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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 8 cubes fresh mozzarella cheese (about ½ inch each) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key for making tasty meatballs. I use ground beef for a juicy base. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together. Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick, while fresh mozzarella brings the gooey goodness. For seasonings, I love using minced garlic, dried oregano, and basil. They give the meatballs a burst of flavor. Don't forget the salt and black pepper to enhance the taste. When serving, a warm marinara sauce acts as the perfect dip. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. This combination makes each bite a treat! In a large bowl, you will mix the meat and spices. Combine these ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper Make sure you mix them well. Use your hands to get everything blended evenly. This is key for good meatballs. Now, it’s time to form the meatballs. Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Flatten it in your palm. Next, place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Wrap the meat around the cheese. Shape it into a ball. Repeat this step until you use all the mixture. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This should take about 5 minutes. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in one layer. Make sure they don’t touch each other. Cook them for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Look for a golden brown color to know they are done. To make great meatballs, you need the right balance of moisture and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs help absorb some of the juices. This keeps the meatballs tender. If you add too many breadcrumbs, your meatballs become dry. Use about 1 cup of breadcrumbs for 1 pound of meat. Next, avoid overmixing. When you mix the meat and other ingredients, do it gently. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until everything is combined. Check for doneness by using a food thermometer. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. If they are not done, cook them a few more minutes. Adjust cooking time based on the size of your meatballs. Smaller meatballs may cook faster. Larger ones will need more time. Keep an eye on them as they cook. Pair these meatballs with warm marinara sauce. The sauce adds a rich flavor that complements the meatballs. You can also use it for dipping. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for extra taste. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your meatballs. Instead of mozzarella, try using cheddar for a sharper flavor. Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture. Just remember, whatever cheese you choose, keep it in small cubes. This helps the cheese melt nicely in the air fryer. Herbs and spices can really change the taste. Add some chopped parsley for freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Don't be afraid to try different flavors. For a Mediterranean twist, add some thyme or rosemary. The options are endless! If you need to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a low-carb version, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour. This keeps the meatballs tasty without the carbs. You can still enjoy the cheesy goodness while sticking to your diet. To keep your meatballs fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This helps you track how long they have been stored. To reheat your meatballs, the air fryer works best. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but this may make them softer. Heat for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently. To freeze the meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove excess air. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can reheat them in the air fryer or oven as mentioned before. Enjoy your tasty treat even later! To know if your meatballs are ready, check their internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C). This temperature shows the meat is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be brown inside, and the cheese should be melted. Yes, you can prepare these meatballs ahead of time. Mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs. Then, cover them tightly and place them in the fridge. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. Dipping sauces can really enhance your meal. Marinara sauce is a classic choice that pairs perfectly. You might also enjoy garlic aioli or a spicy arrabbiata sauce. For a twist, try ranch dressing or a creamy blue cheese dip. These sauces add flavor and make each bite even better. This blog post covered how to make delicious stuffed meatballs. We looked at main ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and seasonings. You learned about mixing, shaping, and cooking in an air fryer. We shared tips for perfect texture and tasty serving ideas. You can even explore variations for cheese and spices. Remember, practice makes perfect! Try these tips, and enjoy your meatballs. They’re fun to make and share.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs stuffed with mozzarella cheese, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 cubes fresh mozzarella cheese (about ½ inch each)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
  • to taste Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, shaping it into a meatball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
  • Place the stuffed meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching each other.
  • Cook the meatballs in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are cooking, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan or microwave.
  • Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
  • Serve the mozzarella stuffed meatballs with marinara sauce for dipping, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil for garnish.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, meatballs, mozzarella