Full of flavor and spice, the Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs recipe is perfect for any occasion. Serve them with toothpicks for an easy appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.
Are you looking for a unique and delicious recipe to try in your air fryer? Then check out these amazing air fryer firecracker meatballs!
These firecracker air fried meatballs are made with ground beef, bread crumbs, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, egg, and milk.
These air fryer meatballs are great for feeding a crowd and can be served as an appetizer or main dish. Serve them with toothpicks for an easy appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.
You will love how simple they are to make and how delicious they taste!
Air Fryer Meatballs Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Kosher salt
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Eggs lightly beaten
- Ground beef
- Panko bread crumbs
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Sesame seeds
- Minced parsley (add more if using for garnish)
Firecracker Sauce
- Packed light brown sugar
- Buffalo sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Low sodium soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Salt
So give this recipe a try today and enjoy the fireworks!
(makes about 26 but it depends on the size of your meatballs)
Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: about 15 minutes per batch
How to Make Air Fried Meatballs
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Add your ingredients for your meatballs to a large bowl. Mix well.
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll 2-inch Meatballs between the palm of your hands to form a ball.
Lightly spray your basket for your air fryer with cooking spray. Add your meatballs to your basket. Be sure to not overcrowd. Spray your meatballs with cooking spray.
Cook your meatballs at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip them over and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until your beef reaches an internal temperature of 140°F – 155°F. Spray with cooking spray one more time.
Repeat steps 3 – 5 until your meatballs are cooked.
Warm your saucepan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ingredients for your sauce to a small saucepan.
Continue to whisk for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Prepare Your Air Fryer Meatballs
In a large bowl, add your meatballs. Pour your sauce over the meatballs and stir to evenly coat your meatballs.
Serve as is with a side of vegetables, over rice, or as an appetizer. Enjoy warm.
Can I Substitute Frozen Meatballs
Yes, absolutely. Just prepare the meatballs according to the package directions and skip the instructions for making the homemade meatballs.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Frozen Meatballs In The Air Fryer
I like to prepare frozen meatballs in the air fryer versus the microwave because they come out so much more juicier.
Large meatballs for my meatball subs are what I used and left them in the air fryer for approximately eight minutes at 390 degrees F.
Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 cup panko
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp minced parsley add more if using for garnish
Firecracker Sauce:
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Add your ingredients for your meatballs to a large bowl. Mix well.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll 2-inch Meatballs between the palm of your hands to form a ball.
- Lightly spray your basket for your air fryer with cooking spray. Add your meatballs to your basket. Be sure to not overcrowd. Spray your meatballs with cooking spray.
- Cook your meatballs at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip them over and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until your beef reaches an internal temperature of 140°F – 155°F. Spray with cooking spray one more time. Repeat steps 3 – 5 until your meatballs are cooked.
- Warm your saucepan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ingredients for your sauce to a small saucepan. Continue to whisk for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare Your Air Fryer Meatballs
- In a large bowl, add your meatballs. Pour your sauce over the meatballs and stir to evenly coat your meatballs.
- Serve as is with a side of vegetables, over rice, or as an appetizer. Enjoy warm.
