How To Air Fry Frozen Meatballs

byHungry Moments -September 26, 2025

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Okay, hear me out, frozen meatballs in the air fryer are a total game-changer. They come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and taste like you made them from scratch (but without the effort). I use them ALL the time!

Why You’ll Never Cook Meatballs Any Other Way

No guessing, no stressing! Toss frozen meatballs in the air fryer, and they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Dinner in record time! Forget waiting on the oven. The air fryer gets them hot and golden in minutes, and cleanup is basically nothing.
So many uses! Sub sandwiches, pasta night, party appetizers. These meatballs are ready to use with whatever you’ve got going on.

Air Fryer Frozen Meatball Ingredients

Frozen Meatballs: I like to buy homestyle meatballs or Italian meatballs, depending on what I am using them for.

How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs

You can quickly pop the meatballs straight from the freezer into the air fryer! They are perfect for an appetizer, an after-school snack, or on top of spaghetti for dinner. Here is my tried-and-true method for making the perfect meatball!

Arrange: Place half the bag of frozen meatballs into the air fryer basket, then close and air-fry for 10 minutes at 400°F. (Cooking times may vary.)
Cooking Meatballs: Shake the basket halfway through so the meatballs cook evenly. *Don’t skip this step! Cook the other half of the meatballs if desired. Enjoy as an appetizer or entree! Serve with your favorite sauce, BBQ, or marinara, or use them in any dish that requires meatballs.

Alyssa’s Pro tip

Don’t crowd: Cook the meatballs in a single layer, leaving a little space between them so they can crisp up on all sides. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes if you want an extra-crispy outside.

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Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

The easiest way to make air fryer frozen meatballs! Perfectly crisp on the outside, tender and juicy inside.

Course Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine Italian American

Keyword air fryer meatballs, Frozen Air Fryer Meatballs, Frozen Meatballs

Prep Time 2

10

Total Time 12

Servings

Calories 323kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs

Instructions

Place half of 1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs into the basket of the air fryer.
Close the basket and air fry the meatballs for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shake the basket halfway through to evenly cook the meatballs.
Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes if you want your meatballs extra crispy on the outside. Cook the other half of the meatballs if desired.
Enjoy as an appetizer or entree! Serve with bbq sauce, marinara sauce, on top of spaghetti, or in any recipe that requires meatballs.

Video

Notes

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Keep leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes.