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Air Fryer Meatballs with Mozzarella and Marinara Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

This Air Fryer Meatballs recipe combines juicy ground beef with flavorful herbs, Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella centers. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these meatballs are quick, easy, and ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner served with marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Filling and Serving

  • 3 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut into 16 cubes
  • Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until just combined without overworking the meat.
  2. Form Meatballs with Mozzarella: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it into a patty in your hand. Place one cube of fresh mozzarella in the center, then pinch the meat around the cheese and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat to make a total of 16 meatballs.
  3. Air Fry the Meatballs: Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Working in batches if necessary, place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Cook for 12 minutes until browned and cooked through, flipping halfway if your air fryer requires it.
  4. Serve: Warm the marinara sauce separately. Serve the meatballs hot, spooned over or alongside the marinara for dipping.

Notes

  • For juicier meatballs, you can substitute half of the ground beef with ground pork or veal.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Ensure the mozzarella cubes are well-covered to prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking.
  • Use fresh parsley for a brighter flavor, or substitute with dried parsley (reduce quantity by half).
  • Serve with pasta, in sub sandwiches, or as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra marinara for dipping.

Find it online: https://yummelle.com/air-fryer-meatballs-with-mozzarella-and-marinara-recipe/