Savory Air Fryer BBQ Meatballs with Sweet Glaze

The foundation of any great meatball lies in the mixture of ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey) with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.

Savory Air Fryer BBQ Meatballs with Sweet Glaze

Discover the irresistible flavor of Tangy BBQ Meatball Bites, the perfect appetizer for any gathering! These delightful morsels combine ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a sweet, tangy BBQ glaze. Ideal for game days, casual get-togethers, or family nights, this simple recipe ensures juicy, flavorful bites that are easy to enjoy. Impress your guests and create lasting memories with these tasty treats that are sure to be the highlight of your event!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the BBQ Sweet Glaze:

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Optional: a pinch of red chili flakes for heat

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.

Form the Meatballs:

- Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.

Cook the Meatballs:

- Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).

Make the Sweet Glaze:

- While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red chili flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Allow the mixture to warm up for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is combined.

Glaze the Meatballs:

- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the warm sweet glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.

Serve:

- Arrange the glazed meatballs on a serving platter and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6