Air Fryer Meatballs with Mozzarella and Marinara Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying, I’ve got just the thing for you: a delicious, crowd-pleasing Air Fryer Meatballs with Mozzarella and Marinara Recipe. These meatballs come out perfectly juicy on the inside, golden on the outside, with a molten mozzarella center that you and your family will adore. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer means you get that crispness without all the mess or extra oil. Stick around—I’m sharing all my favorite tips so yours come out flawless every single time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Meatballs with Mozzarella and Marinara Recipe plays its part to create a rich, flavorful meatball that’s juicy inside and crisp outside. Choosing quality components definitely makes a difference, so let me walk you through what I use and why.

• Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef for juicy meatballs with just the right fat content to keep them tender.
• Bread crumbs: Helps bind everything together and keeps the meatballs soft without being dense.
• Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor that brightens the meat.
• Fresh parsley: Fresh herbs bring brightness and balance the richness of the meat and cheese.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, making sure the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is where the magic happens—adds warmth and savory flavor.
• Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce.
• Salt & pepper: Don’t skip seasoning! It elevates all the flavors and makes a big difference.
• Fresh mozzarella: Cubed into bite-sized pieces, this melty cheese is the star surprise inside each meatball.
• Marinara: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce, warmed before serving—perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Meatballs with Mozzarella and Marinara Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. I often switch up the meat or herbs depending on what I have on hand or the season.

• Variation: I’ve made these with a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for an extra punch of flavor—super tasty!
• Herb swaps: Sometimes I add fresh basil instead of parsley for a sweeter, more aromatic note.
• Cheese alternatives: If you want a twist, try cubes of provolone or even pepper jack for a spicy surprise.
• Dietary swaps: Ground turkey or chicken works well too, just be sure not to overcook so the meatballs stay juicy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Meatballs with Mozzarella and Marinara Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients Gently

Start by combining the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, and season generously with salt and pepper in a large bowl. I like to use my hands here—just mix until everything is evenly combined but avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Stuff & Shape the Meatballs

Using about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture per meatball, flatten it slightly in your palm. Pop a mozzarella cube in the center, then carefully pinch the meat around it and roll it into a tight ball. A tip: keep your hands lightly damp to prevent sticking. Repeat until you have 16 cheesy little orbs ready to cook.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd! Cook at 370°F (about 188°C) for 12 minutes. I find flipping them halfway helps get an even crispness all around. You’re aiming for a golden exterior and firm but juicy inside with melted cheese awaiting inside each bite.

Step 4: Serve with Warmed Marinara

Once cooked, serve immediately with warmed marinara for dipping or spooned over the top. I like to sprinkle some extra parsley or Parmesan on mine for that finishing touch—it makes it look extra tempting!

How to Serve Air Fryer Meatballs with Mozzarella and Marinara Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and an extra dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving. Sometimes I throw on a few red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous. These simple garnishes brighten the flavors and look stunning on the plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your meatballs with a crisp side salad, some garlic bread, or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter meal. I’ve served them over spaghetti for an indulgent classic, and they’re equally great with roasted veggies or a creamy polenta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arrange these meatballs on a platter with skewers and bowls of marinara for dipping—people love that. Another fun idea is serving them stuffed into slider buns for mini meatball sandwiches. Trust me, the oozy mozzarella surprises everyone!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the marinara separate until reheating to avoid sogginess. This way, your meatballs stay fresh and ready for a quick reheat the next day.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully! I like to freeze them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They keep for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop meatballs back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up and warm the mozzarella nicely. You can also warm them in a skillet with marinara or in the oven at 375°F—just avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Meatballs with Mozzarella and Marinara Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s just as comforting as a classic on the stovetop but way easier to make on busy nights. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, these meatballs deliver that satisfying wow factor every time. Give them a try—you’ll soon find that making cheesy, perfectly crisp meatballs has never been this fun or fuss-free!

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