Go Back
Air fryer meatballs for one served with tomato sauce.
Anas Jafir

Air Fryer Meatballs for One

Air fryer meatballs for one make four small beef meatballs with crisp edges, safe 160°F doneness, and no full batch to store.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ounces ground beef, preferably 85% to 90% lean
  • 2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water
  • 1 teaspoon grated onion, or 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Oil spray or 1/4 teaspoon olive oil
  • Optional: 1/3 cup warm marinara sauce for serving
  • Optional: cooked pasta, rice, salad, or a baked potato for serving

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • small bowl
  • measuring spoons
  • small parchment square, optional
  • tongs or a thin spatula
  • instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Stir the breadcrumbs and milk or water together in a small bowl and let sit for 1 minute.
  3. Add the ground beef, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mix gently just until combined.
  5. Shape into four meatballs, each about 1 inch wide.
  6. Lightly spray the basket or use a small approved parchment square.
  7. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer with space between them.
  8. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 9 to 11 minutes, turning once after 5 minutes.
  9. Check that the thickest meatball reaches 160°F (71°C).
  10. Rest for 2 minutes, then serve plain or toss with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Cooking time is estimated and varies by meatball size and air fryer model.
Ground beef meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).
Nutrition is an estimate before pasta, rice, sauce, or extra cheese.
Times and nutrition are estimates. Follow your appliance instructions and check doneness.
Never preheat with a loose parchment liner. Keep any liner secured beneath food and away from the heating element.