These Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs are a simple appetizer, lunch, or dinner solution. Serve them tossed in barbecue sauce over mashed potatoes or in marinara sauce over pasta. Either way they are delicious and most importantly easy!
Sometimes you just need a quick meal or snack! Frozen meatballs are a great freezer staple for these moments.
I love to toss this meatball recipe with lots of my favorite homemade Hearty Marinara Sauce.
Looking for more easy appetizers? Try my Cheesy Bisquick Sausage Balls.
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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Frozen Meatballs: I used the frozen turkey meatballs from Trader Joes. Any medium size will work. Do not thaw. You can cook as many that can fit in a single layer in the basket. Fully cooked turkey, chicken, beef, or pork meatballs can all be used. You can even try plant based or vegan alternatives. Just be sure the they are NOT raw and are frozen.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer
Quick Overview
- Place in a single layer in basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the meatballs in the air fryer in a single layer. Spray with oil if desired.
Step 2: Air fry at 380 degrees for 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Shake the basket to rotate the meatballs and spray again with oil.
Step 4: Air fry at 380 degrees for another 5-6 minutes, or until completely heated through.
They should begin to brown.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Do not thaw the meatballs. There is no need to defrost the meatballs. Cooking the meatballs directly from frozen is best.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Place the meatballs in a single layer so they heat and brown evenly.
- Use oil. While oil is usually optional for my air fryer recipes, I highly recommend it. It prevents food from sticking or drying out.
- Toss in your favorite sauce. Try barbecue, sweet chili, or marinara sauce.
- This recipe was tested in my COSORI. Every air fryer cooks differently and that is why the cook time is a range. It will vary depending on the model. Be sure to check on the meatballs as they air fry and adjust the time as needed to ensure they are heated through.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or air fry at 380 degrees for 5-6 minutes or until heated through completely.
Recipe FAQs
Air fry at 380 degrees for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
No. It is generally not advised or necessary to thaw before cooking or air frying.
Definitely! I like the frozen turkey meatballs from Trader Joes. Check out the 11 Best Frozen Meatballs to buy.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 6 frozen pre-cooked meatballs*
Optional
- spray oil
For Serving
- BBQ sauce or marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer in a single layer. Spray with oil if desired.
- Air fry at 380 degrees for 5-6 minutes.
- Shake the basket to rotate the meatballs and spray again with oil.
- Air fry at 380 degrees for another 5-6 minutes, or until completely heated through.
Notes:
- Frozen Meatballs: I used the frozen turkey meatballs from Trader Joes. Any medium size will work. Do not thaw. You can cook as many that can fit in a single layer in the basket. Fully cooked turkey, chicken, beef, or pork meatballs can all be used. You can even try plant based or vegan alternatives. Just be sure the they are NOT raw and are frozen.
- Do not thaw the meatballs. There is no need to defrost the meatballs. They cook perfectly directly from frozen.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Place the meatballs in a single layer so they heat and brown evenly.
- Use oil. While oil is usually optional for my air fryer recipes, I highly recommend it. It prevents food from sticking or drying out.
- This recipe was tested in my COSORI. Every air fryer cooks differently and that is why the cook time is a range. Be sure to check on the meatballs as they air fry and adjust the time as needed to ensure they are heated through.
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