Air Fryer Mexican Meatballs
Air Fryer Mexican Meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on traditional meatballs. Full of bold Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, they cook up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside in the air fryer. These meatballs can be served in tacos, as an appetizer, or paired with rice and beans for a complete meal. With minimal oil and prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Equipment
- Air Fryer – 1 unit
- Mixing Bowl (1 unit)
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop (1 unit)
- Meat thermometer (optional, 1 unit)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup onion finely diced
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese optional, like Monterey Jack or Cheddar
Instructions
- reheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs (or crushed tortilla chips), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, cilantro, diced onion, lime zest, egg, and cheese (if using). Mix until fully combined.
- Scoop out portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can use your hands or a cookie scoop to form the meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides or as part of a taco or sandwich.
Notes
- Cheese: Adding cheese inside the meatballs is optional but recommended for extra flavor and a creamy surprise inside. Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well.
- Spiciness: For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture.
- Freezing: You can freeze these meatballs before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked meatballs, lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the air fryer from frozen.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips.