Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (85/15 or 90/10 works best)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup Yellow onion, very finely minced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Your favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as over-mixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs. Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a 1-inch ball. Repeat until you have approximately 20 to 24 meatballs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a high-smoke point oil spray. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching so the air can circulate freely. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. The meatballs should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Transfer the cooked meatballs into a clean bowl and pour the BBQ sauce over them. Toss gently until every meatball is thoroughly coated. Place the saucy meatballs back into the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2 minutes at 375°F. This allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize into a sticky glaze. Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
- Cook Time: 27 minutes