The Air Fryer is supposed to be this amazing kitchen appliance that cooks your food with little or no oil. So, when I saw frozen meatballs at the store and thought it would be a perfect test for the air fryer, I was really excited. Turns out, it’s not so great. They came out very dry and almost burnt. Not sure if I was doing something wrong or if that’s just how they are supposed to be cooked in an air fryer, but it wasn’t a good experience. So unfortunately, the Frozen Meatball experiment was a fail for me and the air fryer. Keep reading to learn how to cook frozen meatballs in air fryer!
Are Frozen Meatballs Healthy?
While frozen meatballs may be convenient, they are not necessarily the healthiest option. Most of them contain preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients to help preserve them and keep them moist. In addition, many brands of them also contain high levels of sodium and fat.
What Make Frozen Meatballs Are Good?
They are still a good option if you’re looking for quick and easy meal options. Many brands offer gluten-free and organic varieties which can be healthier than their traditional counterparts. They also require minimal prep time, so they are great for busy weeknights.
Additionally, since they are pre-cooked, they can easily be heated in a variety of ways, from the stovetop to the oven to the air fryer. Plus, they are versatile and can be used for a wide range of dishes, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to hot sandwiches.
What Kinds Of Frozen Meatballs Are Good?
While the air fryer experiment with frozen meatballs wasn’t successful, I did find out that there are some pretty good on the market. Look for brands like:
- Rosina Home-Style
- Nature’s Rancher Fully Cooked Angus Beef
- Farm Rich Italian Style
They will cook well in a traditional oven or even in air fryer.
Will These Directions Work With Homemade Meatballs Too?
Yes! You can use the same directions for homemade meatballs as well, just keep in mind that they may take a bit longer to cook. If you’re using frozen meatballs, make sure they’re thawed before adding them to the sauce.
Should Frozen Meatballs Be Thawed Before Cooking?
That depends on the method of cooking you are using. If you are baking or roasting meatballs in a traditional oven, then they should be thawed before placing them into the oven. However, if you are using an air fryer or slow cooker to cook frozen meatballs, it is not necessary to thaw them first as long as the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Temp Should Frozen Meatballs Be Cooked To?
They should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit in order for them to be safe and fully cooked. You can check the temperature using an instant read thermometer, or by cutting into a meatball to make sure it is cooked through.
How Long To Cook Frozen Meatballs?
The cooking time for frozen meatballs will vary depending on the size, type of meatball and the method of cooking. In a traditional oven, it can take between 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit to cook them through. If you are using an air fryer or slow cooker, it can take 9-13 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on how many meatballs you are cooking at once and the temperature of the oven or appliance.
Frozen Meatballs In Air Fryer Recipe
They can be a quick and easy meal, but make sure to use the right method of cooking otherwise they’ll turn out dry and chewy. With an air fryer, you get crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside so it’s definitely worth a try. And with the right brand, you can’t go wrong!
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
With lower temperature helps heat the inside is warm and keep the outside from getting cooked too well done.
Step 2: Place the frozen meatballs into the air fryer basket.
Making sure that they don’t touch each other.
Step 3: Cooking meatballs in air fryer for 9-11 minutes.
Cooking for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, with larger may take 11-13 minutes to cook.
Look for the temperature reach at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit to show that it is enough warm.
Step 4: Serving your meatballs.
Remove the meatballs from air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce or in a sandwich. Enjoy!
Tips For Cooking Frozen Meatballs In Air Fryer
- The smaller the size, the quicker they will cook.
- Turn them halfway through cooking for more even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each meatball for better air flow and crispier results.
- Check in at 9 minutes to make sure they aren’t overcooked.
- For extra flavor, brush the frozen meatballs with olive oil or toss them in herbs and spices before cooking.
- If they are sticking together while cooking, just shake the basket to separate them.
How To Serve With Frozen Meatballs?
Frozen meatballs can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Serve them over pasta, in a sandwich, or as part of an appetizer platter. For extra flavor you can also toss
them in your favorite sauce or gravy before serving. They can also be served with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
How Long To Cook Frozen Meatballs In Air Fryer?
The cooking time for frozen meatballs in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the meatball. For smaller meatballs or mini, it will take around 9-11 minutes, while larger meatballs may need 11-13 minutes to cook. Keep an eye on the temperature and check to make sure the internal temperature has reached at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
How Do You Know When Meatballs Are Cooked?
