Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Air frying frozen meatballs is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious bite-sized treat with a crispy exterior. This simple method ensures perfectly cooked meatballs that are great for appetizers, entrees, or adding to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients
- 1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Step 1: Place half of the frozen meatballs into the basket of the air fryer in a single layer.
- Step 2: Close the basket and air fry the meatballs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping and cooking.
- Step 4: If you prefer extra crispy meatballs, continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the cooked meatballs and repeat the process for the remaining half of the bag if desired.
- Step 6: Serve the meatballs warm with your choice of BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, over spaghetti, or in any recipe that calls for meatballs.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra boost of flavor, toss the meatballs in your favorite sauce immediately after air frying.
- Use a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Try different sauces like Swedish meatball sauce, teriyaki glaze, or a spicy buffalo sauce for a new twist.
Storage
Store leftover cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen meatballs directly in the air fryer without thawing?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer. This method delivers crispy, hot meatballs quickly without the need to thaw.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Air frying for 10 minutes at 400°F usually achieves this, but shaking the basket halfway ensures even cooking.
PrintAir Fryer Frozen Meatballs Recipe
Crispy and flavorful air fryer frozen meatballs cooked to perfection in just minutes. Perfect as a quick appetizer, entree, or addition to your favorite dishes like spaghetti or meatball subs, these meatballs come out tender and juicy inside with a delightful crispy exterior using a simple air frying technique.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 13 meatballs per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) if your model requires preheating to ensure even cooking.
- Place Meatballs: Place half of the frozen meatballs, approximately 13 ounces, into the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the Meatballs: Close the basket and air fry the meatballs at 400°F for 10 minutes for thorough heating and to develop a crispy exterior.
- Shake Halfway: Around the 5-minute mark, shake the basket gently to turn the meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides.
- Optional Extra Crispiness: If you prefer your meatballs extra crispy on the outside, continue cooking them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes after the initial 10 minutes.
- Cook Remaining Meatballs: If desired, repeat the same cooking process with the remaining half of the frozen meatballs.
- Serve: Serve immediately as an appetizer or entree. Pair with your favorite BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, or use them as a topping on spaghetti or in sandwiches.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking and proper crispiness.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and size of the meatballs.
- For best texture, shake or turn meatballs halfway through cooking.
- These meatballs can be served with a variety of sauces like marinara, BBQ sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
- Make sure meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) if you are concerned about food safety.
Keywords: air fryer meatballs, frozen meatballs, air fryer recipes, quick appetizers, easy meatballs

