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- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground pork - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed - 1 egg, beaten - 1 cup marinara sauce for serving - Fresh basil for garnish Gather these ingredients to create a flavorful dish. The mix of ground beef and ground pork adds a rich taste. Breadcrumbs provide a nice texture. Parmesan cheese gives a sharp bite that balances the meat. Italian seasoning brings that classic herb flavor. Garlic adds a nice depth. Salt and pepper enhance all these flavors. The mozzarella cheese brings a melty surprise inside each meatball. The beaten egg helps bind the mixture. Marinara sauce serves as a tasty dip. Fresh basil brightens the dish with its color and flavor. With these ingredients, you will make delightful mozzarella stuffed meatballs. First, take a large bowl. Combine 1 lb of ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground pork. This mix gives the meatballs great flavor and texture. Next, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs help bind the meat and make it tender. Then, mix in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty kick. Now, add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. These spices bring life to your meatballs. Finally, add 1 beaten egg. This helps hold everything together. Mix well until the meat mixture is smooth and even. Now, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take a small amount of the meat mixture. Flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a ball. This step is key to get that gooey, cheesy center. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped. You should end up with about 12 to 15 meatballs. Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps the meatballs cook evenly. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t touch. This ensures they get nice and crispy. Air fry the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked through. Turn them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Once cooked, take them out and let them rest for a few minutes. Enjoy your mozzarella stuffed meatballs with warm marinara sauce and fresh basil on top. To get juicy meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork. This blend gives great flavor and moisture. The pork adds fat, which helps keep the meatballs tender. It's also key to cook them evenly in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer without touching. This way, they will crisp up nicely all around. You can boost the taste by adding herbs or spices. Try mixing in some parsley or oregano for extra flavor. Feel free to adjust the cheese, too. If you love cheese, add more mozzarella inside each meatball. Just be sure not to overstuff, or they might burst during cooking. These meatballs shine when paired with marinara sauce. Pour warm sauce over them for a delicious meal. You can also serve them with garlic bread or a fresh salad. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap out the meats in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options are leaner, which makes for a lighter meatball. You can also use a mix of meats for more flavor. If you prefer vegetarian options, try using lentils or chickpeas. These can give you the same great texture without meat. While mozzarella is the star, feel free to experiment. Try provolone or gouda for a different taste. You can also mix cheeses for a fun twist. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar adds depth. This gives your meatballs a unique flavor that will delight everyone. You can cook these meatballs in different ways. Air frying gives you crispy edges, while baking in the oven is an option too. If you want a smoky flavor, grilling is a great choice. Each method brings its own charm to the meatballs. Adjust the cooking time based on your method. Enjoy the variety! To keep your mozzarella stuffed meatballs fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work great. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down first to avoid condensation inside the container. If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing is a good option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then move them to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They will stay fresh for about three months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Leftover meatballs can add flavor to many dishes. You can slice them up and add them to pasta or salads. You can also make meatball subs with marinara sauce and cheese. Try using them in a hearty soup or stew for extra flavor. These ideas keep your meals exciting and tasty! To check if the meatballs are done, use a food thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatball. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. You can also cut one open. The meat should no longer be pink, and juices should run clear. Checking doneness is important because undercooked meat can lead to health risks. Overcooked meatballs can become dry. Use both methods for the best results. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meat mixture and form the meatballs. Then, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to cook, there is no need to thaw. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh meatballs anytime! Marinara sauce is a classic choice for dipping. It adds a rich and tangy flavor. Pesto is another great option. Its basil and garlic taste complements the meatballs well. You can also try ranch dressing for a creamy twist. These sauces enhance the flavor and make every bite more enjoyable. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite pair! This blog post explored the art of making flavorful meatballs. You learned about essential ingredients like beef, pork, cheese, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking these tasty bites in an air fryer. You also discovered tips for texture, flavor, and serving ideas. Remember, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your needs, using different meats or cheeses. Try freezing leftovers for quick meals later. Enjoy the process, and your meatballs will impress everyone!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Get ready to impress with these delicious Mozzarella Surprise Air Fryer Meatballs! This recipe brings together juicy beef and pork, seasoned to perfection, with gooey mozzarella hidden inside. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these meatballs are quick and easy to make in your air fryer. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this cheesy delight that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed

1 egg, beaten

1 cup marinara sauce for serving

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.

    Add breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

      Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a meatball shape. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used.

        Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

          Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.

            Air fry the meatballs for 12-15 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown, turning them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.

              Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.

                Serve the mozzarella stuffed meatballs with warm marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4