Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: 27-Minute Delight

Name: Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: 27-Minute Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 egg; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 27, 2025

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Oh boy, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs! There’s just something magical about biting into these juicy little treasures and discovering that gooey, melted mozzarella inside. It’s like a surprise party for your taste buds! Seriously, the first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how easy they were to whip up. In just about 27 minutes from start to finish, I had these delicious meatballs ready to devour.

Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs - detail 1

Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also gives them that perfect golden-brown crust that’s so satisfying. The flavor is out of this world too! You’ve got the rich taste of ground beef, the nutty zing of Parmesan, and fresh parsley dancing together, all wrapped around that cheesy goodness. Trust me, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them for dinner or as party snacks. And the best part? They’re gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking – your taste buds are in for a treat!

Ingredients List

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes

How to Prepare Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Alright, let’s get down to the fun part – making these cheesy meatballs! It’s super simple, and I’m here to walk you through each step so you can impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share these with you). Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive in!

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

First thing’s first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it helps cook the meatballs evenly and gives them that lovely golden-brown exterior we all crave. Just set it and let it warm up while you prepare the mixture!

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Now, let’s mix up all those delicious ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You want to mix these together until everything is well combined but still retains some texture – think of it like giving the ingredients a big, cozy hug! If it feels too dry, you can add a splash of water or an extra egg. Just don’t overmix, or the meatballs can end up tough!

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Here comes the fun part! Take a small handful of the meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it gently in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese right in the center, then wrap the meat around it. Make sure to seal the cheese inside tightly so it doesn’t leak during cooking – we want that cheesy goodness to stay inside! Roll it between your hands to ensure a nice, round shape. Repeat this until you’ve used up all the mixture. This part is all about love and care – you got this!

Step 4: Arrange and Cook

Now that your meatballs are ready, it’s time to get them cooking! Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so they can cook evenly. No crowding here! Cook them for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. I like to check them around the 10-minute mark just to see how they’re doing – you can give them a little shake in the basket if you want to ensure they don’t stick. And if you want to be extra sure they’re done, a quick internal temperature check should read 160°F (71°C). Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely intoxicating!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, this recipe for Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs is an absolute winner for so many reasons! Once you give it a try, you’ll be hooked. Here’s why:

Quick to Make: With just 27 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Easy Preparation: Mixing the ingredients and forming the meatballs is simple and fun. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can handle this!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory ground beef, nutty Parmesan, fragrant parsley, and gooey mozzarella creates a taste that’s out of this world. Every bite is a delightful surprise!
Healthy Option: Cooking in an air fryer means less oil and fewer calories, so you can indulge without the guilt. Plus, they’re gluten-free, making them accessible for everyone!
Versatile: These meatballs are perfect for any occasion! Serve them as a hearty main dish, a fun appetizer for parties, or toss them in sauce for a pasta night that’ll wow your family!

Seriously, once you try these meatballs, you’ll want to add them to your regular rotation. They’re just that good!

Tips for Success

Alright, if you want to take your Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs to the next level, I’ve got some pro tips for you! These little nuggets of wisdom will help ensure that your meatballs come out perfectly every single time.

Choose the Right Ground Beef

While I love using ground beef for its flavor, you can absolutely mix things up! Try using a blend of ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just remember, if you go with leaner meat, you might want to add a bit more fat (like olive oil) to keep the meatballs juicy.

Experiment with Cheese

Don’t feel like sticking to just mozzarella? Go wild! Try different types of cheese like pepper jack for a kick, or creamy fontina for an extra indulgent touch. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well, so you still get that glorious gooeyness inside!

Herbs and Spices Galore

This recipe is super versatile; feel free to throw in additional herbs or spices to amp up the flavor! Fresh basil or oregano can really elevate the taste. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat – yum!

Don’t Skip the Preheat

I can’t stress this enough: preheating your air fryer is crucial! It ensures even cooking and that crispy exterior we all love. So don’t rush this step – let it get nice and hot before you pop those meatballs in!

Check for Doneness

If you have a meat thermometer, use it! Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked meatballs. But if you don’t, just cut one open to check – it should be juicy and cooked through with no pink inside.

Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Mat

If you’re worried about sticking, consider using parchment paper or a silicone mat in your air fryer basket. This little trick helps with cleanup too – win-win! Just remember to cut it to size so it fits well without blocking airflow.

Leftover Magic

If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), they reheat beautifully in the air fryer. Just pop them back in at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll taste just as amazing the second time around!

With these tips, you’re well on your way to meatball-making mastery! Enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of these delightful Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs, which is about four meatballs:

Calories: 320
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 500mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure: you’re getting a hearty dose of flavor and protein with every bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these scrumptious Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my best answers to help you out.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer. If they’re cold from the fridge, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare but totally possible), let the meatballs cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!

Can I use different types of meat?

You bet! While I love the rich flavor of ground beef, you can definitely swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just keep in mind that different meats might change the flavor a bit, so choose one that you enjoy. If you go for leaner meat, consider adding a touch of olive oil to keep the meatballs moist.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No air fryer? No problem! You can bake these cheese-stuffed meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking. They’ll still be delicious, just without that signature air-fried crunch.

Can I add more cheese or different fillings?

Oh, definitely! Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices. You can add more cheese for an extra gooey center or even stuff them with other fillings like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Just be sure to seal the meat around the filling well so nothing escapes during cooking!

How can I adjust the cooking time for larger meatballs?

If you decide to make bigger meatballs, you’ll want to increase the cooking time. Start checking for doneness around 12-15 minutes, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. As always, a meat thermometer can help; aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

There you have it! If you have more questions, feel free to reach out. I love helping fellow cooks create these tasty bites! Enjoy making your Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs and happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I highly doubt because they’re so good!), storing them properly is key. Let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy them again without any fuss!

For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, pop the meatballs back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the air fryer gives them that lovely crispiness. Either way, you’ll be back to enjoying that cheesy goodness in no time!