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

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.

Questions

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

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (4 oz low-moisture mozzarella, cut into 3/4-in cubes, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free dinner collection instead.

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

Yes. The gluten in this entry 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.

How long does Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350 F for three to four minutes; the microwave softens the coating.

Can I halve or double Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, air-fry in batches; a crowded basket steams instead of crisping.

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