How To Cook Frozen Meatballs In Air Fryer
Discover the simple and speedy method of cooking frozen meatballs in air fryer. Achieve a delightful crispy texture on the outside while maintaining a succulent, juicy interior. These meatballs are an ideal accompaniment to your preferred sauce or dip.
These air-fried frozen meatballs are a breeze to make and perfect for those following gluten-free, low-carb, keto, or paleo diets. Additionally, Weight Watchers points are included for reference.
If you’re seeking an effortless snack or meal option or a fun culinary activity to involve your kids in, start by teaching them how to cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer. These air-fried frozen meatballs are not only quick and straightforward but also a fantastic way to ignite your kids’ passion for cooking.
The air fryer works its magic, transforming frozen store-bought meatballs into impeccably cooked delicacies within minutes. Kids will delight in coating these meatballs with marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, or adding them to pasta dishes. Of course, they’re just as delectable on their own.
Easy Way To Cook Frozen Meatballs
Cooking frozen meatballs using the air fryer method is so hassle-free and efficient that you might want to keep a stash of them in your freezer at all times. They serve as a fantastic snack for game nights, movie nights, or after-school munchies. Moreover, air-fried frozen meatballs come to the rescue as a swift appetizer when unexpected guests drop by.
The air fryer works its charm, delivering meatballs that transition from frozen to slightly crispy exteriors complemented by tender, juicy insides. The best part is that you won’t need to add any oil, ensuring a healthier yet flavorsome outcome. Savor these air-fried meatballs as a standalone snack or combine them with marinara, serving over pasta for an effortless family-favorite dinner.
Why Choose This Recipe?
- Quick and Effortless – Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal fuss.
- Crispy and Tender – Delightfully crispy outside, tender and juicy inside.
- Kid-Friendly – Perfect for enjoyable snacking.
- Budget-Friendly – Grab an affordable bag of frozen meatballs.
- Versatile – Experiment with various sauces to coat or dip the air-fried meatballs.
Essential Tools
- An Air Fryer.
Ingredient Notes
- This recipe uses store-bought precooked frozen meatballs directly from the freezer without thawing.
- No cooking oil is necessary.
- Note that frozen meatballs are available in various sizes. Adjust cooking time slightly for mini or larger meatballs, or if using non-precooked frozen versions.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 9-11 minutes until they achieve a golden brown top. Turn the meatballs halfway through the cooking time or shake the basket.
- Serve the meatballs as they are, incorporate them into a sauce, or offer a dipping sauce on the side.
Expert Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; arrange frozen meatballs in a single layer to ensure proper circulation for crispy exteriors.
- Preheat the air fryer as instructed for optimal results.
- Depending on the air fryer’s size, around 20 meatballs fit at a time, necessitating cooking in batches.
- High-quality frozen meatballs shine on their own or when coated in sauce.
- No additional oil is needed in this recipe.
- Gently shake the air fryer basket midway through cooking to turn the meatballs. Since air fryer temperatures vary, start with a shorter cooking time, then extend if needed.
Variations
- switch up the Seasoning – Explore the array of flavors in frozen meatball options, from Italian to Asian or Greek. Choose a type that complements your intended use.
- Use different meatballs – Extend this method to cook frozen turkey, chicken, Swedish, or vegan meatballs.
- Serve with a sauce – Envelop the cooked meatballs in marinara, BBQ, or your favorite sauce.
Prep Ahead and Storage
- Prep ahead– For the ultimate crispy exterior and juicy interior, avoid prepping ahead. If using them with sauce, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate. Warm them in the sauce when ready to serve.
- Storage – Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within the fridge for up to 3 days.
Also read:
How To Use Dash Air Fryer: 8 Easy Steps
Nuwave Air Fryer C to F (Celsius to Fahrenheit)
Oven to Air Fryer Conversion – Air Fryer Calculator
How To Cook Tyson Chicken Patties Air Fryer
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long To Cook Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer?
Cooking times vary due to air fryer and meatball sizes. Smaller meatballs cook faster, while larger ones might take a bit longer. Start checking at 9 minutes, adjusting as necessary.
How to Make Sure Frozen Meatballs are Fully Cooked?
Most store-bought frozen meatballs are precooked, requiring reheating. Look for a slightly golden exterior without overcooking to prevent dryness.
For homemade frozen meatballs, cook them thoroughly before freezing, then follow these instructions for direct-from-freezer heating—no thawing necessary.
