How To Make Frozen Meatballs In The Air Fryer
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Looking for a delicious meatball recipe that won’t have you spending all day in the kitchen measuring and rolling, and then cleaning up all night? These air fryer frozen meatballs are made so fast, and they are just as delicious. They can be finished cooking in the time it would typically take to preheat your oven. And it’s so simple that even kids can make them!
My family loves meatballs. Meatballs and spaghetti, meatball sandwiches, or just eating them the Italian way: no sauce with a knife and fork.
The only two things I dislike about making meatballs are the process of making them and the cleanup afterward. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about either of those anymore. And neither do you!
These air fryer-frozen meatballs are the easiest way to make meatballs with almost zero mess.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
- It’s a quick way to make frozen meatballs without having to wait to let them thaw or for the oven to preheat.
- With such a simple cooking method, even the kids can make them.
- You can make as many or as few as you want!
- Perfect for everything from an afternoon snack to a full Sunday dinner.
What Is A Typhur Dome Air Fryer?
I made this in the Typhur Dome Air Fryer! This air fryer model is one of the largest and fastest on the market. The sleek design of the Typhur Dome was modeled after professional pizza ovens. The 5.6 quart cooking space allows for a whole medium 12” pizza, 32 wings, or ten bacon strips.
The Air Fryer also never requires preheating, is “whisper-quiet”, and comes with Bluetooth and Wifi that allows an app to control the machine. It even has a self-cleaning mode that literally evaporates grease. You can find the Typhur Dome on their site -> here or Amazon-> here
Air Fryer Frozen Meatball Ingredients
You only need one ingredient for this recipe: frozen meatballs. I like to use the all-beef Italian-style meatballs from Costco Kirkland Signature line. But you can use your favorite frozen meatball brand.
- Meatballs– I use the Kirkland Beef frozen meatballs from Costco. They’re a nice, big size and have a delicious flavor.
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Substitutions & Alterations
Sure, you know Italian meatballs, but have you heard of Albóndigas, Köttbullar, Keftedes, or Köfte? From Sweden to Spain, almost every culture has a form of “meatball”. You can use these simple air fryer instructions to cook any of them. Some various types, from the simple to the exotic, include
- Ground Chicken Meatballs
- Ground Turkey meatballs
- Plant Based or Vegan meatballs
- Swedish meatballs (Köttbullar)
- Spanish meatballs (Albóndigas)
- Japanese chicken meatballs (Tsukune)
How to Cook Frozen Meatballs In The Air Fryer
Prep and make your meatballs in a few easy steps and less than 15 minutes!
Spray the air fryer basket or rack with a nonstick spray.
Spread your desired amount of meatballs into the basket or on the racks. You won’t want to overpack the meatballs in the need room for the air to circulate around the meatballs.
Turn your air fryer to 400 degrees for five minutes.
Use tongs to flip or shake the basket to move the balls around. Since I use the Typhur Dome, I pull the drawer open a bit and use the handle to shake them all around.
Finish cooking at 400 degrees for another five minutes
Remove the meatballs. I use tongs to do this step
Sauce (or don’t) and serve.
How Long To Cook Frozen Meatballs In The Air Fryer
Not all meatballs are of equal size. The Costco Kirkland Signature beef meatballs I used in the recipe are big. Smaller-sized meatballs, such as those used for appetizers, will require less cooking time. Unfrozen meatballs will also require a shorter cooking time.
Also, the Typhur Dome Air Fryer prides itself as the fastest cooking time in air frying. So times may vary with differing models of air fryers.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fried Meatballs
- If your meatballs are already thawed, you can decrease the cooking time in the air fryer.
- Spray the air fryer with a nonstick spray before cooking.
- Gauge cooking time on the size of the meatballs and if they are frozen or thawed.
- Use a slightly shorter cooking time if you don’t want your meatballs a little crispy.
- Use a thermometer to test the internal temperature if you are at all unsure.
Ways To Serve Air Fryer Meatballs
There are so many ways to serve these air-fryer meatballs. From on top of spaghetti to a classic meatball sub on a long roll. However you decide to use these cooked meatballs, you can’t go wrong. Here are a few of my favorite ways. See more meatball recipes listed in the section below.
- Meatballs and pasta – the simple and classic way to go
- Meatball sandwich – great for game day eats
- Meatball platter – saucy meatballs with melted mozzarella and a hefty serving of garlic bread
Garlic Bread Recipes To Go With Meatballs
Garlic bread is the perfect companion to meatballs. Try any of the following recipe options for delicious buttery garlic bread.
- Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
- English Muffin Garlic Cheese Bread
- Pull Apart Parmesan Bites
- Cheesy Monkey Bread
How To Store Leftover Meatballs
Store leftover meatballs in a well-sealed airtight container in the refrigerator. Stored properly, leftovers will be good for up to 4 days.
You can also refreeze (re-refreeze?) the air-fried meatballs. Stored properly, meatballs will be at their best for 2 months.
How To Reheat Meatballs
Reheat leftover meatballs in the microwave or in the air fryer. *NOTE: Don’t reheat meatballs with sauce in the air fryer.
In the microwave – Reheat on high for two minutes or until warmed through.
In the air fryer – place unsauced meatballs back in the air fryer and reheat at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through completely.
FAQs
How do I know if my meatballs are cooked all the way?
Use a thermometer to verify meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
More Delicious Meatball Recipes
- Meatball Tater Tot Casserole
- Meatball Potato Bowls
- Homemade Meatballs
- Meatball Biscuit Casserole
- Crockpot Meatball Subs
- Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta
- How To Air Fry Frozen Meatballs
More Great Air Fryer Recipes
I love using my air fryer to make quick and easy dinners! These are some of my family’s favorite recipes we make at home!
What is your favorite way to eat meatballs?
How To Air Fry Meatballs
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Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer with a nonstick spray
- Spread your desired amount of meatballs into the basket or on the racks.
- Turn your air fryer to 400 degrees for five minutes.
- Use tongs to flip or shake the basket to move the balls around
- Finish cooking at 400 degrees for another five minutes
- Remove and serve
