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- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes - 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Gather these ingredients to make your savory air fryer mozzarella stuffed meatballs. You will need ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for a juicy base. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add flavor and texture. Italian seasoning and minced garlic bring in that classic Italian taste. For binding, use one large egg, and don't forget salt and black pepper for seasoning. The star ingredient is mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully inside the meatballs. When serving, a warm marinara sauce is perfect for dipping. Fresh basil adds a nice touch and bright flavor. These ingredients come together to create a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy! - In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground beef (or beef & pork mix) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg Mix these well. Make sure every ingredient blends evenly. This step is key for flavor. - Take about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture. - Flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. - Mold the meat around the cheese. Ensure it’s fully enclosed. - Shape it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture and cheese cubes. This method keeps the cheese inside, giving a nice surprise when you bite in. - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). - Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. - Make sure they do not touch. This helps them cook evenly. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Turn them halfway through. They should be golden brown. Check that the inside reaches 160°F (70°C). While they cook, heat marinara sauce in a small pot over low heat. This adds a nice touch when serving. - Choosing the right grind of meat: For the best flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork. The pork adds fat, which keeps the meatballs tender. Aim for an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for juicy meatballs. - Adjusting breadcrumbs for consistency: Use fresh or dry breadcrumbs. Fresh breadcrumbs give a softer texture, while dry ones make a firmer meatball. Start with half a cup and adjust based on how moist your mixture feels. - Ensuring even cooking: Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave space between each meatball. This helps the hot air circulate and cooks them evenly. - Maintaining optimal temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for a nice, crisp exterior. Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent steaming. - Pairing with marinara sauce: Serve your meatballs hot with marinara sauce. This adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the cheese inside. Heat the sauce gently while the meatballs cook. - Garnishing for presentation: Add fresh basil leaves on top before serving. This not only looks great but also adds a burst of fresh flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can enhance the dish too. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option. These meats have less fat but still taste great. You can also try a mix of turkey and pork for more flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, use lentils or beans. They add protein and fiber while keeping the meatball shape. While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment. Cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack can add unique flavors. Mixing cheeses can also create a tasty surprise inside the meatball. Adding herbs like parsley or spices like crushed red pepper can boost flavor. This lets you customize the taste to your liking. Want to spice things up? Add hot sauce, smoked paprika, or garlic powder to the meat mixture. These ingredients can make the meatballs pop with flavor. You can also sneak in some finely chopped vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, or spinach can add nutrition and color. This way, you can make your meal even healthier while keeping it delicious. To store leftover meatballs, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Make sure the meatballs cool down before sealing the container. For reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs. If freezing cooked meatballs, let them cool first. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. For uncooked meatballs, freeze them right after shaping. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. This keeps their flavor and texture intact. In the fridge, cooked meatballs last about 3-4 days. Uncooked meatballs can stay fresh for 1-2 days. When frozen, they last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the meatballs smell off or have a slimy texture, it's best to throw them away. Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs cook in about 10-12 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs in a single layer. Turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The meatballs are ready when they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Yes, you can use other cheeses! Try cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just cut the cheese into small cubes, like mozzarella. Each cheese brings its own flavor and texture. Experiment to find your favorite! These meatballs can be healthy with a few tweaks. Use lean ground beef or turkey for fewer calories. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber. Pairing with marinara sauce gives added nutrients. Remember to enjoy in moderation for a balanced meal. Making Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs is simple and fun. We covered the key ingredients, like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and cheese. We also walked through step-by-step instructions for preparing, forming, and cooking the meatballs. Remember to try different meats and cheese types to personalize your dish. Keep your leftovers fresh by storing them properly. Enjoy these tasty meatballs with marinara and fresh basil for a great meal. With these tips and tricks, you can master this recipe and impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs! Juicy and cheesy, these meatballs are easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for dinner or game day snacks. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delightful dish everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress your family and friends with this tasty treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg

1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

    Take a bit of the meat mixture (about 1 tablespoon) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, and mold the meat around the cheese to form a ball, making sure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.

      Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

        Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other for even cooking.

          Air fry the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 70°C).

            While the meatballs are cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.

              Once the meatballs are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.

                Serve warm with the marinara sauce for dipping and and garnish with fresh basil leaves on top.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4