Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs with gooey melted mozzarella hidden in the center. Parmesan, garlic, and parsley add plenty of flavor, while the air fryer gives the outside a delicious golden finish.
These are fun for dinner or as an appetizer with warm marinara for dipping. That cheesy mozzarella center is the best part!
Why I Love Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- Cheesy center – Mozzarella melts inside every meatball.
- Quick in the air fryer – They cook in about 11 minutes.
- Simple ingredients – Nothing complicated here.
- Versatile – Great with marinara, pasta, or on their own.
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Ground Beef: The base of the meatballs.
- Garlic: Adds savory flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Help hold the meatballs together.
- Parsley: Adds fresh flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds plenty of cheesy, savory flavor.
- Mozzarella: Cut string cheese into 12 one-inch pieces for the gooey center.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Make the Meatballs: Mix the ground beef, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley until combined.
Stuff with Mozzarella: Shape into 12 meatballs. Press a piece of mozzarella into the center of each and completely cover the cheese with the meat mixture.
Air Fry: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. Cook at 390°F for 7 minutes, flip, then cook for another 4 minutes.
Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Don’t overmix the beef or the meatballs can become tough.
- Make the meatballs about the same size so they cook evenly.
- Seal the mozzarella completely inside the meat to help keep the cheese from leaking out.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer with a little space between them.
- Check that the centers reach 160°F before serving.
Questions Readers Ask Most
More Meatball Recipes. 💙
Mozzarella Stuffed Air Fryer Meatballs
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs with gooey melted mozzarella hidden inside and cooked right in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 12 1" pieces of mozzarella string cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- Add the ground beef, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley to a large bowl. Mix just until combined.
- Divide the mixture into 12 meatballs.
- Press one piece of mozzarella into the center of each meatball and shape the meat completely around the cheese, sealing it well.
- Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between them.
- Air fry at 390°F for 7 minutes.
- Flip the meatballs and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the centers reach 160°F.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Make sure the mozzarella is completely sealed inside each meatball to help prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
3 meatballsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 970Total Fat: 59gSaturated Fat: 30gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 261mgSodium: 1941mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 79g
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