These air fryer BBQ meatballs are one of those recipes that disappears from the table before you can even grab a second helping. I’ve made them for weeknight dinners, parties, even game days — and they’re always a hit. Juicy on the inside, perfectly caramelized on the outside, and that sticky-sweet BBQ glaze clinging to every bite? Perfection!
The air fryer works its magic here, giving you beautifully browned meatballs without having to heat up the oven or stand over a skillet. The quick cook time keeps them tender and juicy inside while letting the BBQ sauce thicken and glaze up outside.
Flavor-wise, these are smoky, sweet, and just a little tangy thanks to the BBQ sauce. I like serving them over mashed potatoes for dinner or just skewered with toothpicks as a fun appetizer. Either way, they’re a total crowd-pleaser.
You’ll have these done in about 25 minutes from start to finish, and you don’t need to be a kitchen pro to pull them off. Grab your air fryer — let’s make these meatballs!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef (or turkey/chicken) – 1 pound of 85/15 ground beef keeps these juicy. For leaner or lighter options, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
- Breadcrumbs – Help bind everything and keep the meatballs tender.
- Egg – Another binder that keeps them from falling apart.
- BBQ sauce – Pick your favorite bottled sauce. I like one that’s smoky and slightly sweet.
- Garlic & onion powder – For a little depth of flavor.
- Salt & pepper – Don’t skip these!
Pro Tip: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your BBQ sauce for a gluten-free version if needed.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the meatball mixture – In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix gently.
- Form meatballs – Roll into 1.5-inch balls (you’ll get about 16).
- Preheat air fryer – Set to 380°F.
- Cook meatballs – Place in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd — cook in batches if needed.
- Glaze with BBQ sauce – Brush meatballs with BBQ sauce and return to air fryer for 2–4 more minutes, until sauce is sticky and meatballs reach 165°F.
- Serve & enjoy – Plate with extra BBQ sauce for dipping or over mashed potatoes, rice, or on a hoagie roll.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meat — it can make the meatballs tough.
- Making the meatballs too big — they may not cook through evenly.
- Skipping the preheat — it helps with browning.
- Not checking internal temp — aim for 165°F.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture for cheesy meatballs.
- Make them spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne or using a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Serve as sliders with mini buns and coleslaw.
- Double the batch and freeze extras for later!
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
You can form the meatballs up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Cooked meatballs keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months — let cool, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F until hot.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
High protein and easy to make gluten-free.
Air Fryer BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Air fry meatballs in a single layer for 8 minutes.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and cook 2–4 minutes more until glazed and 165°F inside.
- Serve hot with extra sauce.
Notes
An automated tool is used to calculate nutritional information. Accuracy not guaranteed.
If you try these air fryer BBQ meatballs, let me know how you liked them! They’re my go-to when I need a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe. Play with your favorite sauces and even turn them into little sliders. Want another fun air fryer appetizer? Try my air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites — spicy, crispy, and irresistible!
