Juicy Homemade Meatballs Made Easy with an Air Fryer
[Air Fryer Recipe] Simple and Delicious Homemade Meatballs for Everyone
Introducing an easy and convenient recipe for moist meatballs made with ground beef right at home! These are perfect as a delightful side dish for kids or a fantastic beer snack for adults. Achieve perfectly tender meatballs with a slightly crisp exterior and juicy interiors using your air fryer!
Meatball Mixture Ingredients- 300g ground beef
- Pinch of coarse salt (or 1/2 tsp regular salt)
- Pinch of black pepper (freshly ground adds more flavor)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 finely chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped carrot
- 1/2 finely chopped Cheongyang pepper (adjust to taste, optional)
- 2-3 Tbsp potato starch (or cornstarch)
- A little cooking oil (for pan-frying)
Meatball Sauce- 3-4 Tbsp store-bought barbecue sauce
- 2-3 Tbsp ketchup
- 3-4 Tbsp store-bought barbecue sauce
- 2-3 Tbsp ketchup
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a bowl, combine the 300g of ground beef. Add the finely chopped onion, Cheongyang pepper, and carrot. Season with a pinch of coarse salt and add 1 egg yolk.
Step 2
Sprinkle in some freshly ground black pepper for enhanced aroma. Using freshly ground pepper significantly boosts the meatballs’ fragrance.
Step 3
Don’t forget to add 1 tsp of minced garlic. The garlic aroma will enrich the overall flavor profile of your meatballs.
Step 4
Once all ingredients are in the bowl, it’s time to mix and knead. Start by gently combining everything with your hands, then gradually increase pressure to develop the mixture’s elasticity. Knead vigorously, almost like washing laundry.
Step 5
The most crucial step for great meatballs is thorough kneading. By repeatedly pounding the mixture onto the bottom of the bowl, you ensure the meatballs hold their shape firmly during cooking and won’t fall apart. Continue kneading until the mixture is smooth and elastic.
Step 6
Divide the well-kneaded meatball mixture into bite-sized portions and roll them into uniform balls. Aim for a diameter of about 3-4 cm; larger meatballs will take longer to cook through.
Step 7
Now, let’s coat the meatballs. Place 2-3 tablespoons of potato starch (or cornstarch) into a plastic bag or a wide dish.
Step 8
Carefully place the rolled meatball mixture onto the starch.
Step 9
If using a plastic bag, gently shake it. If using a dish, carefully roll the meatballs to ensure an even, thin coating of starch on all sides. Shake off any excess starch.
Step 10
Your meatballs are now ready to be cooked, coated in starch.
Step 11
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Properly heated oil ensures the meatballs won’t stick and will cook beautifully.
Step 12
Place the starch-coated meatballs in the hot pan. Gently roll them to brown evenly on all sides, being careful not to break their shape as they cook.
Step 13
Continue to roll and turn the meatballs, almost like deep-frying them, until they are golden brown and slightly firm on the outside. Ensure all sides are nicely colored.
Step 14
Transfer the partially pan-fried meatballs to your air fryer basket, arranging them evenly. Place them in a preheated air fryer set to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 15
After 5 minutes, flip the meatballs and cook for another 3 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This double cooking method ensures they are cooked through and remain moist inside while achieving a great texture.
Step 16
Remove the cooked meatballs from the air fryer and place them back into the pan. Pour in both the barbecue sauce and ketchup, ensuring the sauce evenly coats each meatball.
Step 17
Finally, stir-fry the meatballs in the sauce over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the meatballs with a glossy sheen. Your delicious meatballs are ready to enjoy! 🙂
