Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs 

Ready in just 30 minutes, these Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs make a delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer, side dish, or main course. They are juicy and flavorful made with ground lamb, savory spices, and hearty bread crumbs. 

If you’re looking for a quick, flavor-packed dish that requires minimal preparation, you’ll love this lamb meatballs air fryer recipe! Nutrient-dense ground lamb is seasoned with Mediterranean spices–including ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika–fresh parsley, garlic and onion, and panko breadcrumbs. The air fryer secures all the juices of the meat inside with a hint of crispiness on the outside for the perfect tender meatballs. 

This bite-sized dish is excellent as a standalone appetizer or delicious served over rice, in wraps, on top of pasta, or alongside a fresh salad for a full meal. With just 10 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer, they’re an easy go-to for busy weeknights or a last-minute gathering. Easily whip up this delicious crowd-pleaser any time!

For more air fryer meatballs recipes, try my Air Fryer Albanian Meatballs, Porcupine Meatballs, or Air Fryer Bison Meatballs.

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: Cooking this lamb meatballs recipe in the air fryer saves you time without sacrificing texture and flavor! 
• Healthy and Nutrient Dense: Ground lamb recipes are an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. They offer a tasty and nutritious meal option! 
• Versatile: This Greek lamb meatballs air fryer recipe is perfect for any occasion–serve them as an appetizer, in a wrap, alongside pasta, or over a grain bowl to suit your mood!

Ingredients

Below are the simple ingredients you need to make this lamb meatballs air fryer recipe: 

• Ground Lamb: Choose a higher fat content, around 15-20% for a richer flavor and more tender texture. Or opt for a leaner ground lamb if desired. 
• Onion: Finely diced yellow or white onion adds moisture and a hint of sweetness to the meatballs. 
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a savory depth of flavor and aromatic note. 
• Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the meatball flavor. Or use 2 teaspoons of dried parsley if you can’t find fresh.  
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Act as a binder to hold the meatballs together. Choose unflavored breadcrumbs or swap with flavored breadcrumbs to add more depth of flavor. 
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the moist texture. 
• Spices: Savory ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika add a spicy Mediterranean flavor. Kosher salt and ground black pepper help balance the overall flavors. 

How to Make Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs 

Prepare air fryer. Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350ºF. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil.

Mix ingredients. Add the ground lamb, minced onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined. 

Form meatballs. Measure 1-2 tablespoons of the ground meatball mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Cook meatballs. Place the formed meatballs in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through the cooking time. Remove when the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160ºF using a meat thermometer.

Serve. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and enjoy as an appetizer, side dish, or main course!

Pro-Tips For Making This Recipe

• Use quality lamb. Choose a high-quality ground lamb for the best texture and flavor; the better the quality, the tastier the meatballs will be. 
• Avoid over-mixing. When combining the ground lamb mixture, mix gently to keep the meatball texture tender. Overworking the ingredients can make the finished meatballs dense and tough. 
• Uniform sizing. Use a small 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or a large spoon to form evenly-sized meatballs. This helps them cook uniformly in the air fryer. 
• Preheat the air fryer. Allow your air fryer to preheat for at least a few minutes before cooking the meatballs to ensure even cooking and optimize browning. This will give them an extra crisp exterior. 
• Avoid overcrowding. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer with space between each in the air fryer basket. This prevents steaming and ensures each meatball forms crispy edges. 
• Test for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to test the doneness of the meatballs–they should reach 160ºF. 
• Rest before serving. Allow the meatballs to sit for a few minutes before serving. The meat will continue to cook slightly as it cools and the juices will redistribute for an extra juicy texture. 

Recipe Variations

Below are optional variations to customize these lamb meatballs as desired:

• Meat: Substitute the ground lamb with ground beef, pork, or chicken if preferred.
• Herbs: Include up to ¼ cup of alternative fresh herbs like mint or basil instead of the parsley for a unique herbaceous twist. 
• Cheese: Mix ½ cup of crumbled feta or parmesan cheese into the lamb mixture to add a creamy, tangy flavor. 
• Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. 
• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground lamb with 1 can (15 oz) of mashed chickpeas for a meat-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to suit dietary needs. 

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these savory meatballs for any occasion as a hearty appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, a protein-rich garnish on salads, bowls, or pasta, or even as a main course. Below are some of the recipes we love to serve with this dish:

• Instant Pot Lemon Greek Rice
• Easy Tzatziki Sauce 
• Crispy Air Fryer Greek Potatoes

Storage Directions

• Refrigerating: Allow the meatballs to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container and storing for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Arrange the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer the frozen meatballs to an airtight freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. 
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated meatballs in the air fryer at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes for frozen meatballs. 

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture, form the meatballs, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Or cook the meatballs and store them frozen for easy later use. See the storage section above for more information. 

How long to cook lamb meatballs in the air fryer? This recipe takes 8-10 minutes to cook the meatballs (flipping halfway through), though the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the meatballs. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160ºF. 

Can I use frozen meatballs?  While I recommend using fresh ground lamb to prepare this recipe for the best taste and texture, you can also make these air fryer meatballs with frozen meat. Thaw frozen lamb meat overnight in the refrigerator then prepare the recipe as outlined. 

More Meatball Recipes

• Vegan Chickpea Meatballs 
• Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders
• Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs
• Cheesy Air Fryer Meatballs
• Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

More Air Fryer Recipes

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

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