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Air Fryer Greek Meatballs

Crispy-outside, juicy-inside Greek meatballs seasoned with herbs and feta. Cooked in the air fryer for a healthier version of this beloved appetizer.

35 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

GreekAppetizerAir FryerStandard

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled, crumbled
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced, minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • as needed olive oil spray
  • 1/2 lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 4 oz crumbled feta cheese, crumbled, 1 egg, 4 cloves minced garlic, minced, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and to taste black pepper.

  2. 2

    Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix or the meatballs will be tough.

  3. 3

    Form the mixture into 16-20 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

  4. 4

    Preheat air fryer to 380°F.

  5. 5

    Lightly spray the air fryer basket with as needed olive oil spray. Arrange meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding.

  6. 6

    Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

  7. 7

    Serve hot with 1/2 lemon wedges, tzatziki sauce, or marinara for dipping.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Air Fryer Greek Meatballs reach?

For Air Fryer Greek Meatballs, the air fryer is set to 380 F (about 195 C) in step 4. The longest stretch at that heat is 15 minutes, in step 6. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 6. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why does Air Fryer Greek Meatballs say not to overmix?

Step 2 reads: "Mix gently until just combined." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 2 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

Is there a substitute for feta in Air Fryer Greek Meatballs?

The entry for Air Fryer Greek Meatballs calls for 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled, crumbled. In its place: Crumbled queso fresco or ricotta salata is milder but behaves the same. For dairy-free, crumble firm tofu and marinate it in lemon juice and salt.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Air Fryer Greek Meatballs?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Air Fryer Greek Meatballs uses 2 lbs ground beef.

Can I make Air Fryer Greek Meatballs dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Air Fryer Greek Meatballs is 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled, crumbled. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

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