Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of these air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs! They’re an absolute game changer in the kitchen—crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with gooey mozzarella cheese. Seriously, who doesn’t love a good meatball? The best part? They’re incredibly easy to whip up! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress your friends. Trust me, once you try this air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs recipe, you’ll be hooked! Plus, they cook up in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods, leaving you with more time to enjoy your delicious creation. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients List
To make these scrumptious air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a juicy texture without too much grease.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: This helps bind everything together and gives that perfect bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a bit of saltiness.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Fresh herbs brighten up the flavors and make the meatballs beautiful!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that savory kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: It complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning your meatballs—don’t skip it!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of this recipe! It melts beautifully inside the meatballs.
- 1 egg: This binds everything together and helps keep the meatballs moist.
With these ingredients ready, you’re all set to create some deliciousness!
How to Prepare the Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
Alright, let’s get down to business and make these delightful air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love the process.
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix it all together until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatballs could get tough!
- Now, here comes the fun part! Take a small portion of this mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it in your hand. You want enough space to hold a little treasure inside.
- Next, place a spoonful of that delicious shredded mozzarella cheese right in the center. Oh, this is going to be so good!
- Wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it in completely, and roll it into a ball. Make sure the cheese is tucked away, or it might ooze out while cooking.
- Repeat this process until all your mixture is used up. You should have about 12-16 meatballs, depending on how big you make them.
- Now it’s time to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial to get that perfect crispiness!
- Once it’s preheated, place those lovely meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You don’t want to overcrowd them; give them some space to breathe!
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen fills with that amazing smell!
Once they’re done, let them cool for a minute, and then dig in. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how tasty they are!
Nutritional Information
These air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs not only taste incredible, but they also pack a nutritious punch! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving (which is about 4 meatballs):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your delicious meatballs guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me count the ways you’ll adore these air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs! They’re not just a treat for your taste buds, but they also come with some fantastic benefits:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
- Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil and fat, giving you a delicious yet guilt-free indulgence.
- Cheesy Goodness: The gooey mozzarella in the center adds an irresistible surprise that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a sub sandwich—these meatballs can do it all!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, they’re sure to impress your guests!
Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this delightful recipe!
Tips for Success
Ready to nail those air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs? Here are my top tips to ensure they come out perfect every time:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and we definitely want them tender and juicy!
- Seal the Cheese: Make sure to wrap the meat completely around the cheese to prevent it from oozing out during cooking. A good seal is crucial for that cheesy surprise!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure about doneness, a meat thermometer can be your best friend. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked meatballs.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give your meatballs some space in the air fryer. This ensures they cook evenly and become beautifully golden brown.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs to match your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create meatballs that will wow your family and friends!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to customize your air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs! Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the mozzarella for other melty cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even feta for a tangy twist!
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the meat mixture for an Italian flair that’ll take your meatballs to the next level.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version that will delight heat lovers.
- Meat Mix: Try using a blend of ground beef and ground pork or turkey for a unique flavor and texture.
- Stuffed Variations: Experiment with stuffing the meatballs with other ingredients like sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or even a dab of pesto for a surprise burst of flavor!
Don’t be afraid to get creative—these variations can turn your meatballs into a whole new experience!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs are incredibly versatile, and pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal! I love serving them with a rich marinara sauce for dipping, which complements the cheesy interior perfectly. You can also toss them onto a bed of spaghetti for a classic Italian feast or serve them in sub rolls with melted cheese for a hearty meatball sandwich. A fresh side salad or some garlic bread can round out the meal beautifully. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
You’ve made a batch of these fantastic air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs, and now you’re wondering how to store the leftovers—great question! To keep them fresh, let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking!
When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze. You can pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This helps retain that lovely crispiness. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them—just heat in short bursts to avoid any rubbery texture. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work just as well. Just keep in mind that they may be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. This makes them a fantastic option for meal prep! Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these meatballs in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to check for doneness!
How do I know when my meatballs are done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You’ll know they’re done when they’re browned and firm to the touch.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to go!
Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe That Will WOW You
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg.
- Take a small portion of the mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a spoonful of mozzarella cheese in the center.
- Wrap the meat around the cheese and form a ball.
- Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with marinara sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: air fryer cheese stuffed meatballs recipe
