Frozen Meatballs in the Air Fryer
A bag of frozen meatballs is a quick dinner, but the oven takes 25 minutes to heat up and a pan makes them tough. In the air fryer they go from the freezer to browned and hot in about 12 minutes, with no thawing. You also get timings for pre-cooked and raw frozen meatballs, so you know which one you have.
- Temperature
- 180°C
- Total time
- 16min
- Prep
- 2min
- Servings
- 4
- Core temp
- 75°C
- Per serving
- 315kcal
Why the air fryer works for frozen meatballs
Frozen meatballs in air fryer baskets heat quickly because there is plenty of surface for the hot air to reach. The outside browns and firms up, while the centre heats through, so you get a better texture than from the microwave, which leaves them rubbery. There is no need to preheat the oven or watch a pan.
Cooking frozen meatballs in the air fryer works for both kinds sold in shops. Pre-cooked meatballs only need to be heated and browned, while raw ones must be cooked through. Check the packet before starting, as the time differs by a few minutes. For homemade meatballs, see meatballs in the air fryer.
How to make frozen meatballs in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Check the pack Look to see whether the meatballs are pre-cooked or raw. Pre-cooked ones need heating through; raw ones need longer. Do not thaw them.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 180 °C for .
- Load Tip the meatballs into the basket in a single layer, with a little space between each. Add the oil and toss.
- Cook Cook pre-cooked meatballs for and raw ones for , shaking the basket after . Warm the pasta sauce in a small pan while they cook.
- Check and serve The FSA says minced meat must be cooked through, so cut one open or check with a thermometer: it should read 75 °C, steaming hot with no pink. Toss the meatballs in the hot sauce and rest for before serving.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Frozen Meatballs | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-cooked frozen meatballsShake halfway | 180 °C | 10–12 min |
| Raw frozen meatballs | 180 °C | 12–14 min |
| Large meatballs (40 g or more) | 180 °C | 14–16 min |
| Frozen turkey or chicken meatballs | 180 °C | 10–12 min |
| Mini cocktail meatballs | 180 °C | 6–8 min |
| Thawed meatballs | 180 °C | 6–8 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 75 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Cook in one layer. Meatballs piled on each other stay cold in the middle. Do two batches in a small basket.
- Add sauce at the end. Tossing the meatballs in sauce before cooking makes them soggy. Heat the sauce separately and combine at the end.
- Check the biggest. Larger meatballs lag behind. Cut one open or use a thermometer to be sure.
Serving
Serve the meatballs over spaghetti with the tomato sauce and grated cheese, or in a toasted sub roll. They also go with mash and gravy, or on cocktail sticks as a party snack. Side dishes that work well include potato wedges and broccoli. Frozen meatballs in the air fryer also make a quick lunch the next day.
Storing and reheating
Cooked meatballs keep for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, put them in the air fryer at 160 °C for 4–5 minutes, until they are steaming hot all the way through (75 °C). Do not reheat them more than once.
Variations
- Swedish style: Serve the meatballs with a creamy gravy and lingonberry jam.
- Meatball sub: Put the meatballs in a roll with sauce and cheese, then cook at 180 °C for 2 minutes to melt it.
- Sweet and sour: Toss the hot meatballs in a spoonful of sweet chilli sauce for the last minute.
Troubleshooting
- The meatballs are dry
- They have cooked too long. Pre-cooked meatballs only need heating. Check from 8 minutes and warm them in the sauce.
- The centre is still cold
- The balls were large or the basket was full. Cook in one layer, add 2–3 minutes and check each one reaches 75 °C.
- The meatballs stick to the basket
- Lean meatballs may stick. Toss them in a teaspoon of oil first and shake the basket halfway.
Frequently asked questions
How long do frozen meatballs take in an air fryer?
Pre-cooked frozen meatballs take 10–12 minutes at 180 °C, and raw frozen meatballs 12–14 minutes. Shake the basket halfway.
Do you need to thaw frozen meatballs before air frying?
No. Cook them straight from the freezer. Thawing is not needed and lets them lose moisture.
What temperature should meatballs reach?
The Food Standards Agency says minced meat is safe when steaming hot all the way through. A thermometer reading of 75 °C in the centre confirms this.
Can you cook frozen meatballs in sauce in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook them plain for 8 minutes, then tip them into a heatproof dish with the sauce and cook for 5 minutes more at 180 °C.
Can you air fry frozen turkey or chicken meatballs?
Yes, at 180 °C for 10–12 minutes. They must also reach 75 °C in the middle.
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