How To Cook Frozen Meatballs in an Air Fryer
Cooking frozen meatballs in the air fryer is a total game-changer! They turn out perfectly juicy inside with a lightly crisp exterior, and they’re ready in minutes. Whether for appetizers, pasta, or sandwiches, this easy method makes mealtime a breeze!
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs are pre-cooked meatballs conveniently cooked straight from frozen in an air fryer. This method delivers perfectly crispy exteriors and juicy, flavorful interiors without the need for added oil. No thawing, no mess—just endless possibilities!
Ideal for busy days, they can be served as appetizers, paired with pasta, added to subs, or coated in your favorite sauces for a quick and delicious meal.
The air fryer makes cooking frozen meatballs faster and healthier, maintaining their taste and texture with minimal effort.
Looking for more meatball recipes? Check out these Easy Air Fryer Keto Meatballs, Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs, and Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs.
Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs
- Spray oil
How to make Air Fryer Frozen Meatball
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer.
- Spray the meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs in the air fryer at 390°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even heating.
- Once the meatballs are heated through and browned, carefully remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately.
Learn From Us
- Avoid Over Crowding. After making meatballs a few times, I’ve learned that arranging them in a single layer really helps. The first time, I crowded them in a pan, and they ended up steaming instead. By the third time, I got it right! Each one had space to cook evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown crust. Now, I wouldn’t do it any other way.
- Add Sauce After Cooking: Learn from me, If you want crispy meatballs, cook them first and toss them into the sauce afterward. The first batch I made, I tossed it right away into the sauce and they turned out too soft. And for the last batch, I cooked them separately first, and they got the perfect crispy crust. From that moment on, I always do this way to keep them crispy on the outside and flavorful inside.
What to serve with Air Fryer Frozen Meatball
I’ve tried serving air fryer meatballs in so many ways, and they never fail me. The classic combo with spaghetti sauce and noodles, with creamy mashed potatoes. When I wanted a low-carb option, I paired them with zucchini noodles and roasted vegetables, which were surprisingly satisfying.
For a quick snack, I usually dip them in BBQ sauce or make them mini sliders with melted cheese and it works! I’ve tried a global inspiration too—I like serving them with rice for an Asian twist or stuffing them into pita with tzatziki for a Mediterranean vibe. No matter what, it’s delicious enough to be customized!
FAQs
1. Can I adjust the cooking time for larger or smaller meatballs?
Yes, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size of the meatballs. Larger meatballs may require a few extra minutes, while smaller ones may cook faster.
2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer for frozen meatballs?
Preheating the air fryer helps ensure even cooking, but it’s not strictly necessary. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if not preheating.
3. How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, make sure the meatballs are spread out in a single layer in the basket and shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Can I season the meatballs before or after cooking?
Yes, you can season the meatballs with your favorite spices or herbs after cooking for added flavor. If you season the meatballs while they are still frozen, the seasoning will probably fall off.
5. What should I do if the meatballs are not heated through after cooking?
If the meatballs are still cold in the center after cooking, you can extend the cooking time by a few minutes until they reach the desired temperature.
Do you love your air fryer? Here are some easy and delicious air fryer recipes you’ll want to try next!
Have you tried making the air fryer frozen meatballs? Let us know how they turned out! Drop a comment if you have any tips or want to share your favorite way to enjoy them.
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 bag approx. 1lb frozen meatballs
- spray oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer.
- Spray the meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs in the air fryer at 390°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even heating.
- Once the meatballs are heated through and browned, carefully remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately.
