Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the meatballs start cooking at the right temperature for a crispy exterior.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Form the Meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Ensure the rice is mixed throughout and not just on the outside or inside.

Prepare for Air Frying: If you have an olive oil spray, lightly mist the meatballs. This will help them get a nice golden color. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even air circulation.

Air Fry the Meatballs: Cook the meatballs for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. It's a good idea to shake the basket or turn the meatballs halfway through cooking for even browning.

Heat the Tomato Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, warm up the tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, if using. You can add a touch of seasoning to the sauce to match the flavors of the meatballs.

Serving: Once the meatballs are done, you can serve them with the warm tomato sauce, either on the side as a dip or poured over the meatballs.