The best way to know if your meatballs are cooked through is to check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer or by cutting into one. The internal temperature should be at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit for the meatballs to be safe and fully cooked.
You can also use the visual cues of a golden brown exterior and juices that run clear to indicate that the meatballs are done. If they appear pale or raw in the center, then they may need a few more minutes of cooking time.
Once your meatballs are cooked through and you’ve reached the desired temperature, remove them from the oven or appliance and enjoy!
Can I Cook Meatballs Without Defrosting?
Yes, you can cook meatballs without defrosting them first. However, when cooking them it is important to use the right method and temperature in order for them to cook through properly and evenly. Air fryers and slow cookers are two methods that work well with frozen meatballs as long as you keep an eye on the temperature and make sure it reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
It is also important to note that when cooking them, the cooking time will be longer and they may not have as much flavor as fresh or thawed meatballs. However, with a little extra seasoning and herbs, you can still get delicious results.
Storing And Reheating Cooked Meatballs
Cooked meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 3-4 days. If you have any cooked meatballs left over, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
To store or freeze, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable bag. Be sure to label and date the container so you know when they were cooked.
How To Reheat Meatballs In The Air Fryer?
The air fryer is a great way to quickly and easily reheat cooked meatballs. Preheat the air fryer to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, then add the desired amount of meatballs to the basket. Cook for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and lightly browned. Serve warm with your favorite sides or sauces.
How To Reheat Meatballs In The Microwave?
Place the desired amount of meatballs on a plate and heat for 1-2 minutes on high power until heated through. Be sure to rotate the plate or stir the meatballs every 30 seconds so they heat evenly. Serve warm with your favorite sides or sauces.
FAQs
How Do You Cook Frozen Fully Cooked Meatballs?
Fully cooked frozen meatballs can be cooked in the oven, air fryer, or slow cooker. For all methods, it is important to make sure they reach an internal temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
What Happens If You Don’t Thaw Meat Before Cooking?
If you don’t thaw meat before cooking, it can take longer for the meat to cook through. It is important to use the right method and temperature in order for frozen meat to cook properly and evenly.
Can You Eat Meatballs Raw?
No, it is not safe to eat raw or undercooked meatballs. It is important to make sure that meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Are Meatballs Best Frozen Cooked Or Uncooked?
It depends on the type of meatballs and your preference. Uncooked meatballs can be frozen and cooked later, while cooked meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How Do You Make Frozen Meatballs Taste Better?
Frozen meatballs can be given extra flavor by tossing them in your favorite sauce or gravy before serving. You can also add herbs and spices to the meat mixture before cooking for added flavor.
Is It Better To Bake Or Fry Meatballs?
It depends on your preference. Baking meatballs is a healthier alternative to frying, but it takes longer for them to cook through. Frying can be quicker, but the added oil can add unwanted calories and fat.
Should You Brown Meatballs First?
It is not necessary to brown meatballs before cooking them. However, it can add a nice color and extra flavor if you choose to do so. Pre-browned meatballs can also be frozen for later use.
Is It Ok For Meatballs To Be Slightly Pink In The Middle?
No, it is not safe to eat meatballs that are pink in the middle. Meatballs should always reach an internal temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. Be sure to use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
Should I Flip My Meatballs?
Yes, flipping meatballs while cooking can help them cook more evenly. Flip them every few minutes to ensure they are cooked through and browned on all sides.
What Happens If You Don’t Brown Meatballs?
Meatballs that are not browned may not develop the same flavor and crispness as those that are. Browning them before cooking can help to add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
In Summary
The frozen meatballs turned out great in the air fryer! They were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I will definitely be making these again. If you’re looking for an easy way to make meatballs, Quara Ethiopian Restaurant would recommend giving this recipe a try. Thanks for reading!
The Best Frozen Meatballs In Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 12 frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the frozen meatballs into the air fryer basket.
- Cooking meatballs in air fryer for 9-11 minutes.
- Serving your meatballs.
Video
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between each meatball for better air flow and crispier results.
- Check in at 9 minutes to make sure they aren’t overcooked.
- For extra flavor, brush the frozen meatballs with olive oil or toss them in herbs and spices before cooking.
