Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs (Printer-Friendly)
Ground beef meatballs coated in spicy sauce, crisped in the air fryer for an easy appetizer or dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 -
Non-stick olive oil cooking spray
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1 pound lean ground beef
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2 large eggs
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0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
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0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
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0.75 teaspoon ground black pepper
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0.75 teaspoon onion powder
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0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 clove garlic, finely minced
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1.5 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
→ Firecracker Sauce
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0.25 cup packed light brown sugar
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0.25 cup buffalo sauce
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1.5 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
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0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
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0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
# Steps to Make This:
01 -
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment.
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Combine ground beef, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, parsley, and sesame seeds in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Portion and roll the mixture into uniform 2-inch meatballs using clean hands or a scoop.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Place meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Mist the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray.
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Cook meatballs at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip each meatball and cook an additional 5 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer confirms an internal temperature of 140°F to 155°F.
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Work in batches as necessary, following the same process for the remaining meat mixture.
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In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine brown sugar, buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
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Transfer cooked meatballs to a large mixing bowl. Pour firecracker sauce over the meatballs and gently toss until evenly coated.
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Serve meatballs warm, optionally garnished with sliced green onions or additional sesame seeds.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to promote even browning and optimal texture.
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A cookie scoop provides uniform meatball sizes for consistent cooking.
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Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to control heat intensity. For additional spice, incorporate crushed red pepper or sriracha.
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Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen raw on parchment paper, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag for storage.