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    Bites with Bri » Air Fryer » Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer

    Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer

    Published: Mar 16, 2022 · Modified: May 18, 2022 by Brianna May · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    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!

    Air fryer frozen meatballs tossed in tomato sauce on a white plate.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
    • How to Make Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer
    • Expert Tips & Variations
    • Storage Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Air Fryer Recipes
    • Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

    Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

    Ingredients needed to make frozen meatballs in air fryer on wood background.
    • 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.

    4 photos. Frozen meatballs in air fryer basket. Halfway through cooking. Flipped and sprayed. Finished meatballs.

    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.
    Closeup shot of air fryer frozen meatball in a spoon.

    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

    How long should you cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer?

    Air fry at 380 degrees for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. 

    Do you thaw frozen meatballs before cooking?

    No. It is generally not advised or necessary to thaw before cooking or air frying. 

    Are there any good frozen meatballs?

    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 Burgers
    • Air Fryer Frozen
    • Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
    • Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
    • Air Fryer Spinach Dip
    • Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tacos
    • Air Fryer Peach Cobbler
    • Mini S’mores Pie
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE COMMENT
    5 from 15 votes

    Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

    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!
    Servings6 meatballs
    Cook10 minutes
    Total10 minutes
    Course: Appetizer/Snack, Main
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Author: Brianna May

    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.

    NUTRITION:

    Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 133mg | Sugar: 1g
    Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention or tag @bites.with.bri_ or use the hashtag #biteswithbri
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    I am a recipe developer, food photographer, blogger. My goal is to teach you how to cook, not just follow my recipes. I love to cook with bold flavors that are still family friendly. My hubs is a picky eater and all of these recipes are approved by him, so I am sure you and your family will love them too. Learn more about Bri >>

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