1-Gathering Your Ingredients: Start by pulling together all the ingredients to make the process smooth. Measure out spices and have your air fryer basket ready so nothing slows you down. This step sets the stage for a hassle-free cooking session, much like prepping for an easy dessert such as a berry crisp to follow your meal.

2-Mixing the Meatball Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to blend the flavors. Once that’s done, add the 1 pound lean ground beef and ½ pound lean ground pork, then gently mix until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.

3-Mixing the Meatball Mixture: Overworking the mixture can make the meatballs dense, so keep it light and quick.

4-Shaping and Preheating: Divide the mixture into 16 equal meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches each, using your hands or a scoop for uniformity. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F as you shape them, which only takes a few minutes. For more on air fryer basics, check out this guide on air fryer tips.

5-Cooking the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch for even air flow. Reduce the temperature to 380°F and cook for 12 to 14 minutes until they’re browned and reach 165°F inside. Remember, air fryers vary, so check a bit early to prevent overcooking.

6-Cooking the Meatballs: No need to flip them midway, as the hot air circulates perfectly. Once done, let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.

7-Dietary Adaptations: If you’re adjusting for diets, swap ingredients during the mixing step and watch the cooking time. For instance, use beef broth instead of milk for dairy-free options, as noted in the tips.

8-Dietary Adaptations: This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to cook, totaling 27 minutes, so it’s ideal for quick meals.