Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

Name: Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 24 oz frozen meatballs; 18 oz apricot jelly; 1 cup sweet Thai chili sauce; fresh parsley (optional)

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Turn those plain, frozen meatballs into a crowd-pleasing meal with this Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs recipe! Tender meatballs covered in a sweet apricot and spicy Thai sauce are delicious on their own, as part of a meal, or on a satisfying meatball sub.

Why You’ll Love Cooking Frozen Meatballs In The Air Fryer

Cooking frozen meatballs in the air fryer is a great way to get a meal on the table quickly and they’re always a family favorite (who doesn’t love meatballs?).

The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy exterior while the inside stays moist and juicy. And because you’re using frozen meatballs, there’s no need to worry about thawing them out before cooking.

Why You’ll Love Cooking Frozen Meatballs In The Air Fryer
🛒 Ingredients
How to Make Frozen Meatballs in the Air Fryer
Helpful Notes:
FAQS
Try Some of My Other Favorite Air Fryer Recipes

🛒 Ingredients

Frozen Meatballs
Apricot Jelly
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Fresh Parsley, optional

*see recipe card for detailed amounts

How to Make Frozen Meatballs in the Air Fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
Add frozen meatballs to the air fryer in a single layer.
Spray the top of each meatball with cooking oil and cook for 6 minutes at 380°F.
Open the basket, shake the meatballs, and cook for another 6 minutes.
While they’re cooking, pour apricot jelly and Thai chili sauce into a large microwaveable bowl. Heat this mixture for a minute in the microwave to thin it, then whisk together thoroughly.
Once the meatballs are done cooking, add them to the bowl and toss to coat.
Pour the coated meatballs and sauce into a foil or glass pan that fits in your air fryer, and air fry at 350°F for 5 more minutes.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Helpful Notes:

This recipe makes about 50 meatballs, so it’s great to bring to a potluck. Cook them in your air fryer and pop them into a crock pot to keep warm.
If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may have to cook the meatballs in batches.
There are many different brands of frozen meatballs which can lead to variations in the size of the meatballs. Keep in mind larger meatballs may require a longer cooking time.
Avoid overcooking – overcooked meatballs can be dry and chewy. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the inside of the meatballs to avoid cooking for too long.
Use different jam and sauce combinations to mix up the flavors! Cranberry sauce and ketchup also make a great flavor combination!

Variations and Substitutes

There are so many different options you have to turn these air fryer meatballs into one of your favorite recipes.

Best Sauces To Use With Meatballs

If you’re wanting a quick meal that is ready in just minutes, then the easiest way to make this happen is by pairing your meatballs of choice with your favorite sauce.

Different sauces you can try include:

marinara sauce
spaghetti sauce (add some spaghetti for a quick and easy spaghetti and meatballs – such a delicious meal)
bbq sauce – for a sweet and sticky option
tomato sauce – add mozzarella cheese for a tasty meatball bake

Alternatively, you can use one of these sauces as a dipping sauce for your meatballs:

tzatziki sauce
garlic aioli
ranch dressing
teriyaki sauce
honey garlic sauce
sweet & sour sauce

Variations To The Type Of Meatball

Changing the type of meatball is an easy way to create a variation of this recipe and change things up a little.

Different types of meatballs you can use are:

turkey meatballs
beef meatballs
pork meatballs
Swedish meatballs (aka the Ikea meatballs)
ground beef meatballs – make your own meatballs with a few simple ingredients and use them in this recipe. (See FAQs for more info)

What To Serve With Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

While I love these meatballs as a quick snack on their own, you can really change and elevate the meal based on what you pair it with.

Some options include:

Keep your meal super simple and fast by serving these meatballs with these Air Fryer Tater Tots.
Add some fresh green beans (cooked in the air fryer of course) to boost the healthy element of this meal. Try these delicious Air Fryer Green Beans.
Turn your meatballs into a comforting dish by throwing them in with some cooked pasta or steamed rice.
It’s hard to go past the classic combo of meatballs and potatoes, and with these moreish Air Fryer Red Potatoes you can’t go wrong.
If you’re looking for a more fancy option, serve these up with mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash.
For another variation on meatballs and potatoes, you’ll absolutely love your choice of meatballs and sauce paired with these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.
Add some vegge power to your meal by adding these Air Fryer Roast Vegetables.

How To Store Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

These meatballs can be eaten for days after cooking. Enjoy them as leftovers alongside mashed potatoes and veggies or in a meatball sub.

HOW TO STORE IN THE FRIDGE:

Let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

HOW TO STORE IN THE FREEZER:

Place the cooked frozen meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or cook from frozen again.

How To Reheat Frozen Meatballs

Reheat your cooked meatballs in the air fryer or oven until heated through, about 3 – 8 minutes.

You can also place meatballs in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, continuing to check at 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQS

Can I use chicken meatballs (or other meatball variations) in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of meatballs you prefer (see above for some suggestions).

I do, however, recommend using ones with little seasoning already, so the flavors don’t clash with this sauce.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

There’s no need to preheat your air fryer as they heat up very quickly, but you can turn on it 5 minutes before cooking to get it up to temp.

Can I use my own meatball recipe or homemade meatballs?

Yes, you can! This can be a great way to use up leftover meatballs in an easy dinner. If using your own meatballs, just ensure the meatballs were cooked before freezing.

How can I tell if the air-fried meatballs are heated all the way through?

The best way to ensure they’re heated all the way through is by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. Different types of meatballs may take a little longer to cook.

The internal temperature should be at least 165°F for it to be considered safe to eat.

Another way is to cut into one of the meatballs and take a look inside – if they are evenly cooked then they are done!

Do I need any special tools or equipment?

No, you don’t need any special tools or equipment – just an air fryer and a pair of tongs to flip the meatballs.

An instant-read thermometer may come in handy if you want to check the internal temperature of your meatballs, but it’s not necessary.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can also pick up some air fryer safe baking dishes or air-frying baskets to make your life a little easier.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can definitely bake these in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer.

Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Be sure to flip the meatballs halfway through so they cook evenly.

Try Some Of My Other Frozen Air Fryer Recipes For Quick Meals And Snacks

Try Some of My Other Favorite Air Fryer Recipes