Description
This recipe features delicious air fryer stuffed meatballs made with ground beef, seasoned with taco spices, and filled with gooey cheddar cheese. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crispy outside and juicy, cheesy center, these meatballs make a quick and satisfying appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (20% fat)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
Filling
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior on the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, taco seasoning, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form the meatball mixture.
- Form Stuffed Meatballs: Take small portions of the meat mixture and flatten slightly, place a small clump of shredded cheddar cheese in the center, then shape the meat around the cheese to seal it completely, forming a stuffed meatball.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air circulation for even cooking.
- Air Fry the Meatballs: Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary, air frying them for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, remove the stuffed meatballs carefully and serve them warm as an appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Make sure to seal the cheese well inside the meatball to prevent it from leaking during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for safety and perfect doneness.
- Adjust taco seasoning quantity to taste if you prefer milder or spicier meatballs.
- Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.
