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Cheese lovers, rejoice! These Air Fryer Cheese Meatballs are a flavor-packed, melty delight that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Made with juicy ground beef and stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese, they’re perfect for game day snacks, quick dinners, or meal prep. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping the inside tender and bursting with cheesy goodness.

Air Fryer Cheesy Meatballs

What makes this recipe even more irresistible is its versatility. Serve these cheesy meatballs on their own, over pasta, or even as sliders for a fun twist. If you can’t get enough of cheesy goodness, you’ll love trying Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs too! They’re a fun upgrade that adds an extra dose of comfort to your meatball game.

This recipe is easy to make with simple pantry staples, and the air fryer takes all the hassle out of cooking. In just 11 minutes, you’ll have golden brown meatballs oozing with cheddar in the center. Ready to bring cheesy happiness to your plate? Let’s dive into the recipe!

What You Will Love About This Recipe

• Cheesy Surprise: Each meatball is stuffed with a cube of cheddar cheese that melts into gooey perfection. It’s a bite of comfort in every piece!
• Quick and Easy: Thanks to the air fryer, these meatballs cook up in just 11 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute appetizers.
• Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender, juicy, and packed with flavor from the BBQ sauce and seasonings.
• Family-Friendly: Whether served as a snack, dinner, or part of a party platter, these cheesy meatballs are a hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you love. You can even switch up the seasonings or use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Perfect Pairing: These meatballs are versatile and go great with pasta, rice, or a simple dipping sauce like marinara or ranch. Looking for more cheesy goodness? Try Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs for another irresistible option!

How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Meatballs

• In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, & garlic powder. Mix together well.

• Form a medium/large-sized meatball. Place a piece of cheddar cheese in the middle of your meatball.

• AIR FRY at 350 degrees for 11 minutes.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Cheese Meatballs

1. Seal the Cheese Well: When forming the meatballs, make sure the cheese cube is completely enclosed by the meat mixture. This prevents the cheese from leaking out while cooking.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid dense meatballs. Overmixing can make them tough instead of tender.
3. Use Uniform Sizes: Keep your meatballs the same size for even cooking. A cookie scoop or tablespoon can help with portioning.
4. Chill Before Cooking: If your meat mixture feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate the meatballs for 10-15 minutes before air frying. This helps them hold their shape.
5. Spray the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray your air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
6. Check for Doneness: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for perfectly cooked meatballs.
7. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to stuff your meatballs with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a small cube of blue cheese for a unique flavor twist.
8. Try a Sauce: Serve these meatballs with marinara, ranch, or BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, or toss them in your favorite sauce for added flavor.
9. Make It Lighter: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to create a leaner version of this recipe. Adjust the seasoning to complement the lighter meat.
10. Double the Recipe: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Make a double batch, freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer by adding a few extra minutes.

FAQs for Air Fryer Cheese Meatballs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can stuff these meatballs with mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda, or even blue cheese for a fun flavor twist.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

3. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the cheese cube is fully enclosed in the meat mixture, with no gaps or cracks. If necessary, pinch the seams together tightly before rolling the meatball.

4. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs and cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F or warm them in the microwave.

6. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a mixture of meats. Adjust the seasonings to complement the meat you choose.

7. How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil before placing the meatballs inside.

8. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs, and ensure any additional sauces or seasonings are gluten-free.

9. What dipping sauces go well with these meatballs?
These cheesy meatballs pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli for dipping.

What To Serve With Cheesy Meatballs in Air Fryer

• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Pasta salad
• Chips
• French Fries
• Etc

This meatball recipe is so versatile and you can truly mix and match it with your favorite side dishes. 

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