Air Fryer Bison Meatballs

Air Fryer Bison Meatballs — If you love the taste of delicious, juicy, and flavorful bison meatballs but joke around with the idea of eating healthier than before, then an air fryer is your solution! With air frying is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience and healthier results than deep-frying.

Air Frying will provide perfectly cooked bison meatballs without that added greasy fat or unwanted calories. Please keep reading for our easy recipe breakdown on how to make mouthwatering Bison Meatballs using an Air Fryer!

What Is Bison?

Bison, also known as American buffalo, is a large, herbivorous mammal native to North America. They are part of the Bovidae family, which includes cows, sheep, and goats. Bison have a distinctive hump on their back and a shaggy mane, and they can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

Bison were once a vital part of the ecosystem and were hunted by Native Americans for thousands of years. However, by the late 1800s, bison populations had been decimated due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, bison are still considered a symbol of American history and are protected by conservation efforts.

Bison meat is a lean and healthier alternative to beef, or ground pork, with a slightly sweet and rich flavor. It is lower in fat and calories than beef and higher in protein and nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12. Bison meat can be used in various dishes, including bison burgers, steaks, roasts, and meatballs, and is widely available at specialty meat markets and online retailers. Bison is known for being a tender cut of meat with fewer calories.

The Best Air Fryer Bison Meatballs

The Best Air Fryer Bison Meatballs are a delicious and healthy meal. They’re made with ground bison, garlic, onion, and herbs, then air-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy exterior and juicy interior bursting with flavor. Plus, they take just minutes to prepare and cook!

These meatballs are great for a quick dinner or snack. They can be served as entrée with a side of vegetables, over pasta or rice, in wraps and sandwiches, or on their own. Add some cooked quinoa or couscous to the mix for a heartier meal. You can also make them larger to use as burgers.

Why You Will Love Making Bison Meatballs in Air Fryer

• Healthier Option: Bison is leaner than beef, making it a healthier choice. Cooking them in the air fryer requires little to no oil, making them even healthier.
• Evenly Cooked: The hot air in the air fryer circulates around the meatballs, cooking them evenly on all sides. This means you won’t end up with some overcooked meatballs while others are undercooked.
• Crispy Exterior: The air fryer gives the meatballs a crispy exterior without needing to fry them in oil. This makes them healthier and also more delicious.
• Quick and Easy: Cooking bison meatballs in an air fryer is quick and easy. It takes only 10-12 minutes to cook a batch of meatballs in an air fryer, which is much faster than cooking them in a traditional oven or stovetop. Making bison meatballs in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to enjoy a flavorful, protein-packed meal or snack.
• Versatile: Bison meatballs can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or added to your favorite pasta dish. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices and seasonings.

Ingredients Needed For Bison Meatball Recipe In Air Fryer

Are you looking for an easy, delicious recipe with your air fryer? Look no further than these flavorful bison meatballs! Tender and juicy, these bison meatballs are bursting with intense flavor thanks to their unique blend of ingredients.

Not only is this a great meal option that is lower in fat than ground beef, but the simplicity of tossing some ingredients together and popping them into your air fryer makes this dish something even the busy home cook can whip up quickly right at home. So grab your favorite spices and herbs—along with some lean ground bison —and get ready to plate up a fantastic dinner!

Remember the full recipe are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• Ground Bison: You can also grind your bison
• Bread Crumbs: Use panko bread crumbs or regular breadcrumbs; you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Egg: This will help bind the bison meatball together.
• Seasoning and Spices: Parsley, Minced Garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
• Favorite Marinara Sauce
• Cooking Spray: Or use olive oil.

How To Cook Bison Meatballs in Air Fryer

Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious dinner ready in no time? If so, bison meatballs cooked in an air fryer are the perfect solution! Bison meat is one of the leanest types of ground beef you can buy, and it has a wonderfully rich flavor. And when cooked in an air fryer, these savory bites get perfectly golden on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. Throw them into a salad or serve with your favorite pasta for an easy weeknight meal sure to please even picky eaters. Read on to learn how to cook bison meatballs in an air fryer!

Step One: Prepare The Bison Meatball Mixture

Combine the ground bison, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. Mix well to combine.

Step Two: Form Your Bison Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter using your hands. Preheat the air fryer, to 375 degrees F, for 3-5 minutes using the air frying setting.

Step Three: Air Fry Bison Meatballs

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, or brush the basket with olive oil. Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.

Remove when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, placing a meat thtmotmer into the center of the bison meatball with a meat thermometer.

