to start.
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Meatball subs
- Meatball sliders
- Meatball pizza
- Meatball soup
- Meatball stroganoff
- Meatball salad bowls
- Meatball-stuffed peppers
- Meatball tacos
- Meatball stir-fry
- Meatball curry
- Meatball fried rice
- Meatball lasagna
- Meatball casserole
- Meatball skewers
- Meatball gyros
- Meatball lettuce wraps or regular wraps
What To Serve With Air Fryer Meatballs
A good, homemade spaghetti is always a classic to enjoy with meatballs. Meatball sandwiches are always and options and definitely give you something different than the usually hamburger. You can also serve them as a main course on their own, or you can toss them into a casserole dish, top them with cheese, and serve them with some rice and a side of veggies.

Pro Recipe Tips
What You’ll Need To Make Air Fryer Meatballs
Lean ground turkey – If you prefer, you can use beef or pork, or a combination. Any ground meat will work well here.
Red onion – In a pinch, you can use yellow onion.
Green bell pepper – While this give a delicious flavor, you can use a red bell pepper as well if you want these meatballs to have a hint of sweetness.
Garlic cloves – Use large cloves.
Large egg
Whole grain bread crumbs – Panko makes whole wheat bread crumbs, or you can make some toast, let it dry, and then blend it into crumbs yourself.
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper – To taste.
Ketchup – Us the no-sugar variety.
Sweetener – Use a natural sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, or a dry sweetener such as Sucanat, coconut sugar, or monk fruit.
How To Make Air Fryer Meatballs

Prep and measure all the ingredients.

Add the ground turkey, onion, peppers, garlic, egg, pork rind crumbs, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste to a large mixing bowl, and knead with your hands until well combined.

Form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, and place into a well greased air fryer tray.

Air fry at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until browned and cooked through. They should be a minimum of 165℉ on a meat thermometer.

Stir together the sugar free ketchup and sweetener.

Brush the mixture onto the top of the meatballs, and return them to the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes before serving.

Serve as is, or add to other things. You can even serve these on toothpicks for a party.

Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Wrap them well and keep them in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Reheating
Reheat in an air fryer or in a skillet on a stovetop.
SUBSCRIBE
Remember to subscribe to my free newsletter to receive all my latest recipes in your inbox. Click here to sign up!


Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
- ⅓ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 tsp. minced garlic (or pressed)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole grain bread crumbs (Panko makes whole wheat bread crumbs, or you can make your own at home from toast with a food processor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup ketchup (no sugar added)
- 1 tbsp. Sucanat (or coconut sugar, or monk fruit)
- salt and pepper (to taste at serving)
Instructions
- Prep and measure all the ingredients.
- Add the ground turkey, onion, peppers, garlic, egg, pork rind crumbs, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste to a large mixing bowl, and knead with your hands until well combined.
- Form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, and place into a well greased air fryer tray.
- Air fry at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until browned and cooked through. They should be a minimum of 165℉ on a meat thermometer.
- Stir together the sugar free ketchup and sweetener .
- Brush the mixture onto the top of the meatballs, and return them to the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Serve as is, or add to other things. You can even serve these on toothpicks for a party.