Crispy Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs Recipe

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Meatballs reach new heights when crafted with crispy air fryer pork stuffing, blending classic comfort with modern cooking techniques.

Packed with savory herbs and tender ground pork, these bites promise a delightful twist on traditional recipes.

Each meatball bursts with rich, homestyle flavors that dance across your palate.

The air fryer works its magic, creating a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Succulent and golden brown, these meatballs transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Serve them as a hearty appetizer or main dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible recipe that combines convenience and mouthwatering taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs

For Base Ingredients:
  • Stuffing Mix: Provides delightful herbed texture and classic comfort food flavor; choose a brand with bold seasoning for extra zest.
  • Milk: Helps bind ingredients and creates tender, moist meatballs; select whole milk for richer results.
For Protein Components:
  • Ground Pork: Delivers rich, savory base with lean protein; pick fresh, high-quality meat with moderate fat content for juiciness.
  • Egg: Acts as natural binder and helps hold meatball structure; use fresh, room temperature egg for smooth integration.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic undertone without raw garlic chunks; choose pure, finely ground version for even distribution.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Elevates overall taste profile and balances meat's natural richness; opt for freshly ground black pepper for intense flavor.
  • Dried Parsley: Introduces subtle herbaceous note and visual appeal; select vibrant green, fragrant dried parsley for best results.

Tools You’ll Need For Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and mixing meatball mixture.
  • Measuring cups: Essential for precise milk and stuffing measurements.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add exact amounts of seasonings.
  • Air fryer: The key tool for cooking meatballs quickly and evenly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for cutting any additional ingredients if needed.
  • Plate or cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparation.

Steps To Cook Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs

  • Prepare Stuffing Base

Grab your bowl and gently crumble the stuffing mix, creating a rustic texture that’ll help blend flavors perfectly.

  • Hydrate the Mixture

Splash in some milk and let the stuffing absorb the liquid, transforming into a soft, cohesive foundation for your meatballs.

  • Mix Protein Components

Combine ground pork with the moistened stuffing, adding eggs to bind everything together. Use your hands to blend thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.

  • Shape Delicious Balls

Roll the mixture into uniform spheres, keeping them compact but not too dense. Aim for bite-sized morsels that’ll cook evenly.

  • Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange meatballs in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through to achieve a golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.

  • Rest and Serve

Allow meatballs to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps them set and retain their incredible moisture. Plate and enjoy your savory, crispy-edged meatballs that are packed with stuffing flavor!

Flavor Tips For Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs

  • Texture Tip: Gently crush stuffing mix to maintain some bread chunks for a rustic, hearty texture that adds depth to your meatballs.
  • Moisture Magic: Allow stuffing mix to soak in milk for exactly 5 minutes to ensure perfect moisture absorption without becoming soggy.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Swap traditional stuffing mix with gluten-free bread crumbs or gluten-free stuffing mix for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Herb Boost: Experiment with different dried herb blends in the stuffing mix to create unique flavor profiles, like adding sage for a classic thanksgiving taste or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare and freeze uncooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights.

Serving Ideas For Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs

  • Festive Feast Companion: Serve these meatballs alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting holiday-style plate that brings warmth to the dinner table.
  • Crisp and Fresh Side: Pair with a light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavor of the meatballs and cut through their hearty texture.
  • Sandwich Sensation: Slice the meatballs and tuck them into a soft roll with a smear of cranberry sauce or grainy mustard for a delicious lunch or casual dinner option that transforms the recipe into a portable meal.
  • Gravy Glory: Drizzle the meatballs with a quick homemade turkey or chicken gravy to enhance their stuffing-inspired flavor profile and add an extra layer of moisture and richness.

Meal Prep And Storage For Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs

  • Smart Fridge Storage: Keep cooked meatballs in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor protection.
  • Freezer-Friendly Batch: Arrange cooled meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient 3-month storage and quick future meals.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated meatballs in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, restoring crispy exterior and maintaining juicy interior without drying out.
  • Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare double batches during weekends, separating portions into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the busy workweek.
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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Pork Stuffing Meatballs Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Italian-inspired air fryer pork stuffing meatballs blend savory ground pork with herbed bread cubes for a comforting meal. Packed with herbs and spices, these meatballs deliver rich flavor in each bite you’ll love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 g) ground pork
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup (240 ml) seasoned stuffing mix (crushed)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk (or broth)
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried sage
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Pulverize stuffing mix into coarse crumbs within a mixing bowl, creating a foundational texture for meatballs.
  2. Moisture Integration: Saturate crumbled stuffing with milk, allowing liquid to soften and transform the mixture into a pliable consistency for several minutes.
  3. Meat Incorporation: Blend ground pork with milk-infused stuffing, ensuring thorough and uniform ingredient distribution.
  4. Binding: Fold in egg to create structural cohesion and enhance meatball stability.
  5. Seasoning: Massage garlic powder, salt, and black pepper throughout the meat mixture, developing a harmonious flavor profile.
  6. Shaping: Form compact, symmetrical spheres by gently rolling the seasoned mixture between palms, maintaining consistent size and density.
  7. Preheating: Activate air fryer to 375°F, establishing an optimal cooking environment with precise heat circulation.
  8. Cooking Process: Arrange meatballs in a single layer within the air fryer basket, minimizing contact to promote uniform browning and even heat penetration.
  9. Finishing: Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway to achieve a golden exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking, confirming 160°F internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
  10. Resting: Allow meatballs to settle for 2-3 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and maximizing flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Optimize Stuffing Consistency: Crush stuffing mix finely to prevent large chunks, ensuring even texture and seamless meat integration.
  • Moisture Balance: Avoid oversaturating stuffing with milk – aim for damp, not soggy mixture to maintain proper meatball structure and prevent crumbling.
  • Binding Technique: Gently mix ingredients without overmixing, which can create dense, tough meatballs; use light folding motions for tender results.
  • Temperature Precision: Use instant-read thermometer to guarantee pork reaches safe 160°F internal temperature, preventing undercooking while maintaining juiciness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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