Name: Air Fried Stuffed Meatballs: The Ultimate Recipe Guide
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12-15 meatballs
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended); 1/2 lb Ground Italian Sausage (sweet or hot); 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred); 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley; 2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste); 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped; 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped; Olive Oil Spray; Your Favorite Marinara Sauce, for serving

Air Fried Stuffed Meatballs: Prepare to experience a culinary revelation! Imagine biting into a perfectly browned, crispy meatball, only to discover a molten core of gooey, melted cheese. That's the magic we're unlocking today with this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe.

Meatballs, in their various forms, have been a staple in cuisines around the world for centuries. From Italian polpette to Swedish köttbullar, these humble spheres of seasoned meat have provided comfort and sustenance to countless generations. While traditionally pan-fried or baked, we're taking a modern approach by utilizing the air fryer to achieve unparalleled crispiness without the excess oil.

What makes these Air Fried Stuffed Meatballs so irresistible? It's the delightful combination of textures and flavors. The savory, well-seasoned meatball exterior gives way to a burst of cheesy goodness, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, the air fryer makes this recipe incredibly convenient, cutting down on cooking time and cleanup. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun snack, these stuffed meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to elevate your meatball game!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
1/2 lb Ground Italian Sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
1 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred, but plain works too)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)

For the Stuffing:

8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Optional: Sun-dried Tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (about 1/4 cup)
Optional: Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)

For Air Frying:

Olive Oil Spray
Your Favorite Marinara Sauce, for serving

Preparing the Meatball Mixture:

Alright, let's get started! First, we need to create the base for our delicious stuffed meatballs. This is where all the flavor comes from, so pay attention to the details!

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. I like to use my hands for this, but you can use a large spoon or spatula if you prefer. Just make sure the meats are evenly distributed.
Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
Now, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, and we definitely don't want that. We want them tender and juicy.
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the meatballs hold their shape better during cooking. Trust me, this step is worth it!

Stuffing and Forming the Meatballs:

This is the fun part! Getting those mozzarella cubes tucked inside is what makes these meatballs so special.

Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator.
Prepare your stuffing ingredients. If you're using sun-dried tomatoes and basil, make sure they're chopped and ready to go.
Take a generous tablespoon (or two, depending on how big you want your meatballs) of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand.
Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened meat. If you're using sun-dried tomatoes and basil, add a small pinch of each on top of the cheese.
Carefully bring the edges of the meat mixture up and around the cheese, completely enclosing it. Gently roll the meatball between your palms to form a smooth, round shape. Make sure there are no cracks or openings, or the cheese will melt out during cooking.
Repeat steps 3-5 until all the meat mixture is used. I usually get about 12-15 meatballs from this recipe, depending on the size.
As you form the meatballs, place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking.

Air Frying the Stuffed Meatballs:

Now for the magic! Air frying is my favorite way to cook these meatballs because it gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Plus, it's much healthier than deep frying!

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for even cooking.
Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil spray. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking.
Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown. Flip the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving and Enjoying:

The best part! Time to enjoy the fruits (or rather, meatballs) of your labor.

Serve the air-fried stuffed meatballs immediately with your favorite marinara sauce. I like to warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat while the meatballs are cooking.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
These meatballs are delicious served on their own as an appetizer, or you can serve them over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy experience, you can also melt some extra mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs before serving. Just place them under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

Cheese Variations: Instead of mozzarella, try using provolone, fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
Meat Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable Additions: Add finely chopped vegetables, such as onions, carrots, or zucchini, to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little bit of heat.
Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you don't have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or even rolled oats as a substitute.
Sauce Options: While marinara sauce is a classic pairing, these meatballs are also delicious with pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a creamy mushroom sauce.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking.
Freezing: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Simply place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply air fry them from frozen for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

Meatballs are falling apart: This is usually caused by not using enough binder (breadcrumbs and eggs) or overmixing the meat mixture. Make sure you're using the correct amount of breadcrumbs and eggs, and be careful not to overmix. You can also add a tablespoon or two of extra breadcrumbs to the mixture if needed.
Cheese is melting out: This is usually caused by not sealing the meatballs properly. Make sure there are no cracks or openings in the meatball before cooking. You can also try chilling the meatballs in the freezer for about 15 minutes before air frying to help the cheese stay put.
Meatballs are dry: This is usually caused by overcooking. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer and remove them from the air fryer as soon as they reach 160°F (71°C). You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the meat mixture to help keep them moist.
Meatballs are sticking to the air fryer basket: Make sure you're spraying the basket with olive oil spray before adding the meatballs. You can also use parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers.

Enjoy your Air Fried Stuffed Meatballs!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Air Fried Stuffed Meatballs are truly a game-changer. Forget slaving over a hot stove or dealing with messy pans – the air fryer makes this classic comfort food incredibly easy and surprisingly healthy. The combination of juicy, seasoned meat and that molten cheese center is simply irresistible. Trust me, one bite and you'll be hooked! But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the ease of preparation, it's the sheer flavor explosion. The air fryer seals in all the delicious juices, creating a perfectly browned exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. Plus, stuffing them with cheese elevates them from ordinary meatballs to something truly special. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or even a fancy appetizer. Looking for serving suggestions? These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them over a bed of your favorite pasta with a generous helping of marinara sauce for a classic Italian feast. Or, try them as sliders on mini brioche buns with a dollop of pesto mayo. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. They're also fantastic as a protein-packed snack on their own. And don't be afraid to get creative with variations! Swap out the mozzarella for provolone, pepper jack, or even a creamy goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrients and flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try stuffing them with a small cube of cream cheese and a jalapeno slice for a spicy kick. You could even experiment with different ground meats, like turkey or chicken, to create a lighter version. The possibilities are endless! I truly believe that these Air Fried Stuffed Meatballs will become a staple in your kitchen. They're quick, easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. They are also a great way to get kids involved in the cooking process. Let them help with mixing the ingredients or stuffing the meatballs – it's a fun and engaging activity that will encourage them to try new foods. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and get ready to experience meatball perfection. I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've made your own batch of these amazing Air Fried Stuffed Meatballs, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear about your variations, serving suggestions, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Did you try a different cheese? Did you add any special seasonings? Let me know! Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this recipe. Happy cooking!