Air Fryer BBQ Meatballs: Juicy, Sweet, and Ready in Minutes
Juicy, flavorful, and coated in smoky BBQ sauce — these air fryer BBQ meatballs are the perfect appetizer or quick dinner. Ready in under 20 minutes with a tender interior and a caramelized glaze you’ll crave again.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for brushing)
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and seasonings until well mixed.
3. Form 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
5. Arrange meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each.
6. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through cooking.
7. Brush with BBQ sauce and air fry another 3–5 minutes until caramelized.
8. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce or over rice.
Notes
You can substitute half the beef for ground pork for extra tenderness.
To make ahead, cook meatballs and refrigerate up to 3 days — reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F.
Use your favorite BBQ sauce — smoky, sweet, or spicy.
Find it online: https://recipelio.com/air-fryer-bbq-meatballs/