Easy Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

These Easy Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a comforting appetizer, they’re ready in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.

These Easy Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food made simple.

Juicy, perfectly cooked meatballs get coated in a rich, creamy sauce, delivering all the classic flavors without the long cooking time.

Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, they’re ideal for a weeknight dinner, a cozy meal for two, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

And, of course, serve with a side of Lingonberry Jam!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Juicy and tender: Air fryer cooks meatballs evenly without drying them out.
• Quick and easy: Ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
• Creamy, flavorful sauce: Classic Swedish sauce makes every bite rich and comforting.
• Versatile serving options: Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or enjoy as appetizers.
• Family-friendly: Mild, savory flavors that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef, lean: Provides juicy, flavorful base for tender meatballs.
• Bread crumbs or panko: Helps bind meatballs and keeps texture light.
• Parsley: Fresh herb adds color and subtle brightness.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Garlic powder: Infuses meatballs with savory, aromatic depth.
• Allspice: Adds a hint of sweet, warm spice.
• Diced onions: Brings moisture and savory flavor to meatballs.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the meat mixture.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients together for perfectly formed meatballs.
• Butter: Provides richness and the base for creamy sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for smooth, velvety texture.
• Beef broth: Adds savory, meaty flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates creamy, indulgent consistency for classic Swedish sauce.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

Step One: Combine the ground beef, onions, bread crumbs (or panko), seasonings, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until the mixture is well combined.

Step Two: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the meatballs, and place them into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 380 degrees F, air fryer setting, and set cook time for 10-12 minutes.

Step Three: While the meatballs are cooking, make the gravy. Add the butter to a small saucepan, then over low heat, simmer until the butter is melted, and whisk in the flour. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, and simmer until the sauce is thickened. When the meatballs are cooked, place the meatballs into the saucepan and heat for a couple of minutes.

Easy Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs Recipe Tips

• Use lean but not too lean meat: A little fat keeps meatballs juicy and tender.
• Don’t overmix: Gently combine ingredients to avoid dense, tough meatballs.
• Uniform size matters: Roll meatballs evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Preheat the air fryer: Ensures even cooking and a nicely browned exterior.
• Check halfway through cooking: Shake or turn meatballs for uniform browning.
• Make the sauce while meatballs cook: Saves time and ensures it’s hot and ready.
• Serve immediately: Meatballs are juiciest when hot; toss in sauce just before serving.
• Freeze for later: Fully cooked meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months.
• Add herbs to taste: Fresh parsley or dill enhances the classic Swedish flavor.

Storing, Freezing And Reheating Instructions

• Store: If you have any leftover meatballs, let them cool to room temperature, and then place them into an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days.
• Reheat: You can reheat the meatballs in the air fryer or the microwave. Heat until warmed through.
• Freezing: Let the meatballs cool to room temperature, and then place them on a greased baking sheet. Place the baking sheet into the freezer until the meatballs are frozen solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

Easy Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs Recipe Faqs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken works, but the meatballs may be slightly less rich and flavorful.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely. Shape the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking in the air fryer.

Can I freeze these meatballs? Yes, fully cooked meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What should I serve with Swedish meatballs? They’re great over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or served as appetizers with toothpicks.

How do I keep the meatballs juicy? Avoid overmixing the meat and ensure they’re not overcooked in the air fryer.

Can I make the creamy sauce ahead of time? Yes, the gravy can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before adding the meatballs.

Are these kid-friendly? Yes, the mild, savory flavors make this recipe perfect for the whole family.

More Air Fryer Easy Recipes

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• AIR FRYER PRIME RIB
• EASY AIR FRYER CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN AND GRAVY BISCUIT SANDWICH

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