If you’re craving a comforting, protein-packed meal without the carbs, these Air Fryer Meatballs are your new go-to. Juicy, flavourful, and ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Using the air fryer means you get a golden, crisp exterior without any added oil, while the inside stays tender and moist.
These meatballs combine minced beef, parmesan, and fresh herbs for a classic Italian-inspired taste, all while keeping things strictly keto. There’s no need for breadcrumbs—almond flour binds everything together beautifully, ensuring each bite is low in carbs but high in satisfaction.
Simply mix, shape, and air fry—no fuss, no mess. Serve them with a simple salad, spiralised courgette, or your favourite low-carb sauce. Whether you’re feeding the family or batch-cooking for the week, these meatballs deliver on flavour, nutrition, and convenience.
At a glance
- Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 26 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Energy: 300 kcal
Ingredients
- 500g Minced beef (Ideally 15–20% fat for juiciness)
- 40g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 30g Almond flour (Acts as a keto binder)
- 1 large Egg (Helps bind the mixture)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Finely minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Grater
- Chopping board
- Knife
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the minced beef, grated parmesan, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into 16 even meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for even cooking.
- Air fry at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through (internal temp 72°C).
- Serve hot with your favourite keto-friendly sauce or side.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: eggs, dairy, nuts
Potential swaps:
- Almond flour → Ground pork rinds — For a nut-free option
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For a dairy-free, cheesy flavour
- Egg → 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water — For an egg-free binder
Serving Ideas
- Spiralised courgette: Light, fresh, and soaks up sauces beautifully.
- Cauliflower mash: Creamy and comforting, perfect for soaking up juices.
- Green salad: Adds crunch and freshness for a balanced plate.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Don’t over-mix the meat mixture—this keeps the meatballs light and juicy.
- For extra flavour, add a pinch of dried oregano or chilli flakes.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Variations
- Add 1 tsp dried Italian herbs for a more robust flavour.
- Mix in 30g chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Swap parsley for fresh basil or coriander for a different herbal note.
Troubleshooting
- If meatballs are too dry, use beef with higher fat content or add a splash of olive oil.
- If they fall apart, ensure the mixture is well combined and not too loose—add a bit more almond flour if needed.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Fridge: up to 4 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 4–5 minutes or until piping hot.
Ingredient Spotlight
Minced beef: Provides rich flavour and protein; choose 15–20% fat for best texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and helps bind the meatballs without carbs.
Almond flour: A keto-friendly binder that keeps the meatballs tender and low in carbs.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken mince instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute turkey or chicken mince for beef. The meatballs will be leaner, so add a little olive oil or extra parmesan for moisture.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs are done when golden on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 72°C. Cut one open to check for no pinkness if unsure.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! Freeze cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer or oven.
What can I serve with keto meatballs?
Serve with spiralised courgette, cauliflower mash, or a crisp green salad for a balanced keto meal.
Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Yes, these meatballs keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Meatballs with Parmesan and Herbs (Keto, Juicy & Quick)
Ingredients
- 500g Minced beef (Ideally 15–20% fat for juiciness)
- 40g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 30g Almond flour (Acts as a keto binder)
- 1 large Egg (Helps bind the mixture)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Finely minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the minced beef, grated parmesan, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into 16 even meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for even cooking.
- Air fry at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through (internal temp 72°C).
- Serve hot with your favourite keto-friendly sauce or side.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: eggs, dairy, nuts
- Almond flour → Ground pork rinds — For a nut-free option
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For a dairy-free, cheesy flavour
- Egg → 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water — For an egg-free binder
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 26 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Energy: 300 kcal
