Easy Air Fryer Homemade Vegan Meatballs

Whip up a batch of these Easy Air Fryer Homemade Vegan Meatballs for a protein-packed meal that is perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. This plant-based recipe delivers all the savory flavor of a classic meatball in a fraction of the time, making it a stress-free addition to your favorite pasta or sub.

These Easy Air Fryer Homemade Vegan Meatballs are a quick, plant-based twist on a classic favorite.

Packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and crispy on the outside while tender on the inside, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or party snacks.

Made entirely from wholesome ingredients, they’re a healthy, satisfying option that everyone—vegans and non-vegans alike—will love.

If you are looking for some great vegan recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Sea Salt Chickpeas, Air Fryer Curry Tofu or Air Fryer French Onion Cheese Bread.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes using the air fryer—minimal prep, maximum flavor.
• Plant-Based & Healthy: Made entirely from wholesome, vegan-friendly ingredients.
• Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: Perfect texture that mimics traditional meatballs.
• Versatile: Serve with pasta, in sandwiches, or as a party appetizer.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by vegans and non-vegans alike for its bold, savory taste.

Ingredients Needed

• Ground Flax Seed: Make sure to soak them, before using them in this recipe.
• Onions: Finely chop, this will add a lot of flavors, to your vegan meatballs.
• Mushrooms: A great way to add some meaty texture to the meatballs.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a lot of flavors, to your meatballs.
• Chickpeas: Make sure you either use cooked chickpeas, or canned chickpeas. Both have been cooked.
• Rolled Oats: Make sure to use rolled oats, rather than Instant Oats, or Steel Cut Oats.
• Tomato Paste: Adds some moisture and flavor to your meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: If you want to make gluten-free vegan meatballs, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs as well.
• Walnuts: Finely chopped.
• Vegetable Oil: To saute the vegetables.
• Seasonings/Spices: Basil, Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper, Salt, and Black Pepper

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Homemade Vegan Meatballs

Step One: Place flax in a small bowl with the 5 tablespoons of water and set aside for 10 minutes to gel.  Peel and finely chop the onions.  Place in a large skillet with optional vegetable oil or a little bit of water.  Cook on medium heat for 5-10 minutes.  

Step Two: Wash the mushrooms and chop them into small pieces and add them to the onion mixture and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Add the chopped garlic with the remaining 5 minutes of cook time.  Set aside to cool.

Step Three: Place chickpeas into a food processor and pulse into very small chunks (almost smooth but leave some texture). 

Step Four: Place all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well and evenly.  If there is time you can place the mixture into the refrigerator and let stand for 20-30 minutes or even overnight. 

Step Five: Take one ¼ cup scoop of the mixture and form it into a meatball.  Repeat until the mixture is finished roughly 14-16 meatballs. 

Step Six: Place into the air fry vegan meatballs, in a single layer, set cook time for 12-14 minutes at air fryer temperature of 380 degrees F.  Let cool for 5-10 minutes and serve.

Easy Air Fryer Homemade Vegan Meatballs Recipe Tips

• Use a food processor: Helps achieve a smooth, uniform mixture for consistent meatballs.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between meatballs so they cook evenly and crisp up.
• Lightly spray with oil: Promotes golden, crispy texture without deep frying.
• Check for doneness: Cooking times may vary depending on air fryer model; meatballs should be firm and slightly browned.
• Cool slightly before serving: Helps them hold their shape when plating or adding to sauces.
• Customize seasonings: Add herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast to suit your taste preferences.

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Let the meatballs cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Arrange cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, shape into meatballs, and freeze uncooked. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer for a convenient, quick meal.

Air Fryer Vegan Meatballs Recipe Faqs

Can I make these vegan meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mixture or shape the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day or freeze for longer storage.

Can I bake them instead of using an air fryer? Absolutely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and firm.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart? Make sure the mixture is well combined and slightly chilled before shaping. Avoid overfilling the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients? Yes! Customize with herbs, spices, or even finely chopped vegetables to suit your taste.

How To Cook Frozen Vegan Meatballs In The Air Fryer

To cook frozen vegan meatballs in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer and place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket. Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, at 400 degrees F.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER FROZEN CARROTS
• AIR FRYER FRIED POTATO PEELS
• AIR FRYER PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGERS

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