Go Back
–+ servings
Air Fryer Chili-Lime Meatballs

Air Fryer Chili-Lime Meatballs

No ratings yet
These chili-lime meatballs cook in the air fryer for a tender interior and lightly crisp exterior. Lime zest and juice with warm chili powder give a bright, balanced profile; a quick lime crema finishes the dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20
  • 0.5 lb ground pork
  • 0.5 cup panko lightly packed
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest zest from 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice fresh, about 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 3 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing (optional)
  • 0.5 cup sour cream for lime crema
  • 0.5 tablespoon lime juice for lime crema
  • salt additional for crema if needed

Equipment

  • Air fryer Basket-style or drawer; 3–4 quart minimum
  • Mixing bowl Medium, for combining meatball mix
  • 1.5 tablespoon scoop or spoon For even meatball sizing
  • Instant-read thermometer To confirm 160°F internal temp

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for at least 3 minutes while you mix the meatballs.
  2. Combine ground beef, ground pork, panko, egg, lime zest, 1 tablespoon lime juice, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro in a bowl; mix gently until just combined.
  3. Portion mixture with a 1.5-tablespoon scoop and roll into 24 uniform meatballs; chill on a tray for 10 minutes to firm up.
  4. Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, leaving ½ inch between each; brush lightly with olive oil if desired.
  5. Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning meatballs halfway; they are done when internal temp reaches 160°F and exterior is lightly browned.
  6. Whisk sour cream with ½ tablespoon lime juice and a pinch of salt for the lime crema; serve meatballs hot with crema and extra cilantro.

Notes

  • Chill rolled meatballs 10 minutes to reduce breakage during air frying.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer — aim for 160°F for beef/pork blends.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!