Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer are juicy, lightly crispy on the inside, and packed with flavor, a lifesaver for busy weeknights. These are the quickest and easiest meatballs you will ever make - ready in less than 15 minutes!
Making frozen meatballs in the air fryer are a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table fast. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Air fryer frozen meatballs are one of the easiest things to make and are perfect for weeknight meals, holiday gatherings, or game days. Everyone loves meatballs!
Want more meatball recipes? Check out Venison Meatballs With Sweet and Sour Sauce, Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs, and Low Carb Meatballs Without Bread Crumbs.
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Why you will love this recipe
QUICK: These meatballs cook in just 8 minutes.
EASY: Simply place frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket, set the temperature and time, and you're done.
SINGLE INGREDIENT: You only need meatballs, any kind will do. Use leftover, store-bought, or even vegan meatballs. Uwe little meatballs for an appetizer or larger ones for a main dish.
PERFECT FOR WEEKNIGHT MEALS: These are perfect for quick weeknight meals with no prep. Pair them with Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli and Instant Pot Rice for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- Meatballs. I used frozen beef meatballs made with ground beef. You can also use chicken meatballs or a mixture of pork and beef.
- Optional. Use your favorite sauce.
See the printable recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to cook frozen meatballs in air fryer
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket un a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes if they're 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Shake the basket halfway through.
Step 2: Remove the meatballs with tongs and toss them with your preferred sauce.
Pro Tip: Air fryers vary in cooking intensity, so adjust the time if needed. If the meatballs aren't hot enough, cook them for an extra 1-2 minutes.
How to serve
- Toss in BBQ sauce
- Toss in tomato sauce or Homemade Spaghetti Sauce and top with parmesan cheese.
- Make a meatball sandwich or meatball sub sandwich.
- Make Swedish Meatballs With Frozen Meatballs.
Can I make my own frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can make your own frozen meatballs. First, prepare your meatballs as usual, ensuring they are about the same size. Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Check this with a meat thermometer.
After cooling, flash-freeze the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, store them in a Ziploc bag, removing excess air before sealing. Your homemade frozen meatballs are now ready for a quick meal, free from artificial ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
It takes about 8 minutes at 400 degrees F to cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer.
Yes, you can cook raw beef meatballs from frozen. However, the cooking time will need to be extended by a few minutes, depending on the size of your meatballs.
You can freeze meatballs either raw or cooked. I find it more convenient to cook the meatballs first and then freeze them; that way, I can grab them whenever I need a quick meal.
Expert tips
- Use frozen homemade meatballs for the best flavor.
- The time to cook the frozen meatballs will depend on the size of the meatballs, the size of your air fryer, and how hot the air fryer cooks. Keep an eye on the meatballs to make sure they do not overcook.
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking so the meatballs cook evenly.
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
More Frozen Food in Air Fryer
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Easy Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 frozen meatballs or 4 meatballs per person
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Place frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket.
- Set the timer for 8 minutes, shaking the meatballs halfway through the cook time. Since all air fryers cook differently, check to ensure they do not burn in the last couple minutes of cooking.
- Remove the meatballs from the air fryer when the timer is up. Serve with your favorite sauce.
Video
Notes
- The time to cook the frozen meatballs will depend on the size of the meatballs, the size of your air fryer, and how hot the air fryer cooks. Keep an eye on the meatballs to make sure they do not overcook.
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking so the meatballs cook evenly.
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Nutrition
👩🏻🍳 Meet The Author
Meet Jeri, a self-taught home cook with over 40 years of cooking experience who decided to start a second career as a full-time food blogger. She is the recipe creator, writer, photographer, and creator of Winding Creek Ranch. Her mission is to make your life easier by sharing delicious recipes your family will love.
nancy
who doesn't like 15 minute meat balls when they are in a hurry!
Jeannie
That was quick! I like that it uses less oil
Jerika
Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer in just 15 minutes! Love it! 🙂 It's just perfect for a busy person like me. Thanks!