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Looking for a fast and fun dinner idea that kids can help make? These 15-Minute Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs are the answer! With just 3 simple ingredients, they’re easy to prepare, cook, and, best of all, delicious. Whether you’re pairing them with pasta or serving them as a quick appetizer, these meatballs are a hit for the whole family. Oh, and did we mention they only take 15 minutes from start to finish?
The best part? This recipe was created by Olive, my creative little chef-in-the-making! She loves coming up with new recipes, and this one is a family favorite already. Olive made these meatballs completely on her own, so trust me when I say this is a recipe even the littlest hands can help with!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground Italian Sausage, mild or hot
- 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Kinder Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer: to 390°F and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, Italian breadcrumbs, and Kinder Garlic Brown Butter Seasoning. Use your hands (it’s a great sensory activity for kids!) to mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) Usually yields about 15-18 small meatballs. You can make them as small or as large as you would like! Olive likes to make them a bit smaller so they cook quickly and so she can snack on them!
4. Air fry: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve: Pair these with your favorite pasta and sauce, or serve them as a quick snack with dipping sauce on the side. They’re perfect for any occasion!
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and cooking time, it’s the perfect recipe for busy evenings.
- Kid-Friendly: Olive loves making these meatballs, and so do all the kids! It’s simple, hands-on, and fun to create together.
- Flavorful: The Kinder Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning brings a burst of savory, buttery flavor without any extra fuss.
- Versatile: Whether served as an appetizer or paired with pasta, this dish works for every meal.
Our Air Fryer of Choice:
For this recipe, we use the Ninja® Foodi® 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer with DualZone™ Technology, which we purchased from Sam’s Club. (Don’t have a Sam’s Club plus membership? Get one now for $70/ year!) It’s incredibly versatile, allowing us to cook two different foods at the same time with different temperatures and times, thanks to the DualZone™ technology.
This air fryer gives our meatballs a crispy exterior while keeping them juicy inside. If you’re using a different air fryer, keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model, so feel free to check the meatballs as they cook!
Tips & Tricks:
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to make these sausage meatballs your own! Personally, I love using Kinder’s Seasoning Line. I’ve tried nearly all the flavors, and they never disappoint. From the smoky flavor of Woodfired Garlic to the richness of Buttery Steakhouse, there’s something for every taste. I usually grab them at Sam’s Club for a great deal.
- Double the batch: These meatballs freeze well! Make a double batch and freeze for later so you always have a quick meal on hand.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with a simple salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Mild or hot sausage: Most grocery stores carry both mild and hot ground Italian sausage in the meat section. Personally, I love the hot sausage for a little extra kick, but the kids definitely prefer the mild version. You can use whichever suits your family’s taste!
These 15-Minute Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs are so quick, so easy, and so tasty! It’s no wonder they’re a hit in our house. Olive was proud to create this recipe, and I know your family will love them too!
If you try this 15-Minute Air Fryer Sausage Meatballs recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and let me know how your family enjoyed them. Did you go with mild or hot sausage? Or maybe you added your own seasoning twist? Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow busy parents who could use a quick and delicious meal idea!
And if you’re looking for more easy, kid-friendly recipes that save time in the kitchen, be sure to check out some of our other recipes for more family favorites that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Happy cooking!
