Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Spinach Meatballs – Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside!
Looking for a healthy yet cheesy air fryer recipe? These Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Spinach Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and hiding a delicious surprise inside—melty mozzarella cheese! Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these stuffed meatballs are ready in less than 25 minutes.
Cooking them in the air fryer makes them crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and way lighter than frying in oil. Pair them with marinara sauce, pasta, or serve them as a fun finger food for parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Surprise Inside – Each bite bursts with gooey mozzarella.
Air Fryer Friendly – Less oil, crispier results.
Loaded with Spinach – Sneaks in greens without compromising flavor.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, in pasta, or on subs.
Ingredients (Makes ~15 Meatballs)
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1 lb ground beef (or mix with pork/turkey for more flavor)
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1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or ½ cup thawed frozen spinach, well-drained)
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/3 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
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1 egg
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
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15 small mozzarella cubes (string cheese cut into chunks or fresh mozzarella pearls)
Optional for Serving:
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Marinara sauce
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Extra grated Parmesan
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Fresh basil or parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Mozzarella Filling
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Cut mozzarella into ½-inch cubes (or use mini pearls).
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Place in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to prevent melting too quickly.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
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In a large bowl, combine ground meat, spinach, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender).
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
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Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten in your hand.
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Place a frozen mozzarella cube in the center.
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Shape the meat around it, sealing tightly.
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Repeat with remaining mixture (makes ~15 meatballs).
Step 4: Air Fry the Meatballs
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes.
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Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
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Place meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them.
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Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Serving Suggestions
Over Spaghetti & Marinara – Classic Italian comfort food.
In Meatball Subs – Stuff into toasted hoagie rolls with extra cheese.
As an Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks and warm marinara dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Meatballs
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Don’t skip freezing the cheese—it helps prevent oozing too soon.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
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Want extra cheesy? Mix shredded mozzarella right into the meat mixture.
Nutrition (Per Meatball, Approximate)
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Calories: 110 kcal
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Protein: 9g
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Carbs: 2g
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Fat: 7g
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Spinach Meatballs are a game-changer for family dinners and party appetizers. With their crispy outside and gooey, cheesy inside, they’ll disappear fast from the plate!
Make a double batch and freeze some raw meatballs—just pop them in the air fryer whenever you need a quick, cheesy snack.