Easy Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs Fresh And Frozen
Lamb meatballs are a great way to combine the taste of lamb with fragrant herbs and spices for a delicious dinner.
Juicy tasty meatballs made with simple ingredients and no binding with egg or breadcrumbs.
Perfect for anyone with intolerances.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating succulent meatballs that are bound to impress.
I use a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer for this recipe but it can be made in any air fryer. Just be mindful that timings and temperatures may differ.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs
Enjoy the rich flavours of lamb without the guilt of excess oil or grease.
Air frying ensures that your lamb meatballs are cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, all while using minimal oil.
Unlike traditional meatball recipes, which often call for breadcrumbs as a binding agent, these lamb meatballs hold together beautifully without them.
The natural fats and proteins in the minced lamb provide ample moisture and texture, resulting in juicy, tasty meatballs.
No more heavy, greasy dishes just a healthy alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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Ingredients
Makes approximately 15 to 20 lamb meatballs depending on size.
- 500g minced Lamb
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Recommended Equipment
How To Cook Lamb Meatballs In A Ninja Air Fryer
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed.
- Using your hands, gently form the lamb mixture into small, uniform-sized meatballs. Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round shapes. Place the shaped meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180C/360F. While the air fryer heats up, drizzle olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown and crisp up nicely during cooking.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the seasoned meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches for the best results.
- Air fry the lamb meatballs for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use tongs to carefully turn the meatballs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.
More Air Fryer Recipes
How To Cook Lamb Curry In The Air Fryer
Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs In The Air Fryer
Beef Kebabs In The Air Fryer Easy And Healthy
7 Meatball Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways.
Some serving suggestions:
- A side of tomato sauce, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- On top of a bed of fluffy rice, with a side of roasted vegetables for added flavour and nutrition.
- Place in a pita bread with a tahini sauce for dipping, and a side of crispy lettuce for crunch.
- Serve the meatballs with a spicy tomato sauce, a side of creamy yoghurt for cooling, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.
- Try a sweet and sour sauce, a side of steamed vegetables, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added crunch.
- Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, a drizzle of honey mustard sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped spring onions.
- A side of sautéed spinach, a splash of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese complement the meatballs beautifully.
Feel free to mix and match to create the perfect combination.
Pro Tips
Dry Meatballs: To prevent dryness, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture and ensure that the air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature.
Sticking to Basket: Line the air fryer basket with greaseproof paper or lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking during cooking.
Uneven Cooking: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer with space between each one to allow for air circulation and even cooking.
Turning: Halfway through the cooking time turn the meatballs for even browning.
Can I use lean minced lamb for this recipe?
Lean minced lamb works well and produces tasty meatballs with a slightly lower fat content.
How do I know when the lamb meatballs are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
Can I use different herbs and spices in the meatball mixture?
Feel free to experiment with your favourite herbs and spices to add flavour.
How do I prevent air fryer lamb meatballs from drying out?
Make sure to cook the meatballs at the right temperature. Keep a close eye on them and once they reach 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer, they are cooked.
How do you reheat meatballs in an air fryer?
Reheat leftover lamb meatballs in the air fryer at 180C / 360F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
How To Air Fry Ikea Meatballs
Store-bought frozen meatballs are a quick and convenient meal when in a hurry.
- Preheat your air fryer to 190C/ 380F for 5 minutes.
- Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the meatballs for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the meatballs.
- Check the meatballs after 10 minutes and shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
- After the cooking time is up, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve the meatballs hot with your favourite sauce or gravy.
Pro Tips For Air Frying Frozen Meatballs
- Make sure the meatballs are completely frozen before cooking. If they are partially thawed, they may not cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking the meatballs in batches ensures they cook evenly and don’t stick together.
- Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the meatballs cook evenly.
- If you want a crispy exterior on your meatballs, you can cook them for a longer time or at a higher temperature.
Refrigerating Cooked Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs
Here’s how to store them in the refrigerator:
- Cool the meatballs completely: Before storing the meatballs in the refrigerator, make sure they are completely cooled down, no longer than 2 hours as bacteria can start to form.
- Use airtight containers: Transfer the cooled meatballs to an airtight container, such as a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help keep the meatballs fresh and prevent moisture from getting in.
- Drain any excess liquid: If the meatballs have any excess liquid, such as olive oil or marinade, make sure to drain it before storing them in the refrigerator.
- Cover and refrigerate: Place the container with the meatballs in the refrigerator and cover it with cling film or aluminium foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Use within 3-4 days: Meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After this time, they may start to lose their flavour and texture.
- How to reheat: When you’re ready to reheat the meatballs in the air fryer at 190C/380F for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing Cooked Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs
Here are some tips on how to store and freeze air fryer lamb meatballs:
- Cool the meatballs completely: Before storing or freezing the meatballs, make sure they are completely cooled down no longer than 2 hours as bacteria can start to form after this time. Place on a baking sheet in the freezer and allow to freeze. (A Process called Flash Freezing).
- Use airtight containers: Transfer the cooled meatballs to an airtight container, such as a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help keep the meatballs fresh and prevent freezer burn.
- Label and date the container: Be sure to label the container with the date and contents, so you know how long the meatballs have been stored in the freezer.
- Store in the freezer: Place the container in the freezer and store it at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
- Use within 3-4 months: Frozen meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. After this time, they may start to lose their flavour.
- Thaw frozen meatballs safely: When you’re ready to use the frozen meatballs, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat meatballs in the air fryer: Once thawed, you can reheat the meatballs in the air fryer at 190C/380F for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Lamb Meatballs In The Ninja Dual Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 500g minced Lamb
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, ensuring that the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using your hands, gently form the lamb mixture into small, uniform-sized meatballs. Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round shapes. Place the shaped meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180C/360F. While the air fryer heats up, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown and crisp up nicely during cooking.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the seasoned meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches for the best results.
- Air fry the lamb meatballs for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use tongs to carefully turn the meatballs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture and ensure that the air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature.
Nutritional values may not be accurate use only as a rough guide.