Step Four: Serving

Once the meatballs are cooked and browned on the outside, remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Let the meatballs cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips For Cooking Ground Bison Meatballs In Air Fryer

Here are some pro tips for cooking bison in an air fryer:

• Use Lean Bison: Choose lean ground bison with a low-fat content to make your meatballs healthier and more flavorful.
• Add Moisture: Bison meat can be pretty lean, so adding moisture is essential to prevent the meatballs from drying out in the air fryer. You can do this by adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots or by using a binding ingredient like breadcrumbs or egg.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Leave enough space between the meatballs in the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate them evenly. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and can also cause tough meatballs.
• Use Cooking Spray: Use cooking spray to coat the air fryer basket and the meatballs before cooking. This will prevent sticking and help the meatballs become crispy.
• Check the Temperature: Check the internal temperature of the bison meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. The temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground bison.

By following these pro tips, you can cook bison in your air fryer to perfection, with juicy and flavorful meatballs that are crispy on the outside of the meatballs and tender on the inside.

What To Serve With Air-Fried Bison Meatballs

Air-fried bison meatballs are a delicious, healthy, protein-packed meal that can be paired with various sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying family dinner. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer meatballs.

• Salad: A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great light and healthy option for air-fried bison meatballs.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions make a great side dish for bison meatballs.
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic are a delicious and filling side dish for bison meatballs.
• Pasta: Serve bison meatballs over a bed of your favorite pasta with a tomato-based sauce for a hearty and comforting meal.
• Rice: A side of rice seasoned with herbs and spices is a simple and easy accompaniment for bison meatballs.
• Bread: Serve bison meatballs with garlic or crusty bread for a filling and comforting meal.

By pairing air-fried bison meatballs with any of these sides, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you full and satisfied.

Best Sauces For Air Fryer Bison Meatballs

Air-fried bison meatballs are delicious, but a sauce can add flavor and depth to the dish. Here are some sauces that go well with air-fried bison meatballs:

• Marinara Sauce: A good marinara sauce pairs well with bison meatballs. It’s rich and savory, and the acidity of the tomato sauce complements the richness of the bison meat. Any pasta sauces would work well on these juicy meatballs.
• Pesto Sauce: Pesto sauce is a flavorful and vibrant sauce that goes well with bison meatballs. Its garlicky and herbal flavors add a punch of flavor to the dish.
• Barbecue Sauce: A smoky barbecue sauce can add sweetness to the bison meatballs. Choose a sauce with moderate sweetness and smokiness to avoid overpowering the meatballs.
• Teriyaki Sauce: A sweet and savory teriyaki sauce can be an excellent complement to the bison meatballs. Its Asian-inspired flavors can create a nice contrast with the richness of the meatballs.
• Honey Mustard Sauce: A tangy and sweet honey mustard sauce is an excellent pairing with bison meatballs. Its flavors add a nice balance to the richness of the meatballs.

Adding these sauces to your air-fried bison meatballs can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will please your taste buds.

Where To Buy American Bison

American Bison can be found at many local grocery stores, meat markets, and specialty food stores. Here are some places where you can buy American Bison:

• Local Butcher Shops: Many local butcher shops carry American Bison meat. Check with your local butcher or specialty meat market to see if bison is available.
• Farmers Markets: You can also find American Bison at farmers’ markets, especially those specializing in locally-raised and sustainable meat.
• Online Retailers: Many online retailers specialize in bison meat, including bison steaks, roasts, and ground bison. Look for retailers that offer high-quality, sustainably raised bison. Honest Bison and Butcher Box are one of the most popular.
• Health Food Stores: Many stores carry American Bison meat, a lean and healthy protein option.
• Natural Grocers: Natural grocers focusing on organic and natural foods often carry American Bison meat.

When buying American Bison, make sure to look for meat that is grass-fed, free-range, and sustainably raised. This ensures that the meat is of high quality and is ethically and environmentally sourced.

How To Store Leftover Bison Meatballs

If you have leftover bison meatballs, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh for later:

• Refrigerator: Place the leftover bison meatballs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each leftover bison meatball in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. These are the perfect meatballs for meal prep.

How To Reheat Bison Meatballs In Air Fryer

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover bison meatballs, you can reheat them in the oven, stovetop, or air fryer. Here’s how:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet, and then add the meatballs. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until heated through.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes or until heated.

By storing your leftover bison meatballs properly and reheating them using one of these methods, you can enjoy a tasty and protein-packed meal again and again.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Meatballs
• Easy Air Fryer Italian Sausage
• Air Fryer Meatball Sub
• Air Fryer Italian Meatballs

All in all, air fryer bison meatballs provide a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal option for any culinary enthusiast. This savory dish will surely be a hit whether served as an appetizer or the main course.

These juicy morsels taste amazing and contain a mere fraction of the fat found in regular beef meatballs – making them just as enjoyable but much healthier. Cooks with an air fryer can whip up these treats quickly and have them on their family’s dinner table sooner than they ever imagined. With minimal effort required and maximum flavor delivered, there’s no excuse not to make air fryer bison meatballs a staple in any home kitchen.