This easy and healthy homemade air fryer meatballs recipe is mess-free, simple and only requires a handful of ingredients. Made with ground pork and chicken, these meatballs are nutritious and easy to make in just 20 minutes in the air fryer. They are also gluten-free and are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner everyone will love!
Making meatballs in the air fryer is very simple and one of my favorite ways to make meatballs. These healthy meatballs are bursting with flavor and are super juicy without being greasy. We have made other similar meatballs recipes but I started making them in the air fryer recently and I love how easy and mess-free these air fryer meatballs are but most of all I love that my kitchen does not smell like fried food.
These meatballs are delicious with just about anything. Toss them in marinara sauce or serve them over buttered noodles or any other pasta. You can also pair them with roasted veggies or potatoes. We love them with a side of tomato and cucumber salad, and some veggies.
This is also an authentic Bulgarian meatballs recipe that is perfect for any gathering and are great for lunch or dinner. They are quick and easy to make, and they are for sure a crowd-pleaser. These meatballs resemble a burger, but they are smaller in size and are typically not eaten between bread buns as a typical burger would be but are served instead on their own as the main dish along with fries, a salad, and a cold beverage. They are a perfect quick dinner or can also be served as an appetizer.
Why you will love these easy and healthy air fryer meatballs
Delicious – These meatballs are truly amazing! All the ingredients complement each other so well when combined and the result is always juicy and mouthwatering delicious meatballs.
Quick and Easy – These are very quick and easy meatballs to make that do not require a lot of ingredients and are a great alternative to the typical burger. Since these meatballs are ready in under 30 minutes, they are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Healthy – These meatballs are filling, comforting, and satisfying but they are also healthy and high in protein. These are also low-carb and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- Meat – I like to use a combination of ground pork and ground chicken. I find that this combination of ground meats makes the meatballs light and juicy but also very flavorful. You can also use ground beef, veal, meatloaf mix, or a combination of any of these.
- Onion – finely chopped or grated
- Egg – the egg helps bind everything together
- Cheese – any of your favorite shredded cheeses will work for this recipe. I use whatever shredded cheese we have on hand. For this recipe, I used a Mexican cheese blend.
- Milk – I add a little bit of milk to my meatballs. I love how moist and juicy the meatballs turn out every time!
- Spices – Other than salt and pepper, and parsley (and cumin, if preferred), traditionally the Bulgarian meatballs are seasoned with a Bulgarian savory spice. Get yours here.
How to make these healthy homemade air fryer meatballs
See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat. Then crack the egg, add the cheese and the minced onion. Add the milk and the spices and mix very well with your hands.
Wet your hands and form the meatballs, gently flatten them like a burger, then place them in your air fryer. This is my air fryer and I love it. I also use these air fryer liners and they make cleaning up a breeze.
Cook them for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
Serving suggestions
You can serve these delicious meatballs with any of the below side dishes:
Traditional Bulgarian Potato salad
Greek salad – tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese with olive oil and vinegar vinaigrette
Tzatziki
Any green leafy salad
A piece of toast or a fresh slice of bread
Any roasted, fresh, or canned vegetables of your choice
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Easy and Healthy Homemade Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 2 teaspoons Savory spice optional but recommended
- 1 tsp cumin optional
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tablespoon parsley fresh or dried
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons of soy sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 F degrees.
- Finely chop the onion and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, diced onion, egg, cheese, milk, and spices. Mix well with your hands until well combined.
- Wet your hands and form the meatballs as big or small as you like. Start by forming them into a round shape then gently flatten them before placing them on the air fryer liners.
- Cook them for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
- Serve with your favorite fresh or cooked vegetables, fries, rice, or salad.
- Enjoy!
