The Air Fryer Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal or as an appetizer. Made with tender, juicy meatballs, they’re coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that’s caramelized to perfection in the air fryer. This recipe is easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients, and is a healthier alternative to frying, making it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Meatballs are an amazingly easy appetizer or a quick meal. Made in the air fryer, they are extremely juicy, and tender and the honey garlic sauce is amazing. Lots & Lots of Flavor!
I have always served meatballs as an appetizer at my get-togethers. Everyone loves them. They are full of flavor, fun to eat, and they taste amazing. Plus, most everyone enjoys a meatball.
This sauce is really easy to make. Today, I used frozen meatballs since many people always ask me how to Air Fry Frozen Meatballs. But, if you want to make fresh meatballs, substitute them in the recipe. The recipe will work the same.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is super simple and takes minimal time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The honey garlic sauce gives these meatballs a perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness, creating a flavor-packed dish.
- Versatile: These meatballs are great as an appetizer, served over rice, in a sandwich, or paired with vegetables for a complete meal.
- Kid-Friendly: With their tender texture and mild sweetness, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients Needed

- Frozen meatballs: Convenient, ready-to-cook meatballs for easy meals.
- Olive oil spray: Lightly coats for a crispy finish.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic for savory, aromatic flavor.
- Ketchup: Sweet and tangy base for the sauce.
- Honey: Sweetener that balances the sauce’s savory flavors.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the sauce.
How To Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Meatballs

Step One: Add the meatballs to the air fryer basket, do not crowd. Otherwise, they will not cook correctly. Spray the meatballs with olive oil.
Step Two: Set the air fryer temperature to 380 degrees F and set cook time for 8-10 minutes. About halfway during air frying, shake the basket. Or, if you have an air fryer oven, use a pair of tongs and flip them over.

Step Three: In a small saucepan, add the garlic, and butter, and saute for a couple of minutes until the garlic is soft. Then add the rest of the ingredients, continue to simmer, and mix as it cooks– until it all comes together. Remove from heat.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe Tips
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure the meatballs cook evenly and get crispy, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use Frozen Meatballs for Convenience: Frozen meatballs are a time-saver and cook perfectly in the air fryer, but if you prefer, you can also use homemade meatballs for even more flavor.
Adjust the Sauce: If you like your meatballs spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
Flip Halfway: For even cooking and browning, flip the meatballs halfway through the air frying process.
Coat with Olive Oil: Lightly spraying the meatballs with olive oil helps them become golden and crispy without excess oil, making them healthier.
Make Extra Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the honey garlic sauce ingredients to ensure you have enough for dipping or serving over rice.
What To Serve With Honey Garlic Meatballs
These meatballs are great with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple salad, to complete your meal.
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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Meatballs
Description
Ingredients
Meatball:
- 1 pound meatballs, frozen
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Add the meatballs to the air fryer basket, do not crowd. Otherwise, they will not cook correctly.
- Spray the meatballs with olive oil.
- Set the temperature to 380 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. About halfway during air frying, shake the basket. Or, if you have an air fryer oven, use a pair of tongs and flip them over.
- Toss with the Honey Garlic Sauce.
Simple Honey Garlic Sauce Directions:
- In a small saucepan, add the garlic, and butter, saute for a couple of minutes until the garlic is soft.
- Then add the rest of the ingredients, continue to simmer, and mix as it cooks– until it all comes together.
- Remove from heat.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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