Air Fryer Greek Meatballs
These Air Fryer Greek Meatballs offer a delicious Mediterranean twist with savory ground meat, fresh herbs, tangy feta, and the crispy crunch that the air fryer delivers. These meatballs are perfect for any occasion—whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a flavorful appetizer, or a healthy meal prep option. They are lightened up with the air fryer, making them a healthier choice compared to traditional frying methods, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer (at least 3-4 quarts)
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring Cup for breadcrumbs
- 1 Meat Thermometer (optional but helpful)
- 1 Spoon or Scoop for shaping meatballs
- 1 Cooking Spray (for greasing the air fryer basket)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g Ground Beef or Lamb
- 1/2 cup 50g Breadcrumbs
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/4 cup 30g Crumbled Feta Cheese
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/4 cup 4g Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup 40g Red Onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Olive oil spray for greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, crushed feta, garlic, oregano, parsley, red onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange Meatballs in Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch to allow for even air circulation.
- Air Fry the Meatballs: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer—meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Meat Choices: You can use either ground beef or lamb. Lamb is more traditional, but beef will give a slightly milder flavor.
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Cooking Times: Air fryer cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand and size of your air fryer. Always check the internal temperature to be sure the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these meatballs with a side of tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.