15 Minute Air Fryer BBQ Meatballs That Wow Your Tastebuds

15 minute air fryer bbq meatballs

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a super quick and delicious dinner, you’ve got to try these 15 minute air fryer BBQ meatballs! Seriously, they’re a game changer. The first time I made these, I was exhausted after a long day, and I just wanted something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. So, I pulled out my air fryer and whipped these up in no time. In just 15 minutes, I had juicy, flavor-packed meatballs ready to devour! They’re perfect for a busy weeknight or even a last-minute get-together with friends. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds. Plus, the smell of BBQ wafting through the house? Pure magic!

15 minute air fryer bbq meatballs - detail 1

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus more for glazing)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup additional BBQ sauce for glazing

How to Prepare 15 Minute Air Fryer BBQ Meatballs

Alright, let’s dive into making these mouthwatering 15 minute air fryer BBQ meatballs! I promise, it’s as easy as pie (or should I say, meatballs!). Just follow these steps and you’ll have a scrumptious meal in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This is where the magic begins!
  2. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. I like to get my hands in there—it’s the best way to ensure everything is mixed evenly!
  3. Now, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 16 meatballs from this recipe. Don’t stress about making them perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for ensuring those meatballs cook evenly and get that lovely crispy exterior.
  5. Once preheated, carefully place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. You want them to have some space to breathe!
  6. Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they’re evenly cooked. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown and cooked through.
  7. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the meatballs with your additional BBQ sauce for that finger-licking glaze. Oh, the aroma is going to be irresistible!
  8. Once done, carefully remove the meatballs from the fryer. Just like that, you’re ready to serve them hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights!
  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Juicy and flavorful meatballs that pack a BBQ punch.
  • Healthy cooking method using the air fryer—less oil, less mess!
  • Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce for unique flavors every time.
  • Great for meal prep or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your 15 minute air fryer BBQ meatballs turn out perfectly every time! First off, be mindful of the cooking time; if your meatballs are larger than 1 inch, you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time—just keep an eye on them! Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of ground meat, like turkey or chicken, for a lighter option. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra flavor boost. And remember, the key to great meatballs is mixing just enough—overmixing can make them tough. So, get in there, but don’t go wild! Trust me, these tips will help you achieve that juicy, tender meatball perfection every time.

Nutritional Information

As with any recipe, the nutritional content of these 15 minute air fryer BBQ meatballs can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. This is just an estimate to give you an idea of what to expect!

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 20g

Always consider your own dietary needs and consult with a nutritionist if you have specific health concerns. Enjoy these delicious meatballs without any guilt, knowing they’re a tasty and protein-packed option!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these 15 minute air fryer BBQ meatballs? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up while you’re whipping up this delicious dish.

Common Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it might need a little extra seasoning to amp up the flavor.

What should I do if my meatballs are sticking to the air fryer basket?
If you find that your meatballs are sticking, try lightly spraying the basket with cooking spray before placing the meatballs inside. This will help them release easily after cooking!

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just shape them into balls when you’re ready to cook. They’ll still be as delicious!

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, just cut one open to ensure they’re no longer pink inside.

Can I freeze cooked meatballs?
Definitely! Once cooled, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), storing these 15 minute air fryer BBQ meatballs is super easy. Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, you can reheat the meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. If you don’t mind a little microwave action, you can heat them in there for about 1-2 minutes, but they won’t have that crispy exterior. Either way, you’ll be set for another tasty meal!

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15 minute air fryer bbq meatballs

15 Minute Air Fryer BBQ Meatballs That Wow Your Tastebuds


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Quick and easy air fryer BBQ meatballs ready in 15 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce for glazing

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix until well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Place meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  6. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  7. Brush meatballs with additional BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  8. Remove meatballs and serve hot.

Notes

  • Adjust cooking time based on meatball size.
  • Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • Try different BBQ sauces for varied flavors.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: air fryer, meatballs, BBQ, quick recipes

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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