Delicious Mini Meatballs Made in an Air Fryer

When it comes to quick and easy meals, mini meatballs prepared in an air fryer stand out as a delicious option. These meatballs are tender on the inside and can serve as either a main dish or a delightful side. They are also perfect for finger food, making them a versatile addition to any meal plan. I used the Ninja Speedi for this recipe, and the cooking times may vary slightly with different air fryer models.

Preparing Mini Meatballs in the Ninja Speedi

To whip up this tasty dish, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients: ground meat, an egg, slices of bread, onion, salt, pepper, and paprika. All these ingredients are readily available at your local supermarket. Fresh bread slices work well, but you can also use slightly stale bread. The process is straightforward—mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs, with the air fryer taking care of the cooking.

Reasons to Love Air Fryer Mini Meatballs

• Quick and Easy: The meatballs can be shaped and cooked in just 30 minutes.
• Minimal Ingredients: Basic items like ground meat, egg, bread, and onion are all you need.
• Low-Fat Cooking: The air fryer does the frying without the need for additional oil.
• Consistent Results: The even heat ensures all meatballs are perfectly browned and cooked through.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy them hot from the Ninja Speedi for lunch or cold as a snack on the go.

Tips and Variations for Your Mini Meatballs

To prepare the meatball mixture, combine the ground meat with the egg, finely chopped onions, and bread. Whether you choose fresh or slightly dried bread is up to you; both will provide the necessary binding and keep the meatballs fluffy. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

When shaping the meatballs, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. It’s important to space them out on the air fryer tray to allow proper air circulation. Flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

If you’re using a different air fryer model than the Ninja Speedi, keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.

I often make these meatballs, sometimes substituting bread with toast, which works just as well. I use whatever I have on hand.

You can also customize the recipe: for a Mediterranean twist, add some dried oregano or thyme. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes can elevate the flavor.

Serve these mini meatballs with a dollop of mustard or a fresh herb quark. They can be prepared a day in advance and are a fantastic option for lunchboxes.

You should also try my air fryer pumpkin or crispy gnocchi made in the air fryer.

These juicy mini meatballs are quick to shape, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. They are perfect for a speedy main course or a convenient snack.

Recipe Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Budget: Standard
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 16 pieces

Ingredients:

• 500 g ground meat (mixed)
• 1 onion
• 1 egg
• 2 slices of bread
• Salt, pepper, and paprika

Instructions:

1. Peel and finely dice the onion. Cut the bread into small cubes.
2. In a bowl, combine 500 g of ground meat, the diced onion, bread, and 1 egg. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then mix until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 16 equal-sized balls.
4. For cooking, I use the Ninja Speedi with the 5.7 l pot and the corresponding Cook and Crisp plate on the upper level. Place the meatballs on the plate, ensuring they do not touch. I typically cook 8 meatballs at a time, requiring two batches.
5. Set the air fryer to "Air Fry" and select "Hot Air Frying." Bake for 10 minutes at 200 °C, flipping halfway through.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’ve modified the recipe, please share your tips in the comments.

Instead of bread, toast can also be used.

Nutritional Information: 86 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g

Since 2013, I have been sharing simple savory and sweet recipes without specialty ingredients on my blog. I love cinnamon and garlic but consciously avoid cumin, coriander, and caraway. Each recipe is self-developed, thoroughly tested, and easy to replicate for authentic results from my kitchen to yours.