Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Juicy air fryer meatballs with a molten mozzarella center — cut one open and the cheese pulls in long, gooey strands. They're the crowd-pleasing upgrade to classic meatballs, and the air fryer makes them with almost no oil.
Serve them over spaghetti and marinara, as sliders, or on a party platter. The cheesy surprise inside always gets a reaction.
Ingredients
Instructions
Mix
Combine the beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper — don't overmix.
Stuff
Flatten about 2 tablespoons of meat in your hand, press a mozzarella cube into the center, and seal the meat completely around it.
Air fry
Air fry in batches at 400°F for about 12–14 minutes, until browned and cooked to 160°F. Rest 2 minutes before serving.
- Seal the meat fully around the cheese so it doesn't leak out.
- Don't overmix the meat — it keeps the meatballs tender.
- Let them rest before biting — the cheese is molten.
Frequently asked
How long do stuffed meatballs take in the air fryer?
About 12–14 minutes at 400°F, until browned and cooked to 160°F.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking?
Use a small cube and seal the meat completely around it with no cracks.
Can I freeze them?
Yes — freeze raw or cooked. Air fry cooked ones a few minutes to reheat.

