Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

Prepare these quick and easy air fryer lamb meatballs with a Mediterranean twist. They’re perfect as a party appetizer or served as the main course alongside your favorite side dishes.

Cooking lamb meatballs in the air fryer make for a quick lunch or dinner. This is one of the best ways to make lamb meatballs!

If you love easy meatball recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Beyond Meatballs, Vegan Chickpea Meatballs, Air Fryer Porcupine Meatballs, or Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs.

Why You Will Love Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

• Speed and Efficiency: Air frying lamb meatballs is quick and efficient.
• Even Cooking: The Air Fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking, so your lamb meatballs are perfectly cooked on all sides without constant flipping.
• Crispy Texture: Air frying produces a crispy and golden brown exterior while retaining the juicy and tender interior of the lamb meatballs.
• Less Mess: Air frying minimizes splattering and reduces kitchen mess.
• Customizable Flavors: You have complete control over the seasonings and ingredients, allowing you to customize the lamb meatballs to your preferences.
• Versatility: The Air Fryer can accommodate various sizes and types of lamb meatballs, making it a versatile appliance for preparing various recipes.
• Perfectly Cooked Every Time: With precise temperature control and cooking times, the Air Fryer consistently delivers perfectly cooked lamb meatballs, eliminating the risk of overcooking or undercooking.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Ground Lamb: Ground lamb It’s an excellent source of B-complex vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, choline, and other essential nutrients.
• Onion: Finely minced onion adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the lamb meatballs.
• Garlic: Minced garlic cloves infuse the meatballs with aromatic and savory notes.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous element to the meatballs, enhancing their freshness.
• Bread Crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs serve as a binder keeps the meatballs together.
• Egg: Contributes to the meatballs’ structure and moisture content.
• Salt: Enhances the lamb’s natural flavors, and balancing the overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spiciness and complements the other flavors.
• Ground Cumin: Provides a warm and earthy spice, lending depth and complexity.
• Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky sweetness and a touch of color to the lamb meatballs.
• Olive Oil: Helps them achieve a crispy exterior.
• Optional Seasonings: Use dried oregano, coriander, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes for additional flavor.

How To Make Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

Here are step-by-step instructions for foolproof, easy air fryer lamb meatballs:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your Air Fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Prepare the Lamb Mixture: Combine the ground lamb, finely minced onion, garlic, chopped fresh parsley, bread crumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and paprika in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon for this step.

Form Meatballs: Take portions of the lamb mixture and shape meatballs, or roll them into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.

Air Fry Lamb Meatballs: Lightly brush or spray the raw meatballs with a small amount of olive oil. This helps them achieve a crispy exterior. Place lamb meatballs in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket, leaving space between each for proper air circulation. Cook the lamb meatballs in the Air Fryer at 375°F (190°C) with a cook time of  10-12 minutes. You may want to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.

Serving: Once the lamb meatballs are cooked to your desired level of doneness and have a crispy exterior, remove them from the Air Fryer.  You can garnish the lamb meatballs with additional chopped parsley or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Tzatziki or hummus.

Serving Suggestions Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

• Greek Style Salad: A Greek-style salad is a great way to add a bright and acidic flavor to the meal.
• Air Fryer Lemon Roasted Potatoes: This tangy side dish pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of lamb meatballs.
• Air Fryer Green Beans: Green beans with garlic provide an earthy contrast to the richness of the lamb meatballs.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A cool and creamy dip is an essential accompaniment to Greek Food.
• Pita Bread: Pita bread is a classic accompaniment to many Greek dishes and is no different from lamb meatballs.

Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs Recipe Tips

• Choose High-Quality Ground Lamb: Start with high-quality ground lamb for the best flavor and texture.
• Use Fresh Herbs and Spices: Use fresh herbs like parsley and mint whenever possible.
• Chill the Mixture: After mixing the lamb and other ingredients, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes.
• Keep Hands Moist: Wet your hands slightly with water when forming the meatballs.
• Uniform Meatball Size: Make the meatballs consistent to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
• Lightly Oil the Meatballs: Before air frying, lightly brush or spray the meatballs with a small amount of olive oil, or cooking spray.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the cooking time, especially if you’re making different-sized meatballs.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For precise doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the largest meatball.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the lamb meatballs to rest for a few minutes after air frying.

Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen lamb meatballs in an air fryer? Yes, you can use frozen meatballs in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer, place the frozen meatballs in the basket, and cook them according to the package instructions or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Do I need to flip the meatballs while cooking in the air fryer? Flipping the meatballs halfway through the cooking time is a good idea to ensure even browning and cooking on all sides.

How do I prevent meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper or silicone liners designed for air fryers.

Can I use different types of meat to make meatballs in the air fryer? Yes, you can use various meats like beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a combination of meats to make meatballs in the air fryer.

How do I know when meatballs are done in the air fryer? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the largest meatball. Meatballs are safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.

Can I cook meatballs with sauce in the air fryer? You can cook meatballs with sauce in the air fryer, but it’s important to be mindful of excess moisture that may accumulate in the basket. Using a wire rack or perforated tray can help lift the meatballs above any liquid, ensuring they maintain their texture.

Can I make meatballs ahead of time and air fry them later? Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and shape the meatballs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

How to store leftover lamb meatballs: Let them cool to room temperature and place them into a freezer bag or airtight container. The lamb meatballs will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.  To freeze, place the prepared ground lamb meatballs on a prepared baking sheet or tray, place them into the freezer, and freeze until frozen solid. Then remove the frozen meatballs and lace them into a freezer-safe bag.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER, HOMEMADE GREEK BURGERS
• EASY AIR FRYER PERUVIAN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN CHIMICHANGAS

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

• Is air frying lamb meatballs healthier than traditional frying?
  • Yes, air frying generally uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, reducing the overall fat and calorie content.
• How do I ensure my lamb meatballs are cooked evenly in the air fryer?
  • Make sure the meatballs are uniformly sized, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. It helps to cook in batches and give each meatball enough space for air to circulate.
• Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
  • Preheating your air fryer can help achieve a consistent cooking temperature and result in evenly cooked meatballs. Most recipes recommend preheating to ensure optimal results.
• Can I cook frozen lamb meatballs in the air fryer?
  • Yes, frozen meatballs can be cooked directly in the air fryer, but they will require additional cooking time. Make sure to check for doneness before serving.
• How long do lamb meatballs typically take to cook in an air fryer?
  • Depending on their size and the specific air fryer model, lamb meatballs usually take between 10 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
• How do I keep my lamb meatballs juicy and tender in the air fryer?
  • Avoid over-mixing the meatball mixture, as this can make them tough. Including a binder, like breadcrumbs soaked in milk or egg, can also help retain moisture.
• Can I add other ingredients to my lamb meatballs before air frying?
  • Absolutely! Popular add-ins include chopped herbs, minced garlic, grated onion, spices, and even cheese. Experiment with different combinations to find your preferred flavor.
• How do I store leftover air-fried lamb meatballs?
  • Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
• What can I serve with lamb meatballs?
  • Lamb meatballs pair well with tzatziki sauce, a fresh salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables. They can also be used in subs or sliders with your choice of sauce.
• Are there any precautions to take when air frying lamb meatballs?

• Be sure to not overcrowd the air fryer, which can prevent the meatballs from cooking evenly. It’s also essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.