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Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

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This Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs recipe is super easy, requires no prep time, and delivers deliciously crispy meatballs every time. These 10-minute meatballs will be your new go-to for busy nights!


Air-fried meatballs in a white oval bowl sitting on a wicker plate holder with a small silver bowl of parmesan cheese and a red and white checkered napkin sitting next to it.

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If you're like me, you're always looking for easy and delicious meals to serve your family. As the kids get older, the extra-curriculars get more involved, and finding quik and easy meal shortcuts is almost a necessity. One of my latest obsessions has been cooking frozen meatballs in the air fryer. Not only is it a super convenient option for busy weeknights, but it also produces crispy and flavorful meatballs that my family loves.

Using an air fryer to cook frozen meatballs is a game-changer. In this post, I'll share with you some of my top tips and tricks for cooking perfect meatballs in an air fryer, as well as some creative serving suggestions to keep things interesting. So grab your favorite brand of frozen meatballs, plug in your air fryer, and let's get cooking!

Air fried meatballs in a white bowl with a red and white checkered napkin in the background.

Can You Cook Air Fryer Meatballs Frozen?

If you're here, you were probably thinking, "Can I air fry frozen meatballs?" The answer is yes! You can cook meatballs in your air fryer from frozen. That is actually the way I recommend you cook them! Frozen meatballs come out of the packaging frozen, but fully cooked, so essentially, you are using your air fryer to thaw and heat the meatballs.

How To Cook Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer

Cooking frozen meatballs in your air fryer is easy! First, you place the frozen meatballs in your air fryer. Air fry, shaking once during the cooking time, until the meatballs are heated through. See below for detailed instructions in the recipe card.

Frozen meatballs in a white bag that has been cut open with scissors.

Can I Cook the Whole Bag at Once?

You can cook an entire bag of frozen meatballs at once in your air fryer. In a basket style, depending on the size of your basket, the meatballs will overlap each other a bit and may require an extra shake or two during the cooking time to ensure all of the meatballs are browned evenly. In an oven-style air fryer, the meatballs should be arranged in a single layer.

Different Kinds of Frozen Meatballs You Can Air Fry

Look for these varieties of frozen meatballs in the freezer section of your grocery store to try air frying at home!
  • Italian Meatballs: Classic meatballs seasoned with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Turkey Meatballs: A healthier option made with ground turkey instead of beef.
  • Vegetarian Meatballs: Often made with a mixture of chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and spices, these meatballs are a great meat-free option.

Frozen meatballs in an air fryer basket.

Reasons to Cook Frozen Meatballs in an Air Fryer

  • Convenience: Frozen meatballs can be cooked in an air fryer straight from the freezer, without the need for defrosting.
  • Healthier Option: Cooking meatballs in an air fryer requires no oil, reducing calorie intake compared to traditional frying methods.
  • Time-saving: Air frying is quicker than traditional oven baking, and frozen meatballs cook faster than fresh ones, making them an ideal weeknight meal option.

5 Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

This is just the tip of the iceberg because frozen meatballs are SO versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use frozen meatballs:
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs: A classic dish that's easy to make with air fryer meatballs.
  • Meatball Subs: Serve air-fried meatballs on a hoagie roll with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
  • Meatball Sliders: Mini meatball sandwiches are perfect for parties or as a snack.
  • Meatball Skewers: Thread meatballs and vegetables onto skewers and air fry for a delicious appetizer.
  • Meatball Pizza: Use meatballs as a topping on homemade or store-bought pizza dough for a unique twist on pizza night.

Air-fried meatballs in an air fryer basket.

More Yummy Meatball Recipes

Looking for more awesome recipes for meatballs? Check out these popular recipes for homemade meatballs from the archives:


What Kind of Air Fryer Should I Use?

My favorite air fryer to use for preparing frozen meatballs is my Ninja 4-Quart basket-style air fryer. It's my most used air fryer and makes giving the meatballs a little toss super easy.

If you try this easy air fryer meatballs tutorial, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. Enjoy!


Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

Yield: 9 servings
Prep Time: 0 MINUTES
cook time: 10 MINUTES
total time: 10 MINUTES
This Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs recipe is super easy, requires no prep time, and delivers deliciously crispy meatballs every time. These 10-minute meatballs will be your new go-to for busy nights!

Pin
INGREDIENTS

1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place the meatballs into your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Remove the basket from the air fryer and shake to flip the meatballs. Continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and heated through.


NOTES

For extra crisp or larger meatballs, air fry for an additional 2 minutes.

Author: Becky Tarala

Nutrition data should not be considered a guarantee. Please see our full Nutrition Data Disclosure.


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