Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs is a quick and easy twist on a classic favorite. The meatballs are cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, while the pasta is perfectly cooked and topped with rich marinara sauce. This meal is a satisfying, flavorful option for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with the family.
Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs is a fun and easy twist on a classic Italian dish, made faster and healthier in the air fryer.
The meatballs cook to crispy perfection while staying juicy on the inside, and the spaghetti is cooked just right.
Served with your favorite marinara sauce, this dish is a satisfying, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
🍝 Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Enjoy tender, perfectly cooked spaghetti every time.
🍖 Crispy Meatballs: Air frying gives meatballs a crispy outside while keeping them juicy inside.
🍅 Flavorful Sauce: A delicious marinara sauce ties everything together for an
Ingredients Needed
- Eggs: Bind meatballs together, ensuring they hold shape.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds subtle tang and depth to meatballs.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: Season to enhance natural flavors.
- Panko: Light, airy breadcrumbs for crispy meatballs.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth to meatballs and sauce.
- Grated Parmesan: Brings salty, nutty flavor to meatballs.
- Flat-Leaf Parsley: Fresh, peppery herb contrasting rich flavors.
- Sweet Italian Sausage: Sweet, savory addition for depth and complexity.
- Ground Beef: Provides hearty texture and flavor for meatballs.
- Spaghetti: Classic, chewy pasta that complements the meatballs.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, fresh tomatoes add color and freshness.
- Red Chile: Adds subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
- Olive Oil: Rich, fruity oil for sautéing and texture.
- Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce, perfect for pasta and meatballs.
- Basil: Fresh, herbaceous note to finish the dish beautifully.
How To Make Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs
Step 1: Combine the meatball ingredients and shape into 20 meatballs.
Step Two: Add the meatballs to the Air Fryer in a single layer. Set cook time for 5-7 minutes. If necessary, cook in batches.
Step Three: While the meatballs are cooking, start cooking the pasta according to the box.
Step Four In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic and oil. Add salt and pepper. Pour over the meatballs in the Air Fryer and cook until cooked through.
Step Five: Toss the meatballs together with pasta sauce and then combine with the pasta. Serve with added parmesan and basil.
Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Tips
🍝 Use Pre-cooked Pasta: To save time, cook your pasta while the meatballs are air frying for a quicker meal.
🍖 Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
🧴 Light Oil Spray: Lightly spray the meatballs with oil before air frying for a golden, crispy texture.
⏱️ Check Meatball Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
🍅 Marinara Sauce Simmer: Let the marinara sauce simmer for added flavor before pouring over the cooked meatballs and pasta.
Storing
🧊 Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
❄️ Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Place them in airtight containers or freezer bags for easy reheating.
🔥 Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or air fryer until heated through. If reheating in the air fryer, cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for crispy meatballs and hot sauce.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs
Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Serve it with a fresh green salad, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the meatballs and pasta. You could also add garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables, like zucchini or asparagus, for extra texture and flavor.
Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe Faqs
🍝 Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta for a healthier option without affecting the flavor or texture of the dish.
🍖 How do I ensure the meatballs stay juicy? To keep your meatballs juicy, don’t overcook them and use a mix of lean meat and breadcrumbs to maintain moisture.
🌡️ What temperature should I air fry the meatballs? Air fry the meatballs at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
🍅 Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, store them in the fridge, and heat them up when ready to serve.
🥄 How do I know when the meatballs are done? Check the meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Bagel Dogs
- Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs
- Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites
- Air Fryer Copycat Applebee’s Cheese Sticks
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Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs
Description
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup panko
- 4 cloves garlic, 2 grated and 2 chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Parmesan plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 pound ground beef
Spaghetti Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Quick Marinara Sauce:
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 large red chile, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- 1 tablespoon Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 1/3 cup panko and let sit 1 minute. Stir in grated 4 cloves garlic and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese then 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley. Add 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, and 1/2 pound ground beef and gently mix to combine.
- Shape meat mixture into 20 balls (about 1 1/2 inches each) and place in single layer on air fryer rack (balls can touch, but should not be stacked; cook in batches if necessary). Air-fry meatballs at 400 degrees F and set cook time for 5-8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook 12 ounces spaghetti per package directions.
- In a bowl, toss 1 pound cherry tomatoes, 1 1/2 cup marinara sauce, 1 large red chile and chopped garlic with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Scatter over meatballs and continue air-frying until meatballs are cooked through, 5-6 minutes more.
- Toss meatballs and tomatoes with marinara, then gently with pasta. Serve topped with Parmesan and 1 tablespoon Fresh basil if desired.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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