Whip up these tender and flavorful Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs for an easy, protein-packed meal! Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they’re a delicious addition to pasta, sandwiches, or appetizers.
Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs are a game-changer for quick, delicious, and healthier meals! These meatballs are incredibly tender and juicy thanks to the addition of creamy ricotta cheese, while the air fryer ensures they’re perfectly golden and crisp on the outside.
Made with simple ingredients, they come together quickly and cook in no time. Whether served with marinara sauce over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs are versatile and bursting with flavor. Try them today for a meal the whole family will love!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: These meatballs come together quickly with simple ingredients and cook perfectly in the air fryer in minutes.
- Tender and Juicy: The ricotta cheese keeps the meatballs moist and tender for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, a topping for pasta, or as a filling for subs.
- Packed with Flavor: Loaded with Italian seasonings, these meatballs deliver a burst of savory goodness in every bite.
If you love easy Air Fryer Italian Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Stuffed Spinach Pasta Shells, Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, or Pizza Hut Chicken Alfredo Pesto Recipe.
Ingredients Needed
- Ricotta Cheese: Use regular or low-fat.
- Bread Crumbs: You can use crushed pork rinds to make this a keto and low-carb dinner option.
- Romano Cheese: Or use Parmesan Cheese
- Egg: Use a large room-temperature egg.
- Pasta Sauce: Serve with your favorite pasta sauce, homemade or store-bought!
- Seasonings/Spice: Salt, Black Pepper, Parsley
How To Make Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs
Step One: Add the ricotta cheese to a large bowl. Stir to create a smooth consistency. Add the breadcrumbs with the ricotta. Add more bread crumbs for a stiffer meatball. Add in the Romano cheese and stir. Add the parsley, salt, and black pepper and combine.
Step Two: Add the large egg, and be sure to combine well. Beat the egg in a separate bowl and pour in, if desired. Grab about 1-2 tbsp of the mixture using your hands and roll it into balls.
Step Three: Pour the pasta sauce in a six-inch pan or pan that will fit into your air fryer. Add the prepared meatballs to the pasta sauce and spoon the sauce on top of each meatball to coat them. Air fry at 360 degrees F, set cook time for 8-12 minutes or until the meatballs have firmed. Allow cooling for five minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ricotta: For a creamy texture, use fresh ricotta cheese rather than a pre-packaged version. It will make the meatballs more flavorful and tender.
- Add Extra Breadcrumbs if Needed: If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, add a bit more breadcrumbs until the meatball mixture holds together easily.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryer baskets have limited space, so make sure to leave some room between the meatballs for even cooking and crispiness.
- Check Internal Temperature: To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Use a Non-Stick Spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and help the meatballs cook evenly.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Just air fry from frozen for a quick and easy meal.
- Experiment with Different Sauces: Try serving the meatballs with marinara, Alfredo, or your favorite pasta sauce for a delicious variety.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to allow them to cool completely before storing to maintain their texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, air fry from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a stovetop pan with a little sauce.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs
Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic Italian dish, or alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter option. Garlic bread or crusty rolls make an excellent accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce, while roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach offer a healthy and flavorful contrast. Whether you enjoy them in a sub roll for a meatball sandwich or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired platter, these meatballs are versatile enough to suit any side of your choice.
Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs Recipe Faqs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for these meatballs? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might result in slightly drier meatballs, so you may want to add a bit more ricotta or breadcrumbs to maintain moisture.
Can I make these meatballs without ricotta cheese? Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with another soft cheese like cottage cheese or cream cheese. The texture may vary, but it will still result in delicious meatballs.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the meatballs inside. You can also flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Can I freeze these meatballs before cooking? Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before cooking. Simply place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen, increasing the cooking time by a few minutes.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge? Leftover Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave for a quick meal.
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Air Fryer Ricotta Meatballs
Description
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups pasta sauce
Instructions
- Add the ricotta cheese to a large bowl. Stir to create a smooth consistency.
- Add the breadcrumbs in with the ricotta. Add more bread crumbs for a stiffer meatball.
- Add in the Romano cheese and stir.
- Add the parsley, salt, and black pepper and combine.
- Add the large egg and be sure to combine well. Beat the egg in a separate bowl and pour in, if desired.
- Using your hands grab about 1-2 tbsp of the mixture and roll into balls.
- In a six inch pan or pan that will fit into your air fryer, pour the pasta sauce.
- Add the prepared meatballs to the pasta sauce and spoon the sauce on top of each meatball to coat them
- Air fry at 360 degrees F for 8-12 minutes or until the meatballs have firmed.
- Allow to cool for five minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper, optional
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
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