Low carb meatballs are a great way to get your protein in without all the carbs. They’re also super easy and quick to make, so they’re perfect for busy weeknights! You know what I love to make when there’s a significant down time? Homemade Meatballs. Mixing the meat, rolling into balls, quick frying in a pan and then baking them until tender. The baking piece would take FOREVER. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of down time these days. But that’s no longer a problem since the handy invention of the almighty AIR FRYER.
Is it better to bake meatballs or fry meatballs?
Thanks to the invention of the air fryer, I’m here to tell you that it’s possible to make meatballs from start to finish in less than 30 minutes. Having just made this recipe, I was VERY skeptical that it was possible to make low carb meatballs in this modality of cooking. Air fryers are a great way to cook food without the need for an oven or stove. They’re also very easy to use and clean, making them perfect for busy people who don’t have time to spend in the kitchen. This is one of the best air fryer recipes I’ve tried.
The best part about these devices is that they can be used to make healthy meals as well as unhealthy ones. You can even use them to bake bread! After receiving our air fryer from Santa in December, my goal has been to try different types of recipes across the spectrum in the spirit of “will it work?” in the air fryer. And it has. Every. Single. Time.
Making meatballs without a traditional binder such as cornmeal or crackers
If you have made traditional style meatballs before, you know that the meat mixture typically includes a binder such as crushed crackers or cornmeal. These ingredient binders provide add bulk to the meat and help everything stick together. However, if you are on a low carb diet or prefer the taste to a more savory meatball, using grated cheese is the best solution. This recipe uses grated parmesan cheese to bind the meat mixture together with the additional flavor.
How long do you heat up meatballs in the air fryer?
As an added bonus, for this low carb meatball recipe, you will need only a few ingredients. The prep and mixing of the meatballs will take about 10-15 minutes and the meatballs themselves can be completely cooked (with a browned exterior) in about 10-15 minutes within the air fryer.
The final cooked meatballs are a delicious, healthy, low carb meal that is perfect to serve as appetizers or even as a main course. I really enjoy making mine with some marinara sauce on the side to serve with either pasta or mashed potatoes.
What’s In Air Fryer Meatballs?
Meatball Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg (already beaten)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (may also use blended cheese)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp minced cloves garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk (any milk will work)
1 mixing bowl
1 non-stick air fryer baking sheet
1 package rotini or spaghetti pasta(optional)
Sauce Ingredients
1 jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white ground pepper
1 tablespoon dried basil (or fresh basil)
1 tablespoon parsley flakes or oregano (or fresh parsley)
1 bay leaf
How To Make Low Carb Meatballs In An Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees on the AIR FRYER setting.
Taking the raw ground beef, break into chunks within the mixing bowl. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese and garlic to the meat. Using your hands, mix together gently until just combined. Add the salt, pepper, milk and beaten egg to the mixture and work thoroughly to blend the ingredients with your hands. Take care not to over handle the meat (that’s what she said-HA!!!).
Once the meat is mixed, roll the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place onto the non-stick air fryer baking sheet. Continue rolling meatballs until the mixture runs out or until the baking sheet becomes full.
Place your meatballs into the air fryer to cook for a total of 10-15 minutes. Set a time to check the meatballs at the 8 minute mark to see how they are cooking up. Remember, ground beef is completely cooked and safe to eat at an internal temperature between 145 -165 degrees Fahrenheit. For more information on how to prepare your ideal beef at rare, medium and well temps, check out one of my favorite bloggers Molly where she explains this perfectly in her article Internal Temp of Beef: Determining Doneness.
As the meatballs are cooking, get your marinara ready on the stove and warm it over medium heat. I like to add dried basil, parsley , salt, pepper and a bay leaf to really elevate the sauce. In a pinch, you could easily use Italian seasoning.
How to Best Serve Meatballs
Personally, I love to create a side of marinara sauce to go over my meatballs. You could just as easily eat the meatballs with sauce and a loaf of crusty bread for a simple meal. I also like to add a side of pasta (ANY pasta will do!) with the meat and sauce for a deliciously complete dinner. Another air fryer recipe I really like is this traditional Spaghetti and Air Fryer Meatballs recipe from Good Housekeeping.
When the meatballs are completely cooked, remove from the air fryer and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Then add the meatballs to the marinara sauce and stir together. If making pasta, serve the meatballs and sauce over the noodles hot. Enjoy with a loaf of crusty bread and a glass of red wine. Serves 4 people.
