Meatballs in air fryer with sweet and sour sauce barbecue style: easy and tasty recipe

Name: Meatballs in air fryer with sweet and sour sauce barbecue style: easy and tasty recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 12 oz ground beef; 1 medium egg; ⅓ cup breadcrumbs; 3.5 tbsp milk; 1 small onion (½ cup finely chopped); 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (optional); Parsley to taste; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; ⅔ cup ketchup; ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ cup water; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar); 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tsp smoked paprika; Black pepper to taste

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Appetizer

Very Easy

28 min

228 Kcal

These air fryer meatballs with sweet-and-sour BBQ-style sauce are the kind of recipe that instantly makes everyone hover around the table. Perfect for a casual dinner, a party platter, or a quick appetizer, they’re beautifully browned with way less oil than traditional frying, but still packed with flavor. Tender and juicy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, they get completely coated in a sticky homemade sweet-and-sour sauce with just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky. Serve them hot with toothpicks and watch them disappear… fast.

Materials

Saucepan
Air fryer (here COSORI Turbo Tower Pro Smart 10.8L)
Bowl
Oil spray (optional)

Preparation

Preparation10 min

Cook time18 min

Prepare and weigh all the ingredients needed for the sweet and sour sauce so that you have them ready and on hand during preparation.
Pour the water and brown sugar into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Add ketchup, oil, vinegar, smoked paprika and pepper. Stir carefully to make an even mixture.
Bring to a light simmer and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a dark, thick, glossy sweet-and-sour sauce with a barbecue sauce-like consistency is obtained.
Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs: combine the meat, egg, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion and parsley, oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Combine the milk and mix gently until soft and smooth.
Take portions of the mixture and form medium-sized meatballs, trying to make them all equal to ensure even cooking.
Place the meatballs in the basket of the air fryer without overlapping them. Spray with a little oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until fully browned.
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a bowl. Pour in some of the sweet and sour sauce while still hot and stir gently to start glazing them.
Add more sweet-and-sour sauce according to your taste, until the meatballs are evenly coated and glossy.
Serve the meatballs well glazed, hot and ready to enjoy.

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FAQ ❓

What are the secrets to making perfect meatballs in the air fryer?

To make perfect meatballs, be sure to mix the ingredients well for a smooth mixture and form meatballs of the same size for even cooking.

Can I substitute beef for another meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, turkey or a mix of meats for lighter meatballs. Alternatively, you can choose a vegetable option to make vegetarian meatballs. The texture and flavor will change slightly, but the air fryer meatball recipe will still remain tasty and balanced.

How to store cooked meatballs in the refrigerator or freezer?

Cooked meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days inside an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze them (best without sauce) for up to 2 months. To consume, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in an air fryer or oven; add hot sweet and sour sauce at the time to maintain the right consistency.

Can meatballs also be prepared in a pan or baked?

Yes, meatballs can also be cooked in a skillet with a drizzle of oil, turning often until fully browned, or in a static oven at 350°F/180°C for about 20-25 minutes. Both methods result in meatballs that are soft on the inside; however, the air fryer remains ideal for lighter cooking and a more even surface.

How can I make sweet and sour barbecue sauce spicier?

For a spicy sweet and sour sauce, add chili powder, hot paprika or a few drops of chili sauce directly into the while cooking in the pan. This will result in glazed meatballs with a stronger, more aromatic flavor, perfect for those who like intense contrasts.

What to do if there is leftover sweet and sour sauce?

If there is any sweet and sour sauce left over, store it in the refrigerator in a tightly closed glass jar for 3-4 days. It can be reused to glaze other patties, accompany chicken wings, ribs, burgers or fries. It is also great as a finger food sauce or as a condiment to give a barbecue touch to sandwiches and meat dishes.