Keto Air-Fryer Meatballs

This keto air-fryer meatballs recipe is a real two-for-one: It is keto-friendly and uses an air fryer, which is wonderful when you don’t want to heat the entire house to make a meal. The keto diet recipe uses two types of cheese within the meatballs for added flavor and depth. A homemade sauce can be served on the side or directly atop the meatballs for extra-tomatoey goodness.

Ingredients for Keto Air-Fryer Meatballs

• Lean ground beef: Ground beef is a great keto-friendly meat, as it’s versatile, low in net carbs and high in nutrients such as iron, B vitamins and potassium.
• Cheeses: Parmesan and mozzarella cheese give the meatballs a tangy flavor. Plus, the melted cheese helps bind the other ingredients together.
• Egg: A lightly beaten egg acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs stick together and stay moist.
• Heavy whipping cream: The fat in the heavy whipping cream also helps bind the meatball ingredients together since the meat itself is lean.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory flavor to the meatballs. Feel free to add more garlic if you enjoy the flavor.
• Homemade sauce: A can of tomato sauce with basil, garlic and oregano gets a boost when mixed with pesto and heavy whipping cream, creating a creamy tomato-based sauce that’s loaded with flavor.

Directions 

Step 1: Make the meatballs

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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, egg, whipping cream and garlic. Add the beef and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape the mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls.

Step 2: Air-fry the meatballs

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Place the meatballs in a single layer on the greased tray in the air-fryer basket. Cook them until they’re lightly browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the sauce

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Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, mix the tomato sauce, pesto and heavy whipping cream; heat through. Serve the sauce with the meatballs.

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Recipe Variations

• Change the cheese: Swap in a different melting cheese, like provolone or Monterey Jack, for the mozzarella. You can also replace the Parmesan with other hard cheeses, like Pecorino Romano, to add a sharp, nutty or slightly smoky flavor.
• Add Worcestershire sauce: Some keto dieters avoid Worcestershire sauce, but others find it acceptable in small quantities. This flavor powerhouse will certainly enhance the meatball’s flavor if you decide to use it. Look for a brand with minimal carbohydrates. Some have as few as 1.1 carbs per teaspoon, which may fit into your keto diet.
• Include seasonings: For added flavor, season the meatball mixture with herbs such as oregano or Italian seasoning.

How to Store Keto Air-Fryer Meatballs

When the meatballs cool, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about four days. Store the sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

How do you reheat keto air-fryer meatballs?

You can reheat the meatballs and sauce in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Another option is to reheat the meatballs in the air fryer and heat the sauce separately on the stovetop.

Can you freeze keto air-fryer meatballs? 

Yes, these meatballs are a great choice for freezing until you’re ready to enjoy them again. Place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer until frozen. Transfer the meatballs to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Another option is to freeze the meatballs in the sauce. In this case, put the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer container. Either way, thaw the meatballs in the fridge overnight.

Keto Air-Fryer Meatball Tips

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Why are there no bread crumbs in this air-fryer keto meatball recipe?

Many meatball recipes include bread crumbs, but this one does not because it’s a keto-friendly recipe. Bread has far too many carbohydrates to fit into a keto diet.

Could you make this keto air-fryer meatball recipe with ground turkey?

Ground turkey is also a keto-friendly protein that’s low in carbs, so you can use it in this keto meatball recipe. Prepare the meatballs as directed, simply swapping in ground turkey for the beef.

Do you have to use heavy whipping cream when making keto meatballs in the air fryer?

Heavy whipping cream adds body, flavor and texture to the keto meatballs, but you don’t have to use it. You could try using a substitute for heavy cream, like half-and-half cream or coconut cream, but the meatballs may turn out slightly different.