Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs

Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs — Have you ever walked down the snack aisle and been utterly overwhelmed by the abundance of choices? Potato chips, pretzels, and crackers all blend together after a while. You begin craving something different, something more flavorful and satisfying to curb those pesky snack attacks.

Well, look no further than these Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs!

In just 20 minutes, you can have a homemade, gluten-free appetizer or snack ready to take your tastebuds on an explosion of savory and sweet flavors.

Forget the same old chip bags – these air fryer meatballs elevate simple snacking to a new level. With only a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be whipping up batch after batch of these addictive meatballs that the whole family will gobble up. Get ready to change your mind about snacking forever with this easy air fryer recipe!

Teriyaki Meatballs

Teriyaki Meatballs are a delightful fusion of traditional Asian flavors with a comforting, familiar favorite. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and infused with the sweet, savory, and slightly tangy taste of teriyaki sauce, making them an irresistible treat for any palate. The recipe usually mixes ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken) and ingredients like breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings to create perfectly moist and flavorful meatballs. Once formed, the meatballs are baked or pan-fried to achieve a golden-brown exterior that locks in the succulence.

Teriyaki Meatballs’ magic lies in the sauce – a harmonious blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and often a hint of ginger and garlic.

This glossy sauce is simmered until thickened and then generously brushed or tossed over the cooked meatballs, coating them in a sticky, sweet, teriyaki glaze. The result is a comforting and exotic dish, perfect as an appetizer, a main dish served over rice or noodles, or a savory party snack. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, looking for an easy weeknight meal, or simply craving something delicious and different, Teriyaki Meatballs are a surefire way to satisfy those taste buds.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’ll love this recipe for Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs for several compelling reasons:

• 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. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a main course with rice or noodles, or a unique addition to a party spread.
• Healthier Cooking Method: Cooking meatballs in an air fryer reduces the oil needed, making them a healthier option than traditional frying. The air fryer crisps the meatballs perfectly while keeping them juicy and tender.
• 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. You get delicious, well-cooked meatballs without the hassle of long prep or cooking times.
• Easy Cleanup: Air frying means less mess compared to pan-frying. With fewer splatters and spills, cleanup is a breeze, making the cooking process more enjoyable.
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer excels at creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist and tender interior, ensuring each bite of these teriyaki meatballs is perfectly balanced in texture.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the teriyaki sauce to suit your preferences, whether you like it sweeter, savory, or with a bit more kick. The meatball recipe can also be tweaked using different ground meat or seasonings.
• Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs reheat well, making them an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers. You can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs are not just about combining great flavors; they’re about achieving a perfect balance of convenience, health, and taste, making them a winning dish for any occasion.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs

Embark on a culinary journey with Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs, where each ingredient comes together to create a symphony of flavors.

This recipe combines the convenience of air frying with the rich, savory taste of teriyaki, resulting in a deliciously satisfying dish that is easy to prepare.

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): The foundation of your meatballs, choose your preferred ground meat for its rich flavor and texture, ensuring juicy and succulent meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together, giving them structure while keeping them moist and tender.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring that your meatballs hold their shape during cooking without falling apart.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a deep, umami flavor to the meatballs, enhancing the overall savoriness of the dish.
• Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions infuse a mild, slightly sweet flavor and add freshness to the meatballs.
• Garlic: Minced garlic contributes a pungent and aromatic element, a key flavor in many savory dishes.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy kick, complementing the garlic and green onions.
• Teriyaki Sauce: The star ingredient for the glaze, 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, creating a rich, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the meatballs.
• Sesame Oil: A dash of sesame oil in the meatball mix or teriyaki sauce 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): Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top of the finished meatballs adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
• Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (optional, for garnish): A garnish of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the dish’s presentation.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs that are easy to make and bursting with flavor, making it a must-try dish for any occasion.

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.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs, a dish that combines the ease of air frying with the rich, savory flavors of teriyaki, perfect for a satisfying meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with variations in your Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs recipe can add an exciting twist to this delicious dish. Here are some recipe variations to consider:

• Spicy Teriyaki Meatballs: Add a kick to your meatballs by including finely chopped chili peppers or a spoonful of chili sauce into your meatball mixture. You can also spice up the teriyaki sauce with a splash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs: Mix some crushed pineapple into your meatball mixture for a tropical twist. You can add pineapple chunks to the teriyaki sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Vegetable-Infused Meatballs: Enhance the nutritional value by adding finely grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meatball mix. This adds flavor and moisture, making the meatballs extra tender.
• Gluten-Free Teriyaki Meatballs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a substitute like almond flour in the meatball mixture, and ensure that your soy sauce and other sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
• Vegan Teriyaki Meatballs: Swap the ground meat for a plant-based alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or a vegan meat substitute. Use a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of a regular egg.
• Sesame Teriyaki Meatballs: Add toasted sesame seeds into the meatball mix for a nutty flavor. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for extra texture and taste.
• Cheesy Teriyaki Meatballs: Incorporate shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar into the meatball mixture for a gooey, cheesy center.
• Herb-Infused Meatballs: Mix fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or basil into the meatball mixture for a fresh flavor profile.
• Sweet and Sour Teriyaki Meatballs: Modify the teriyaki sauce by adding vinegar and extra honey to create a sweet and sour flavor.
• Lemongrass Teriyaki Meatballs: Infuse the meatball mixture with finely minced lemongrass for a fragrant and zesty twist.

Each of these variations offers a unique take on the classic Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs, allowing you to cater to different tastes and dietary needs while keeping the dish exciting and flavorful.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs involves a balance of flavors, textures, and the right cooking technique. Here are some professional tips to ensure your meatballs turn out delicious every time:

• Meat Quality and Selection: Choose high-quality ground meat. A blend of ground pork and beef can offer a nice balance of flavor and fat, which is important for moist and flavorful meatballs. If using chicken or turkey, ensure it’s not too lean to avoid dry meatballs.
• Proper Binding: Ensure your meatball mixture has enough binding agents like breadcrumbs and eggs. This helps the meatballs to hold their shape and stay together during cooking.
• Seasoning Balance: Balance the flavors in your meatball mixture. Along with salt, incorporate seasonings like garlic, ginger, and green onions for depth of flavor. Remember, the teriyaki sauce adds seasoning, so don’t over-salt the meat.
• Even Sizing: Make your meatballs uniform in size. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer. A small ice cream scoop or a spoon can help portion them out consistently.
• 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. There should be enough space for the air to circulate around each meatball.
• 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. If you like a thicker sauce, use more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner glaze, reduce the amount.
• Finishing Touch: After air frying, tossing the meatballs in the hot teriyaki sauce allows them to absorb the flavors better. You can also brush the meatballs with sauce and give them a quick air fry to caramelize the sauce.
• Resting Before Serving: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This redistributes the juices, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Faq’s

What kind of meat should I use for Teriyaki Meatballs? You can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Each type of meat will bring a different flavor. A mix of beef and pork is often preferred for its flavor and fat content balance.

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. Also, make sure not to overcook them; just cook until they’re no longer pink inside.

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. Add it to the sauce and simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.

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). They should be browned on the outside and no longer pink inside.

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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