Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy, spicy meatballs cooked in the air fryer with a zesty, homemade firecracker sauce for bold flavor.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 -
Nonstick olive oil spray for coating air fryer basket and meatballs
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1 pound lean ground beef
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2 large eggs
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3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 teaspoons sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
→ Firecracker Sauce
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1/2 cup buffalo sauce
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1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly until just combined.
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Form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs using your hands or a cookie scoop for uniform size.
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Lightly spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange meatballs in a single layer, ensuring space between each. Spray tops of meatballs with additional oil spray.
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Cook meatballs at 400°F for 10 minutes without overcrowding the basket.
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Turn each meatball over and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 140°F–155°F is reached.
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Remove cooked meatballs and repeat air frying process with any remaining meat mixture.
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In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine buffalo sauce, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk and simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
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Transfer cooked meatballs to a large bowl. Pour firecracker sauce over meatballs and gently toss until evenly coated.
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Garnish with additional sesame seeds or freshly sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even browning and cooking. For spicier meatballs, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray before transferring to a bag for extended storage.