Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs Recipe
Using an air fryer to cook frozen meatballs is super easy. No need to thaw them, and in just a few minutes, you'll have a plate of delicious, fragrant meatballs ready to enjoy! Give it a try!
Why should I use an air fryer instead of an oven or microwave?
If you're like me and love making frozen meatballs, the air fryer is a game changer. It's so much quicker than the oven, and you don't even need to thaw the meatballs—just toss them in.
Compared to the microwave, it really helps retain the juiciness of the meatballs, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. The microwave can sometimes dry them out, making them tough and losing their original flavor.
Air fryers make meatballs crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a much more satisfying texture—it's hard to stop eating! Plus, you don't have to spend much time, so you're not waiting impatiently. If you have an air fryer, don't miss this method—it really elevates the flavor of frozen meatballs.
Required Ingredients and Substitutes
Frozen meatballs: The main ingredient, providing rich meat flavor and texture.
White sesame seeds: Adds fragrance and texture, enhancing the overall flavor.
Crispy garlic bits: Adds crunch and a garlicky taste to the dish.
Soy sauce: Provides the basic savory flavor for the meatballs.
Oyster sauce: Adds a rich seafood umami flavor.
Satay sauce: Offers a unique spicy flavor that enhances the dish's complexity.
Cooking oil: Used to brush the surface of the meatballs to ensure a golden and crispy exterior.
Substitutes
Frozen meatballs: Can be replaced with homemade meatballs or other flavored frozen meatballs.
White sesame seeds: Black sesame seeds or dried scallions can be used as alternatives.
Crispy garlic bits: Can be replaced with garlic powder or minced garlic, though the fragrance will be slightly different.
Satay sauce: Thai red curry sauce or other spicy sauces can be used as a substitute.
Can I cook an entire bag at once?
Of course! You can definitely cook an entire bag of frozen meatballs at once. Here are a few tips:
Basket-style air fryer: If you're using a basket-style air fryer, avoid overfilling it. It's okay if the meatballs slightly overlap, but it's best to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure that every meatball is heated evenly and gets that nice golden color.
Oven-style air fryer: If you're using an oven-style air fryer, make sure to arrange the meatballs in a single layer. This ensures that each meatball is evenly heated, and the results will be much better.
Cooking Tips
Making cross cuts: Make light cross cuts on the surface of each meatball. This helps the meatballs become crispier and allows the seasonings to penetrate more effectively. Don’t cut too deep—just enough to maintain the shape of the meatball.
Spray oil evenly: Use a sprayer to lightly coat the meatballs with a thin layer of oil. This ensures the meatballs' outer layer becomes crispy without being greasy.
The secret of satay sauce: Satay sauce is the soul of this dish! It not only enhances the aroma but also adds a hint of spiciness, making it the perfect pairing with meatballs. To elevate the flavor, don't skip the satay sauce!
Crispy garlic bits: Adding crispy garlic bits gives the meatballs an irresistible fragrance and adds a layer of garlic flavor. This small detail makes the entire dish more layered and flavorful.
Brush seasoning evenly: After mixing the seasonings, brush them evenly on the cooked meatballs to ensure every meatball is coated with delicious flavor. Then, pop them back into the air fryer for another 3 minutes to let the sauce intensify.
Control the baking time: After brushing the seasonings, remember to cook the meatballs for another 3 minutes. This allows the sauce and meatballs to blend beautifully, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender inside, with perfect texture.
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
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·500g frozen meatballs
Additional Ingredients
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·5g white sesame
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·2g crispy garlic bits
Seasonings
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·1 tbsp soy sauce
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·1 tbsp oyster sauce
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·½ tbsp satay sauce
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·10ml cooking oil
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Prepare 500g of frozen meatballs.
Step 2
Cut a cross pattern on the surface of each meatball.
Step 3
Place the prepared meatballs into the air fryer basket.
Step 4
Use a sprayer to lightly coat the meatballs with oil.
Step 5
Set the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 6
Prepare 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, half a tablespoon of satay sauce, half a tablespoon of sesame seeds, 2 grams of crispy garlic, and 10 milliliters of cooking oil. Mix everything well to make the sauce.
Step 7
Brush the seasoning mixture evenly on the cooked meatballs.
Step 8
Place the seasoned meatballs back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 9
After cooking, sprinkle a little more white sesame on top and serve.
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What to pair with air fryer meatballs?
These pairings are perfect for air fryer meatballs and will definitely make your meal more colorful and satisfying!
Vegetable salad: This is the most refreshing and healthy pairing! Mix some lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and top it with your favorite dressing. It balances out the richness of the meatballs while adding fiber and vitamins. It's fresh and satisfying!
Stir-fried seasonal vegetables: Stir-fry some seasonal veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. Not only does it add color to your plate, but it's also nutritionally balanced and complements the flavors of the meatballs. Quick and easy, it's both healthy and convenient.
Fried rice or noodles: If you want to make the meal more substantial, fried rice or noodles are great choices! Add some vegetables, eggs, or even shrimp to the fried rice for extra flavor and texture, making the meal more filling and delicious.
Rice: Chinese-style meatballs paired with a bowl of steaming rice is a perfect combination! With some sauce, the rice soaks up the delicious flavors of the meatballs, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
Roasted potatoes: Potatoes are the ultimate side dish, and roasted potatoes go wonderfully with meatballs. You can use the air fryer to cook small potatoes—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they pair perfectly with the meatballs. It’s a super enjoyable combo!
FAQs:
If you find the meatballs aren't golden or crispy enough, you can extend the cooking time by 2-3 more minutes to achieve the desired texture. Remember to shake or flip the meatballs halfway through to ensure even cooking!
For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply place the cooled meatballs in a freezer bag or container, and they can be kept in the freezer for several weeks. Just heat them up in the air fryer whenever you're ready to enjoy them again!
If you're like me and prefer less oil without sacrificing flavor, baking in the air fryer is definitely the best choice!
REVIEWS
