These Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs are a delicious twist on classic meatballs, combining the savory flavors of pork and stuffing for a perfect balance of taste and texture. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these meatballs make an excellent appetizer, snack, or main dish. The air fryer ensures they cook quickly while keeping them juicy and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – These meatballs cook in just minutes in the air fryer, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy and Juicy – The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.
- Great for Any Occasion – Serve them as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or over pasta for a hearty meal.
- Full of Flavor – The combination of pork and stuffing creates a rich, herby, and savory taste.
- Minimal Oil – Using an air fryer means you can enjoy crispy meatballs without the excess grease.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground pork
- Stuffing mix
- Egg
- Chicken broth
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- Dried sage or thyme
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the mixture – In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, stuffing mix, beaten egg, chicken broth, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Form the meatballs – Use your hands or a scoop to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Arrange in the air fryer – Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook – Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Serve – Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Meatballs – Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the mixture for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicier version.
- Different Proteins – Swap ground pork for turkey, chicken, or beef to change up the flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free stuffing mix or breadcrumbs.
- Saucy Meatballs – Toss them in barbecue sauce, marinara, or a honey mustard glaze for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze cooked meatballs in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat – Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well combined and not too dry. The egg and chicken broth help bind everything together.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dipping sauces go well with these meatballs?
They pair well with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, marinara, or a garlic aioli.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, use about three times the amount of fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
Why is my stuffing mix too dry?
If your stuffing mix absorbs too much liquid, add a little more chicken broth to keep the meatballs moist.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer?
Lightly spray the basket with oil before adding the meatballs.
Can I make these meatballs smaller or larger?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller meatballs cook faster, while larger ones take longer.
Are these meatballs keto-friendly?
Not as written, but you can make them keto-friendly by replacing the stuffing mix with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a flavorful, crispy, and juicy dish with minimal effort. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even meal prep, these meatballs are sure to become a household favorite. Try them with different sauces or variations to keep things exciting!
Print
Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatbal
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30–35 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs combine the savory flavors of ground pork and traditional stuffing, creating a delightful dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. They’re perfect as appetizers, main courses, or additions to your holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground pork
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Crumb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the milk and bread crumbs. Stir well and set aside to allow the bread crumbs to absorb the milk.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground pork, soaked bread crumbs, egg, celery, onion, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into balls, each about 2 tablespoons in size. This should yield approximately 30-35 meatballs.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook for 9-11 minutes, turning halfway through, until the meatballs are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. They pair well with mashed potatoes, gravy, or a side of vegetables.
Notes
- For a different flavor profile, consider using Italian sausage instead of plain ground pork.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3-4 minutes.
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