Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs

Sweet, salty, and juicy, these air fryer teriyaki meatballs are irresistibly delicious. Plus, they’re quick to make and perfect for your next appetizer!

This is one of my favorite recipes, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. If you all flavors teriyaki try my recipe for Teriyaki Salmon Lettuce Wraps, Ninja Speedi Teriyaki Chicken, or Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Bowls.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Flavorful and Versatile: These meatballs combine the juicy, savory goodness of traditional meatballs with the sweet and tangy flavors of teriyaki sauce, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Convenience and Speed: The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time, making this dish a quick and easy option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Easy Cleanup: Air frying means less mess compared to pan-frying.
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer excels at creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist and tender interior.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the teriyaki sauce to suit your preferences, whether you like it sweeter, savory, or with a bit more kick.
• Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs reheat well, making them an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Ground Meat (Beef, Pork, or Chicken): Choose your preferred ground meat for its rich flavor and texture, ensuring juicy and succulent meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent for the teriyaki meatballs.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a deep, umami flavor to the meatballs.
• Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions infuse a mild, slightly sweet flavor and add freshness to the meatballs.
• Garlic: Contributes a pungent and aromatic element.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy kick, complementing the garlic and green onions.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Brings a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and savory depth to coat the meatballs.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to the teriyaki sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor, elevating the overall taste profile.
• Cornstarch (for the sauce thickening): Cornstarch is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce, giving it the perfect consistency to glaze the meatballs.
• Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish): For presentation.
• Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs

Making Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Here’s how you can prepare this tasty dish:

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, green onions, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs. The size should be consistent for even cooking.

Cook the Meatballs: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a nice sear on the meatballs. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow proper air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Set cook time for 10-12 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a nice brown color. Turn them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, honey or brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

Toss Meatballs in Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the teriyaki sauce until they are well coated.

Serving: Serve the meatballs garnished with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. They are delicious over rice, with noodles, or as an appetizer.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe Variations

• Meat: For a keto twist, use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to traditional beef. For a rich, flavorful option, try using ground pork, which adds extra juiciness to the meatballs.
• Keto: To make this recipe keto-friendly, substitute traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Use a low-carb teriyaki sauce to keep the sweetness without the carbs.
• Gluten-Free: To keep this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a suitable gluten-free binder like oat flour. Make sure the teriyaki sauce is labeled gluten-free or use a homemade version.
• Seasonings: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the meatball mixture. For an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating fresh ginger or a splash of sesame oil.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe Tips

• Meat Quality and Selection: A blend of ground pork and beef can offer a nice balance of flavor and fat, which is important for moist and flavorful meatballs.
• Proper Binding: Ensure your meatball mixture has enough binding agents like breadcrumbs and eggs.
• Seasoning Balance: Balance the flavors in your meatball mixture.
• Even Sizing: Make your meatballs uniform in size.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures a good sear on the meatballs and helps to cook them evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking.
• Turning the Meatballs: Gently turn them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
• Sauce Consistency: For the teriyaki sauce, adjust the thickness to your preference.
• Finishing Touch: After air frying, tossing the meatballs in the hot teriyaki sauce allows them to absorb the flavors better.
• Resting Before Serving: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe Faq’s

What kind of meat should I use for Teriyaki Meatballs? You can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.

Can I make Teriyaki Meatballs gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for the teriyaki sauce.

How do I ensure my meatballs are tender and not tough? Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, as this can make them tough.

Can I prepare Teriyaki Meatballs in advance? Yes, you can shape the meatballs and even cook them in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer or oven, then toss with the teriyaki sauce before serving.

How can I thicken the teriyaki sauce if it’s too runny? Use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a bit of water) to reduce the sauce.

Can I freeze Teriyaki Meatballs? Yes, both cooked and uncooked meatballs can be frozen. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.

What should I serve with Teriyaki Meatballs? They go well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. They can also be a great addition to a stir-fry.

How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking? The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make Teriyaki Meatballs in an oven instead of an air fryer? Yes, you can bake them in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in the meatball mix? You can use oatmeal, almond flour, or crushed crackers as a substitute for breadcrumbs.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Sausage
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Easy Air Fryer Frozen Italian Sausage
• Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
• Air Fryer Steak Bites

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