Speaking of air fryers, it can be said that it has completely changed the way we cook. It uses hot air circulation to make the ingredients crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and is healthier than traditional frying.
But when making homemade meatballs in air fryer, have you ever encountered this problem: "How long to cook metaballs in air fryer?" It is important to master a reasonable cooking time so that you can make the perfect meatballs.
Today, we will explain to you the ideal baking times for different types of meatballs, as well as tips for making delicious meatballs in an air fryer. Whether it’s fresh or frozen meatballs, as long as you master the tricks, the meatballs you make will be fragrant and mouth-watering!
Can You Cook Meatballs in an Air Fryer?
You can definitely cook air fryer meatballs! This method is not only convenient and efficient, but also has the following advantages:
- Healthier cooking. Compared with traditional frying, the air fryer uses much less oil, which greatly reduces the fat and calories of the meatballs, but the taste and texture are not reduced at all.
- Save time. The air fryer preheats faster than a traditional oven and cooks food faster, allowing you to taste delicious food as soon as possible.
- Bake evenly. The hot air circulating in the air fryer heats all sides of the meatballs evenly, ensuring consistent texture and flavor.
- Easy to clean. Most air fryer baskets and base plates are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze compared to traditional frying.
How Long Do You Cook Meatballs in the Air Fryer?
Cooking delicious meatballs in air fryer is actually easy. However, the cooking time will vary depending on whether you are using fresh or frozen meatballs.
Fresh meatballs
If you choose fresh meatballs in air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature at 375°F (190°C) and cook until done in about 10-12 minutes.
But it also depends on the size of the meatballs and the meat used. Smaller meatballs take less time, and turkey or chicken meatballs cook faster than beef or pork meatballs. Don’t forget to spread the meatballs evenly in the basket to avoid overcrowding. If the quantity is larger, you can cook it in batches. Then shake the basket occasionally during the process to allow the cooked meatballs in air fryer to heat evenly.
Frozen meatballs
As for frozen meatballs, they need to be cooked at the same temperature for 5-6 minutes longer, about 15-18 minutes. As with fresh meatballs, be sure to distribute the frozen meatballs evenly and don't overcrowd them. No need to defrost it beforehand, just start cooking after taking it out of the refrigerator. Also don't forget to shake the basket intermittently to ensure even heat and flavor.
How to Make Meatballs in an Air Fryer?
Making meatballs in air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy this classic dish with less oil and less mess. We have summarized detailed methods for you using the Schwua Air Fryer Oven as an example, as it has a large capacity of 10L and a user-friendly smart touch interface, which is very convenient, you can try it.
Step 1. Prepare meatball ingredients
First prepare these ingredients: ground meat (beef, pork, chicken or a mixture), bread crumbs, eggs, diced onions, minced garlic, chopped coriander, salt and pepper, and if you like, add some Parmesan cheese. If you feel the bread crumbs are too dry, add some milk to moisten them.
The useful tip is to put all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, but don't mix too hard, otherwise, the meatballs will become old. Then use an ice cream scoop or your hands to shape the meatballs into evenly sized meatballs so they will be cooked thoroughly when baked. If your hands are sticky with the meat filling, you can wet your hands with some water and continue kneading.
Step 2. Preheat the air fryer
Preheating the air fryer is optional, but doing so will help the meatballs cook more evenly. If you decide to preheat, set the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
Step 3. Cook delicious meatballs
Now set the SCHWUA Air Fryer to 190°C (375°F), which is the temperature that will make the meatballs crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Then spread the meatballs flat in the basket, leaving some space in between for air circulation. If you are making too much, divide it into several batches.
Step 4. Checking for doneness
Use a thermometer to check the inside temperature, it is considered done when it reaches 74°C (165°F). If the outside is golden and crispy, the inside is not pink, and the juice when pierced is transparent, it means the meatballs are cooked thoroughly.
Conclusion
In short, to make perfect meatballs, knowing how long to cook meatballs in air fryer is crucial. Whether you choose fresh or frozen meatballs, preheating your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and adjusting the cooking time accordingly is a critical step. Follow these simple tips to enjoy delicious meals every time. You might as well try different ingredients and flavors boldly to let the air fryer release more cooking fun and bring endless surprises!
