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Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Air Fryer
Cuisine American
Servings 25
Calories 169 kcal

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.
    meatball
  • 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.

Notes

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.
I used large meatballs for my meatball subs and left them in the air fryer for approximately eight minutes at 390 degrees F.
I did shake the basket to rotate them every two minutes.
If I were using the smaller meatballs, I would probably leave them in the ninja foodi for about 6 minutes while shaking around every two minutes as well.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 337mgSugar: 6g
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