Go Back
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 6 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping) - Air fryer specifications - Cooking oil spray (optional) - Additional seasonings (optional) Gather your ingredients before you start. You can use ground beef or turkey. I often choose turkey for a leaner option. Breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the meat. Grated Parmesan brings a rich flavor. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Garlic adds depth. The egg helps hold everything together. Italian seasoning gives that classic taste. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. The mozzarella balls are the star of the show, providing a gooey center. Lastly, marinara sauce is perfect for dipping. For cooking essentials, make sure your air fryer is ready. A light spray of cooking oil helps the meatballs brown nicely. You can add more spices if you like to customize the flavor. This mix of ingredients makes for a fun and tasty dish that everyone will love! First, grab a large bowl. Add 1 lb of ground beef or turkey. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Toss in 1 minced garlic clove, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix well. This ensures a tasty blend for the meatballs. Next, take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small mozzarella ball in the center. Carefully fold the meat around the cheese. Make sure to seal it tightly. This helps keep the cheese from leaking out. Repeat this until you use all the meat mixture and mozzarella balls. Now, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step helps cook the meatballs evenly. Arrange the stuffed meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave space between them for air to flow. Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes. Check for a golden-brown color. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) to confirm they are fully cooked. If you have marinara sauce, heat it in a small saucepan while the meatballs cook. Once done, let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy with warm marinara sauce for dipping. To keep the mozzarella intact, use fresh mozzarella balls. They melt well and add a great taste. When you form the meatballs, ensure the meat fully surrounds the cheese. Seal them tightly so they won’t leak during cooking. For seasoning, mix in salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This gives the meatballs a nice flavor boost. Always taste a small amount of the raw mixture. Adjust the spices if needed. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and gives the meatballs a crispy outside. If you stack them, they may steam instead of fry. Each air fryer can cook differently. Check your model's guide for cooking times. If yours runs hot, reduce the time by a few minutes. Always monitor the meatballs to ensure they don’t overcook. Presentation is key! Serve the meatballs on a large platter with fresh basil on top. This adds a pop of color. Place a small bowl of warm marinara sauce in the center for dipping. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving. For sides, serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad. These complement the meatballs nicely and make a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in these meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken works great. They are leaner but still tasty. If you want a vegetarian option, use lentils or chickpeas. Both provide a hearty base for your meatballs. Adding herbs can change the whole taste. Try mixing in oregano or basil for a fresh kick. You can also add spices like paprika for a bit of heat. For the cheese filling, switch the mozzarella with cheddar or feta. Each cheese gives a unique twist to the dish. You can cook these meatballs in different ways. For an oven-baked version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. They will still be juicy and delicious. If you prefer a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning until brown and cooked through. Each method provides a new flavor experience. After cooking, let your meatballs cool. Place them in an airtight container. They last up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat the meatballs for about 5-6 minutes. Check that they are warm all the way through. To freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. For thawing, move them to the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. This keeps them juicy! To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. You can also look for visual cues. The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside. They should not be pink inside when you cut one open. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Once formed, place them on a plate and cover tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you want to store them longer, freeze them before cooking. Use a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months frozen. Absolutely! You can try different sauces with these meatballs. BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Alfredo sauce gives a creamy touch. Pesto can offer a fresh herb taste. You can also pair them with ranch dressing or even a spicy aioli. Each sauce brings out a unique flavor in the meatballs. In this post, we explored how to make mozzarella stuffed meatballs using simple ingredients, like ground beef and Parmesan cheese. I shared easy steps for preparing and cooking them in an air fryer. Tips for serving and storing leftovers help you enjoy these meatballs later. You can even vary the meats and sauces to fit your taste. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Try different flavors and enjoy your delicious creations! Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Discover the ultimate recipe for Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs that will impress your family and friends! These juicy meatballs, filled with gooey mozzarella and seasoned perfection, are quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for dinner or as a delicious appetizer, they pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

6 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands to ensure everything is well-mixed.

    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.

      Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a mozzarella ball in the center and carefully fold the meat around it, sealing it tightly to form a round meatball. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture and mozzarella balls are used up.

        Arrange the stuffed meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there is enough space between them for proper air circulation.

          Cook the meatballs in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, checking for a golden-brown exterior. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for them to be fully cooked.

            While the meatballs are air-frying, gently heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

              Once the meatballs are ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes to retain their juiciness. Serve the warm meatballs with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

                Vorbereitung, Gesamtzeit, Portionen: 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings

                  - Präsentationstipps: Serve the meatballs on a large platter, adorned with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color, and place a small bowl of marinara sauce in the center for dipping. For an elegant finishing touch, consider sprinkling additional grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs just before serving!