Swedish Meatballs

Name: Swedish Meatballs (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: ~24 meatballs (slightly smaller than the base)
Ingredients: 1/2 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs; 3 tablespoons heavy cream (soak the breadcrumbs in this); 2 tablespoons grated onion (use a box grater, you want the juice too); 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Yield

Prep

Total

~24 meatballs (slightly smaller than the base)

10m

20m

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These Swedish meatballs use a mix of ground beef and pork for the best texture. The secret ingredient? Grated onion, juice and all, soaked in heavy cream. You'll find the full recipe, including air frying times, on this page.

Ingredients

1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 large egg
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons heavy cream (soak the breadcrumbs in this)
2 tablespoons grated onion (use a box grater, you want the juice too)
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper

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Season it upThis variation is self-seasoned

Steps

01Soak the breadcrumbs in the heavy cream for 5 minutes.
02Combine the soaked breadcrumbs with all other ingredients. Mix gently.
03Roll into slightly smaller balls than the base recipe, about 1 inch. Swedish meatballs are traditionally smaller.
04Ready for the air fryer.
05Serve with cream gravy, lingonberry jam, and egg noodles.

The beef and pork mix is essential. All beef is too dense, all pork is too soft. The cream-soaked breadcrumbs and grated onion (with its juice) are what make these impossibly tender compared to other meatball styles. White pepper instead of black is traditional and gives a sharper, less earthy heat.

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How to Air Fry It

Temp

Cook

Prep

Flip?

400°F

10m

Yes

01Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
02Place frozen, fully-cooked beef meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
03Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.
04Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.
05Check that the meatballs are heated completely through to the center before serving.

Lightly spray the basket or tray before cooking.