Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Name: Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20); 4 oz low-moisture mozzarella, cut into 3/4-in cubes; 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; as needed olive oil cooking spray; 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade), warmed

Juicy Italian-seasoned beef meatballs with a molten mozzarella center, cooked golden and crisp in the air fryer. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping or toss with pasta.

37 minEasyServes 4410 cal/serving

ItalianDinnerAir FryerHigh ProteinLow CarbPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
4 oz low-moisture mozzarella, cut into 3/4-in cubes
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
as needed olive oil cooking spray
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade), warmed

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20), 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 2 beaten large eggs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix just until combined - do not overwork.
2

Divide the meat mixture into equal portions (about 1.5 oz each). Flatten each portion in your palm, place one cube of 4 oz cut into 3/4-in cubes low-moisture mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around the cheese and roll into a tight ball, sealing completely.
3

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly coat the basket with olive oil cooking spray.
4

Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each. Cook in batches if necessary.
5

Air fry at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through, until the meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and browned on the outside.
6

Rest for 2 minutes, then serve with 2 cups warmed marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) for dipping.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs reach?

For Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs, the air fryer is set to 380 F (about 195 C) in step 3. The longest stretch at that heat is 12 minutes, in step 5. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The target internal temperature is 380 F (about 195 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork. The target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why does Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs say not to overmix?

Step 1 reads: "Mix just until combined - do not overwork." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 1 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

Is there a substitute for Italian seasoning in Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs?

The entry for Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs calls for 1 tsp Italian seasoning. In its place: Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, with a little rosemary.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed 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 Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs uses 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20).

Can I make Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs is 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

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