The Meatballs in Air Fryer without eggs, are the ideal solution for those who love traditional flavors but want a lighter, practical, and quick dish to prepare. In just a few minutes, you get meatballs that are golden on the outside and soft on the inside, with an irresistible crust that rivals fried ones and contain no eggs!!
This recipe is designed for those who follow a diet for intolerances or simply want a lighter and more digestible alternative without sacrificing taste. The secret to egg-free meatballs is finding the right binder: bread soaked in milk (or water), mashed boiled potatoes, or even a spoonful of ricotta… small tricks that make the dough soft and compact without the need for an egg. In addition to being delicious, these Meatballs in Air Fryer without eggs are perfect for numerous occasions: last-minute dinner, aperitif with friends, and a sure hit for kids who will love them. They can be prepared in advance, easily stored, and become crunchy again in just a few minutes of cooking.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can use mixed ground beef and pork (like I do), beef, chicken, turkey, a combination of the three, or if you want to be more daring, you can add some sausage to the mix; add fresh herbs, fragrant spices, a melting heart of cheese, or even make them vegetarian. Once ready, you can dip them in sauce, serve them with a dipping sauce, with fries, grilled vegetables, or fresh salad.
With its circulating heat, a touch of oil, and voilà, the magic of the Air Fryer, without dirtying pots and without the smell of frying throughout the house. The result? Super light meatballs but full of flavor, soft to bite, with an irresistible aroma.
Have I convinced you? Then let’s see how to prepare these delicious meatballs😁
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Rest time: 1 Hour
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 11 meatballs
- Cooking methods: Air Frying, Oven, Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
Ingredients for 11 Meatballs
- 8.8 oz mixed ground meat
- 2.1 oz stale bread
- 3.4 oz milk
- 1.4 oz Grana Padano cheese, grated
- 1.1 oz provolone (grated)
- 1 clove garlic
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste nutmeg
- to taste breadcrumbs
- to taste sesame seeds (optional)
Tools
Suggested Tools
- 1 Air Fryer
- 2 Small bowls
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Grater for grating nutmeg and garlic
Steps
How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs Without Eggs
In a bowl, soften the torn bread with milk, and let it sit for 10 minutes
When the bread has completely absorbed the milk, combine it with the ground meat without squeezing it. This way, the meatballs will remain extremely soft
Add grated Grana or Parmesan, grated provolone, salt, pepper, the garlic clove grated or pressed if you prefer
Grate the nutmeg as well
Mix until you get a soft but compact mixture, take small portions of the dough and shape them into meatballs with your hands
Continue until you finish the dough. Store them in the fridge for at least an hour. This step makes them more compact, preventing cracks during cooking, and the ingredients bind better together.
In a small baking dish or bowl, pour the breadcrumbs, I added some sesame seeds and roll the meatballs to fully coat them
Place the meatballs spaced apart, not overlapping, on the tray or grill of the fryer and spray some oil
Cook using the air fry program at 356°F for 10 minutes, and for extra browning and crunch, raise to 392°F and continue for another 3 minutes
Here they are, golden on the outside and super soft inside😋😋 Serve with a yogurt sauce or simply with a fresh salad
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Storage and Tips
The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 2/3 days, sealed in a container or a dish covered with plastic wrap. You can reheat them in the air fryer, and in just a few minutes, they will be crispy like freshly made.
They can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until needed.
If there are lactose intolerances in the family, you can replace the milk with water, lactose-free milk, or plant-based beverages.
Stale bread can be replaced with white bread or sandwich bread
If the dough is too soft, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs. Pay attention to the consistency: to achieve soft meatballs, the mixture should be compact but not too solid.
