Air Fryer Meatballs

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published April 26, 2020 • Updated February 1, 2026

Reader Rating
5 Stars (14 Reviews)

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These air fryer meatballs are perfectly cooked and ready to eat in under 10 minutes. Serve them on top of low-carb spaghetti or as an appetizer at your next party.

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Air Fryer Meatballs

5 (14) Prep 5m Cook 20m Total 25m 40 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef, 80/20
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2 cup ground pork rinds
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Preheat

Preheat air fryer to 400 while you are preparing the meatballs.

preheating air fryer
2
Get a large bowl

To a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix until combined.

meatball ingredients mixed together in a large bowl
3
Make meatballs

Roll meatballs into a golf ball size shape. If freezing or storing in the refrigerator for later use, place balls in a single layer inside a ziploc bag. If cooking right away, place inside the air fryer basket about 1/2 inch apart.

keto meatballs on a baking tray of air fryer
4
Air fryer instructions

Air fry at 400 degrees for 6-7 minutes or until the interior of the meatball is cooked through.

air fried low-carb meatballs in an air fryer basket
5
Oven instructions

Place meatballs on a parchment lined baking tray and bake in a 400 degree oven for 9-12 minutes or until cooked through.

keto meatballs on a baking tray
Nutrition Per Serving
85 Calories
6.7g Fat
6.1g Protein
0.3g Net Carbs
0.3g Total Carbs
40 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Air Fryer Meatballs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works fine here. The texture will be a little different and leaner meats dry out faster, so add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream to keep them moist.

What if I don't have pork rinds? Is there a substitute?

Almond flour works as a substitute. It adds a few more carbs per serving but still keeps things low carb. Regular breadcrumbs would add too many carbs, so stick with almond flour or parmesan.

How should I store leftover meatballs?

Put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, let them cool completely first, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. These are one of my go-to keto meal prep staples.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. Mix everything together and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Form the meatballs right before you air fry them.

What can I serve these meatballs with besides spaghetti?

I serve them as appetizers with dipping sauces, on top of salads for extra protein, or stuffed into wraps. My kids like them plain with ranch.

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Air Fryer Meatball Recipe

low carb meatballs in a pile These are hands-down the easiest meatballs I make. Add all the ingredients to a bowl, shape your egg-free meatballs, and pop them in the air fryer. You get a moist, slightly crispy keto meatball in minutes. They’re also freezer-friendly, so I always make a double batch. keto meatballs on top of low carb spaghetti noodles and pasta sauce I love serving these as an appetizer at Super Bowl parties or potlucks. Toss them on top of some low carb spaghetti with my sugar free marinara sauce and you’ve got a full dinner.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

keto meatballs in an air fryer basket An air fryer cooks food using the fat already inside it, hitting every angle at once instead of just one side like a conventional oven. Cleanup is minimal and you skip the greasy mess and smell of deep frying. The hot air circulates around the food so everything cooks evenly. Any air fryer brand works for this recipe. I use a Philip's.

Types of Protein for Meatballs

Beef and pork work equally well in meatballs. Ground pork usually runs about 20 percent fat (it’s rarely labeled), while ground beef is clearly marked. I like using a combo of both because you get juicier meatballs without them being too greasy. That said, all beef or all pork works fine if that’s what you have on hand.

Egg Free Meatballs

bag of pork panko Instead of egg as a binder, I use heavy cream, cheese, and ground pork rinds. The cream and cheese hold everything together, and the pork rinds replace breadcrumbs while adding flavor and moisture. This is one of my favorite keto swaps.

Freezer Friendly Recipe

keto meatballs in a ziploc bag This recipe is perfect for busy weeks. I prep a big batch, pack them in a Ziploc bag, and store them in the freezer. The night before I want them, I move the bag to the fridge to thaw. Done.

Meal Prep Tips

Beyond spaghetti, these meatballs go great with cauliflower rice, sugar free marinara for dipping, or just on their own as a snack. My kids eat them straight out of the air fryer.
About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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