If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that combines hearty meatballs with perfectly roasted potatoes, look no further! This recipe for Meatballs and Potatoes in the Air Fryer is not only simple to prepare but also yields a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (or regular potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on preference)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: With your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and Cut: If using baby potatoes, wash them thoroughly. If using larger potatoes, peel (if desired) and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Season Potatoes: In a medium bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the meatballs and potatoes will cook evenly and achieve a nice crispiness.
Step 4: Air Fry the Meatballs and Potatoes
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the prepared meatballs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Add Potatoes: Add the seasoned potatoes to the basket around the meatballs. Make sure they are spread out evenly.
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The meatballs should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while the potatoes should be tender and golden.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs and potatoes from the air fryer. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Meatballs and Potatoes! This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs and Potatoes
- Use Lean Meat: For healthier meatballs, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in both the meatballs and potatoes to suit your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick to the dish.
- Batch Cooking: If you have leftovers, meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
- Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Conclusion
Meatballs and Potatoes in the Air Fryer is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings comfort food to a whole new level. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve crispy meatballs and perfectly roasted potatoes without the need for excessive oil or time-consuming cooking methods.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences by swapping out ingredients as needed.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table! Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, Meatballs and Potatoes in the Air Fryer is a winner all around
