Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs, Ready in Just 20 Minutes

There’s just something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it features tender, juicy Air Fryer Meatballs. These little spheres of joy transform a simple soup into a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly magical.

I remember chilly afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, the smell of simmering broth filling the air as she perfected her hearty meatball stew. Those memories taught me that the simplest homemade meals are often the most profound and comforting.

This Air Fryer Meatballs recipe is not only incredibly easy, but also wonderfully family-friendly, perfect for busy weeknights. My best tip? Always mix your meat gently; it keeps those meatballs tender and juicy every time!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For these delightful meatballs, we’re blending ground beef and pork, elevated with fresh Parmesan and parsley for incredible flavor. This forms the perfect base for our savory Air Fryer Meatballs before they join a vibrant broth. You’ll find the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs

Making these delicious Air Fryer Meatballs is a simple, rewarding journey! You’ll start by gently mixing your meatball ingredients, shaping them with care, and then letting your air fryer work its magic until they’re perfectly golden. After that, we’ll simmer them in a rich, flavorful soup with fresh vegetables and pasta for a truly wholesome meal that comes together beautifully.

Air Fryer Meatball Soup

Enjoy hearty homemade meatballs, perfectly cooked in the air fryer, then simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable broth with pasta and spinach for a comforting and satisfying soup.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 475

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Air Fryer Meatballs

• 1.5 lbs ground beef and pork mix 80/20 lean
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Cooking spray

For the Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 1 carrot peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1/2 cup small pasta e.g., ditalini, orzo
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method

 

Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork mix, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, milk, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch size meatballs. You should get about 24-30 meatballs.

Air Fry the Meatballs

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. You will likely need to cook them in 2-3 batches.
4. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F / 71°C).
5. Remove cooked meatballs and set aside. Repeat with any remaining batches.

Prepare the Soup

1. While meatballs are cooking, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and chicken or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the small pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble and Serve

1. Gently add the cooked air fryer meatballs to the soup.
2. Ladle the Air Fryer Meatball Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can slightly brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding to the air fryer. Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid over time, so you may want to add a splash more broth when reheating. To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta.

Pro Tips for Making This Air Fryer Meatballs

Making perfect Air Fryer Meatballs is all about a few simple touches that make a world of difference.

• My Secret Trick: I always chill my meatball mixture for at least 15-20 minutes before shaping. This firms up the meat, making it much easier to roll and ensuring they hold their shape beautifully during air frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Give your meatballs plenty of space to allow the hot air to circulate properly. This ensures they cook evenly and get that lovely golden-brown crust we all adore. You might need to cook them in batches.
• For extra tender meatballs, avoid overmixing your ground meat. Mix just until combined, otherwise, you risk a tougher texture. Remember, a light touch is key for juicy results!
• A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Cook your meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef and pork. This guarantees they’re perfectly cooked through and safe to eat.

Fun Variations for Air Fryer Meatballs

One of the joys of cooking at home is making a recipe truly your own! These savory Air Fryer Meatballs are incredibly versatile, inviting you to play with flavors and ingredients.

Spice It Up!

If you love a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your meatball mixture. My friend, Emily, always asks for a little heat in her soup, and a dash of cayenne pepper can certainly deliver that delightful warmth to the meatballs.

Herbaceous Twists

Experiment with different fresh herbs! Beyond parsley, fresh basil or oregano chopped finely into the mix can lend a wonderfully aromatic depth to these air-fried delights. I sometimes use a blend of all three, depending on what’s thriving in my herb garden.

Cheese, Please!

While Parmesan is a classic, a blend of Italian cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a little shredded mozzarella can add a different dimension of richness to your meatballs. Imagine that cheesy goodness melting slightly as they simmer in the broth!

What to Serve With Air Fryer Meatballs

While our hearty soup featuring Air Fryer Meatballs is truly a meal in itself, sometimes a little something extra completes the picture.

• Crusty Bread: There’s nothing quite like a warm, crusty baguette or a slice of focaccia to soak up every last drop of that delicious, savory broth. It’s a simple pleasure that always takes me back to family dinners.
• Simple Side Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup. It’s a wonderful way to add a bit of brightness to your meal.
• Parmesan Dusting: A generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese over each bowl just before serving is an absolute must! My mom always insists on it, and it adds an extra layer of savory depth and a beautiful finish.
• Herby Garnish: A scattering of fresh parsley or basil not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of fresh flavor. It’s my quick serving idea for a restaurant-quality touch at home!

How to Store Air Fryer Meatballs

Keeping your delicious meal fresh is key! These Air Fryer Meatballs and their accompanying soup are wonderful for meal prepping or enjoying later.

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes for super easy weeknight lunches or dinners!

Freezer Friendly

For longer storage, the soup with the meatballs freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to leave a little headspace for expansion!

Reheating for Freshness

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. My personal tip? If it seems a little thick, add a splash of extra broth to bring it back to that perfect consistency!

Nutritional Benefits

Our wholesome Air Fryer Meatballs soup is packed with lean protein from the meat, plus vitamins and fiber from the vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach. It’s a hearty meal that truly nourishes, proving that comforting food can be both satisfying and wonderfully beneficial.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them a day in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. This makes assembly for the soup much quicker on a busy weeknight. Just air fry when ready to add to the simmering soup.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can certainly bake these meatballs in a conventional oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned.

Can I use a different type of pasta in this soup?

Of course! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to use any small pasta you have on hand, such as ditalini, orzo, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time slightly according to the pasta’s package directions to ensure it’s al dente.

Why did my meatballs turn out dry?

Dry meatballs often result from overmixing the meat or overcooking them. Remember my tip to mix gently! Ensure you’re not cooking them past an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Using a proper lean-to-fat ratio in your ground meat also helps keep them juicy.

Conclusion

And there you have it, a wonderfully comforting bowl of soup featuring our tender, flavorful Air Fryer Meatballs. This recipe is a testament to how easily you can bring warmth and joy to your kitchen, creating a meal that feels both special and incredibly approachable. I truly hope you gather your loved ones around the table to savor this hearty dish and make new, sweet memories together. Happy cooking!