These air fryer meatballs offer a delightful, protein-rich option for a quick snack or a satisfying meal. Crafted from ground beef, these meatballs are infused with savory flavors from Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, grated garlic, onion, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Each ingredient works in harmony to create a deeply flavorful experience, reminiscent of classic comfort food.

The mixture is then carefully rolled into uniform balls, ready to be transformed into golden-brown delights. The air fryer works its magic, creating a perfectly browned exterior that seals in the juices and enhances the overall texture. The result is a tantalizingly crispy outside that gives way to a tender and succulent inside.

The browning process not only elevates the visual appeal but also intensifies the savory notes, making each bite a burst of flavor. For those without an air fryer, achieving similar results is easily done in the oven. Simply brown the meatballs in a touch of oil in an oven-safe skillet, ensuring each side gets a lovely sear.

This preliminary browning adds depth of flavor and color. Then, transfer the skillet to a preheated 350F oven and bake until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165F, guaranteeing they are cooked through and safe to eat. The oven method provides a more gradual cooking process, resulting in uniformly cooked meatballs.

Traditional meatball recipes sometimes include additions like parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. However, by using ground beef with a higher fat content (around 85% is ideal), these additions become unnecessary. The fat content contributes to the moistness and tenderness of the meatballs, creating a satisfyingly rich texture without the need for extra ingredients.

These versatile meatballs can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a simple snack, pair them with cubes of cheddar cheese. For a more substantial meal, serve them over spiralized zucchini noodles or your preferred pasta alternative, accompanied by a flavorful sauce.

The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to your specific tastes and preferences. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a meal, these air fryer meatballs are sure to please with their robust flavor, satisfying texture, and ease of preparation.