Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs (Quick & Easy)

These Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs are a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish. Made with a blend of herbs like oregano, mint, and garlic, they’re perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and tender interior. Paired with a tangy tzatziki sauce, they offer a delicious balance of savory and fresh flavors, making them a perfect meal or appetizer.

Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs are a simple and delicious way to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal with minimal effort. Packed with aromatic herbs like oregano, mint, and garlic, these meatballs cook perfectly in the air fryer, giving you a crispy outside and juicy inside.

Served with a tangy tzatziki sauce, they offer a fresh and flavorful bite that’s perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or a main course.

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

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and Easy: These lamb meatballs come together in just a few simple steps and cook in the air fryer in under 20 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight.
• Full of Flavor: Packed with fresh herbs like mint, oregano, and garlic, these meatballs are bursting with Mediterranean flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
• Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside: The air fryer gives these meatballs the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, juicy centers.
• Healthy and Light: Made without any extra oil, these meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions while still being full of flavor.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can serve these meatballs as an appetizer, main dish, or in a wrap, and they pair perfectly with tangy tzatziki sauce, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients Needed

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

• Ground lamb: Rich, tender meat that forms the base of the meatballs.
• Onion, finely sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the meatball mixture.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh, aromatic garlic for bold, savory flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together and add texture.
• Egg, beaten: Binds ingredients and helps the meatballs hold shape.
• Parsley: Fresh herbs that add color and brightness to the meatballs.
• Ground cumin: Earthy, warm spice with a slight citrusy flavor.
• Ground coriander: Adds a citrusy, sweet flavor that complements cumin.
• Smoked paprika: Smoky, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the meatballs.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the seasonings.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs 

Step One: Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil.

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

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

Step Four: Place the formed meatballs in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket. Air Fry with a cook time 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. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve with Greek yogurt, tahini sauce, lemon juice, or a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Expert Tips

• 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. 

Variations and Substitutions

• 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. 

What To Serve With Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement their Mediterranean flavors. Serve them with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, couscous, rice, or drizzled with olive oil and lemon for a light, fresh contrast.

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers also make a great pairing, adding a savory and slightly smoky element. For a more indulgent option, serve the meatballs with warm pita bread and a generous side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Storing

• 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. 

Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs Recipe Faqs

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. 

How To Cook Frozen Lamb Meatballs In Air Fryer:  To cook frozen lamb meatballs in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

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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