Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, juicy meatballs with minimal effort. Made with seasoned Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, they cook to golden perfection in the air fryer. Serve them as an appetizer with marinara sauce or pair them with pasta for a delicious meal!
Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs are a quick and easy way to enjoy a savory, flavorful snack or meal.
Made with Italian sausage and seasoned to perfection, these meatballs cook to crispy, golden-brown perfection in the air fryer with minimal effort. Whether served as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping or added to pasta, they are sure to become a family favorite, delivering a juicy, flavorful bite every time. Plus, they’re ready in less than 20 minutes, making them the perfect weeknight dinner or party treat!
Some of my other favorite easy air fryer recipe are LOW-CARB AIR FRYER SCOTCH EGGS, AIR FRYER CORNISH HENS, and AIR FRYER CREAM CHEESE AND HERB STUFFED CHICKEN.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- 🍽️ Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes for a fast and delicious meal.
- 🍖 Packed with Flavor: Made with seasoned Italian sausage, these meatballs are juicy and full of taste.
- 🔥 Crispy on the Outside, Juicy Inside: The air fryer gives them a perfect crisp without drying them out.
- 🍝 Versatile: Serve them on their own, in pasta, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: These meatballs are a hit with both kids and adults, making them perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients Needed
- Italian sausage (ground) – Flavorful ground Italian sausage for juicy, savory meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs – Light breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
- Garlic powder – Garlic powder for a savory, aromatic kick.
- Onion powder – Onion powder adds depth and mild sweetness.
- Egg – Egg to help bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Salt and pepper – Salt and pepper to season and enhance the flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs
Step One: In a large bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step Two: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Step Three: Set your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step Four: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over pasta.
Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs Recipe Tips
- 🍽️ Use Lean Sausage: Opt for lean ground Italian sausage to keep the meatballs juicy but not too greasy.
- 🧑🍳 Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to prevent dense meatballs.
- 🔥 Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for the best crisp and even cooking.
- 🕒 Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
- 🧀 Add Cheese: For extra flavor, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top of the meatballs before air frying.
- 🍅 Pair with Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, or add them to your favorite pasta for a complete meal!
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- Storing: 💾 Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool before storing to maintain their freshness.
- Freezing: ❄️ To freeze, place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: 🔄 To reheat, place meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs
Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. For a classic pairing, serve them with marinara sauce and crusty bread for dipping, or toss them in a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti or penne. They also pair well with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even a side of mashed potatoes for a more filling meal. Whether as an appetizer or the main course, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs Recipe Faqs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage? 🍗 Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but the flavor and texture may differ. Add extra seasoning to keep them flavorful!
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked? 🌡️ Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfect meatballs.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? ⏰ Yes! You can prep and form the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Can I freeze the meatballs?❄️ Yes! After cooking, freeze the meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They last up to 2 months.
How can I make the meatballs more flavorful? 🧄 Add more garlic, herbs, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to spice them up!
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- CRISPY AIR FRYER BRUSSELS SPROUTS
- AIR FRYER NEW YORK STRIP STEAKS
- AIR FRYER OLD-FASHIONED LIVER AND ONIONS
- EASY AIR FRYER SALMON KEBABS
- AIR FRYER LOW-CARB KETO-FRIENDLY SALAMI CHIPS
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making sure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve with marinara sauce for dipping or over pasta.
Equipment
- Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Pro Tips:
- This recipe will work in any Air Fryer Basket or Oven Model. I have made them through the years in the Ninja Food, Instant Pot Vortex, GoWise, PowerXL, Instant Pot Crisp Lid, and Maelthy Lid. The recipe will remain the same. The cooking time will vary slightly.
- For best results, try to shape all meatballs to about the same size, so they all cook up simultaneously.
- Try using a cookie scoop if you have trouble shaping the Air Fryer Italian Sausage Balls.
Nutrition
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