Air Fryer Vegan Meatballs

Do you love vegan meatballs? If so, you’re going to love this air fryer vegan meatball recipe. They’re easy to make, and they taste delicious.

These vegan-friendly way to make meatballs can do so with an air fryer.

These vegan meatballs are made with chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then air fried until golden brown. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or over pasta for a delicious meal.

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.

What Are Vegan Meatballs?

If you’re anything like me, the words “vegan meatballs” probably conjure up a mental image of a dry, hockey puck-sized glob of tofu or seitan. But trust me when I say that vegan meatballs don’t have to be anything like that! In fact, they can be downright delicious. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, main course, or party food, vegan meatballs are a great alternative to traditional meat-based recipes. So what are vegan meatballs? Read on to find out.

Today we’ll be taking a look at one of my favorite vegan dishes – vegan meatballs! These savory little orbs are perfect as an appetizer or main course, and they’re really easy to make. Let’s get started!

Why Make Vegan Meatballs Air Fryer

Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to make vegan meatballs? If so, then you should definitely try making them in the air fryer! Air frying is a great way to cook food without using a lot of oil, and it results in wonderfully crispy meatballs. Plus, the air fryer is a small appliance that doesn’t take up much counter space, so it’s perfect for people who want to reduce their kitchen clutter. If you’re not sure how to make vegan meatballs in the air fryer, don’t worry – I’ll show you how

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Vegan Meatballs

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need for making homemade vegan meatballs in air fryer:

• 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 Vegan Meatballs In Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step directions for making vegan meatballs in the air fryer:

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 to 10 minutes.  

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.

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

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. 

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

Place into the air fry for 12 to 14 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.  Let cool for 5-10 minutes and serve.

Vegan Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe Notes

• Breadcrumbs: If you want to make this recipe Keto or low-carb you can either use almond flour. You can also use crushed pork rinds.
• Gluten-Free Recipe: If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute it for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure that all of the other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Mushrooms: If you want to make denser meatballs, you can use dried mushrooms, as an add-in, just make sure that you add them to water, before adding them to the meatball mixture.
• Seasonings: You can add any of your favorite seasonings! I used traditional meatball seasonings, but you can add some spice, by adding some ground cumin, curry powder, or even garam masala.

Air Fryer Vegan Meatballs Recipe Pro Tips

• Base: Use a combination of legumes (like lentils or chickpeas) and grains (like quinoa or brown rice) for a hearty base.
• Binders: Add ingredients like ground flaxseed mixed with water, breadcrumbs, or oats to help bind the meatballs.
• Flavor: Incorporate plenty of spices, fresh herbs, and umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, or nutritional yeast.
• Consistent Size: Roll the meatballs to a uniform size to ensure even cooking. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Chill the Mixture: After forming the meatballs, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the meatballs. This ensures they start cooking immediately and evenly.
• Use Parchment Paper: Place a piece of perforated parchment paper or an air fryer liner at the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer with space between them to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the meatballs with cooking oil to help them brown and develop a crispy exterior.
• Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or turn the meatballs to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

Air Fryer Vegan Meatballs Recipe Faq’s

What are some good base ingredients for vegan meatballs? Good base ingredients include lentils, chickpeas, black beans, quinoa, brown rice, mushrooms, and tofu. Combining these can provide a great texture and flavor.

How do I bind vegan meatballs without eggs? You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), chia eggs, breadcrumbs, oats, or mashed potatoes as binders.

Why are my vegan meatballs falling apart? They might need more binder or chilling time before cooking. Ensure you mix the ingredients well and chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming and cooking the meatballs.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make the mixture and form the meatballs a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket? Use a perforated parchment paper or air fryer liner, and lightly spray the meatballs with cooking oil before placing them in the basket.

Can I freeze vegan meatballs? Yes, you can freeze them. Let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

What sauces go well with vegan meatballs? Vegan meatballs pair well with marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, vegan gravy, sweet and sour sauce, or a tahini-based sauce.

How can I add more flavor to my vegan meatballs? Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or basil, spices like cumin or smoked paprika, umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce or nutritional yeast, and aromatic vegetables like garlic and onions.

Why are my meatballs not crispy? Ensure you preheat your air fryer and lightly spray the meatballs with cooking oil before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and crisping.

Can I cook other dishes simultaneously in the air fryer? It’s best to cook the meatballs alone to ensure even cooking. If you want to cook other dishes, do them in separate batches or once the meatballs are done.

How do I store leftover vegan meatballs? Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions For Air Fryer Vegan Meatballs

• Marinara sauce is a classic choice for vegan meatballs. Try simmering them in a pot of marinara with some sliced mushrooms and onions for a hearty dish.
• For something a little different, try pairing your vegan meatballs with cranberry sauce. It’s an unexpected but delicious combo!
• Got a sweet tooth? Why not try making a sweet and sour sauce for your vegan meatballs? Add in some pineapple chunks and ginger for extra flavor. Yum!

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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

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