Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are juicy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor! Ready in just 15 minutes, they make for a quick and easy meal or a fabulous appetizer.

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.

Easy Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Growing up, my mother would always make these Mozzarella Stuffed Air Fryer Meatballs, for a great lunch and dinner! The air fryer has replaced the oven for most of my recipes, and this one is no different.

Cheese-stuffed meatballs are amazing, the kids will love them. Serve on a roll, or with your favorite pasta, and you have one of the easiest and family-friendly meals. After all, who doesn’t love cheese.

This is a very versatile dish; you can either serve it with a KETO-friendly option such as Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles or alone as an appetizer with some toothpicks to eat them with!

But if you are looking for a great Italian feast, serve this up with a healthy plate of Instant Pot Italian Spaghetti and end the meal with my homemade Air Fryer Cannolis.

Looking for even more Air Fryer Italian Recipes? Some of my favorites are AIR FRYER EASY ITALIAN CHICKEN TENDERS, AIR FRYER ITALIAN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH, and AIR FRYER ITALIAN HERB-ROASTED OLIVES.

Why you’ll love making cheese stuffed meatballs in the air fryer

• Quick and Easy: Air fryer cheese-stuffed meatballs cook rapidly, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in a fraction of the time it would take to bake them. This efficiency makes them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Juicy and Flavorful: The air fryer ensures the meatballs remain moist and tender while the cheese inside melts to create a gooey, flavorful center. This combination enhances the overall taste and texture, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Less Mess: Using an air fryer for cheese-stuffed meatballs reduces the need for excessive oil and cleanup, as the air fryer’s non-stick basket makes for easy cooking and minimal mess. This convenience is ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free cooking process.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

• Ground Meat: I used ground chicken but you can use ground turkey or beef if you prefer
• Breadcrumbs: Panko or Italian breadcrumbs work great
• Egg: Holds together the meat mixture to make perfect balls
• Italian Seasoning: Usually consists of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and marjoram
• Salt and Pepper
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store bought or make your own!
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• To Serve: Hoagie Rolls, shredded Zucchini, or Pasta

How To Make Mozzarella Stuffed Air Fryer Meatballs

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making cheese stuffed meatballs in air fryer.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Using your hands, shape the meatballs into 1 to 2 inch balls. Either place them into a greased baking pan or place them into a greased air fryer basket.

Set the temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway.

Spread the Marinara sauce over the cooked meatballs, and then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. Set back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 300 degrees F or until the cheese has melted.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe Tips

• You can switch this recipe out for ground turkey or ground beef.
• Shake the basket several times during the cooking process, or use a pair of tongs to flip the meatballs, this way, both sides cook up perfectly.
• Watch the air fryer while the cheese is cooking up; depending on the model of air fryer you own, it will go from undone to burnt in seconds.
• Cook these chicken meatballs at a temperature of 350 F whether you are using an air fryer or an oven. If you use ground beef, you can increase the temperature to 375 F. After you add the cheese, decrease the temperature to 350 degrees F so as to not burn your cheese.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe Faqs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella? Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda. However, mozzarella is a popular choice due to its excellent melting properties.

How do I ensure the cheese stays inside the meatballs while cooking? To prevent the cheese from oozing out, make sure to seal the meatballs well around the cheese. You can also chill the meatballs before air frying to help the cheese stay contained during cooking.

What ground meat is best for making stuffed meatballs? Ground beef, pork, or a combination of both works well for stuffed meatballs. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.

How long do I need to cook the meatballs in the air fryer? Cook the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Ensure they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for beef or pork.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking or freeze them for longer storage. Adjust the cooking time if cooking from frozen.

What should I serve with mozzarella stuffed meatballs? These meatballs pair well with marinara sauce, spaghetti, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauces.

Can I make these meatballs without an air fryer? Yes, you can bake the meatballs in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they are cooked through and the cheese is melted.

What can I do if my meatballs are overcooked and dry? To avoid dryness, ensure you don’t overcook the meatballs. If they do turn out dry, you can serve them with a flavorful sauce or add them to a dish with a sauce to help moisten them.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH
• BBQ AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
• AIR FRYER GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN RECIPE
• AIR FRYER PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CALZONES
• AIR FRYER STEAK FAJITAS

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