Aldi Earth Grown Meatless Meatballs in Air Fryer – Vegan Dinner

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to prepare delicious vegan meatballs, the air fryer is your best friend! These frozen Aldi meatless meatballs cook straight from frozen in just 8 minutes, resulting in perfectly crispy, browned exteriors with tender, flavorful insides.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Meatless Meatballs

• These vegan meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare since they cook straight from frozen. No defrosting needed, making it a quick meal option for busy days.
• Cooking in the air fryer gives the meatballs a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the insides tender and flavorful.
• It’s a versatile recipe that works with any brand of frozen vegan meatballs, giving you flexibility based on your grocery store’s selection.
• With only 8 minutes of cook time, it’s a fast meal or snack that can be paired with pasta, subs, or enjoyed on their own.
• The air fryer helps maintain a healthier preparation method without sacrificing the taste and texture of traditional meatballs.

Ingredients

• Frozen vegan meatballs – I used Aldi’s Earth Grown Meatless Meatballs, but any brand works. They are cooked directly from frozen for convenience.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need 

• Air fryer – Essential for cooking the meatballs to crispy perfection in just a few minutes.
• Tongs – Handy for placing the meatballs in the air fryer and removing them once they’re done.
• Measuring thermometer (optional) – Useful to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches at least 165°F, especially for larger meatballs.

How To Cook Meatless Meatballs In Air Fryer

• Start by taking your frozen vegan meatballs and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No need to defrost them.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 minutes.
• Once done, check the internal temperature with a thermometer if desired, making sure it reaches at least 165°F for safety.
• If the meatballs aren’t fully cooked or if they are larger in size, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• When ready, carefully remove the meatballs from the air fryer with tongs and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these crispy vegan meatballs on top of your favorite ravioli with marinara sauce for a quick Italian-inspired meal.
• Add them to a sub roll with marinara and vegan cheese for a delicious meatball sub.
• Pair them with a side salad and roasted veggies for a light, balanced meal.
• Serve with toothpicks as a party appetizer alongside a dipping sauce, like marinara or BBQ sauce.

Tips For Success

• Use an air fryer with a large enough basket: Make sure to arrange the meatballs in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the basket can result in unevenly cooked meatballs.
• Adjust cooking time based on size: Different brands of vegan meatballs come in different sizes. Smaller ones cook perfectly in 8 minutes, while larger ones may need an additional 2-3 minutes. Always check with a thermometer to ensure they’re heated to 165°F.
• Shake the basket halfway through: For even browning, shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This will ensure all sides of the meatballs get crispy.
• Customize with seasoning: For added flavor, you can lightly spray the meatballs with cooking oil and sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings before air frying.
• Check the temperature: Using a thermometer is the best way to ensure your meatballs are fully cooked, especially if you’re using larger ones. Always aim for an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Variations And Substitutions

• Different brands of vegan meatballs: While this recipe uses Aldi’s Earth Grown Meatless Meatballs, you can use any brand of frozen vegan meatballs available at your local store. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and density of the meatballs, so keep an eye on them.
• Gluten-free option: If you are gluten-sensitive or prefer gluten-free, look for gluten-free vegan meatballs. Many brands now offer gluten-free options that can easily be substituted without changing the cooking process.
• Spice it up: For a spicier version, sprinkle the meatballs with chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce before cooking. You can also mix some spices into the sauce you serve with the meatballs for extra heat.
• Herb seasoning: Add a touch of fresh or dried herbs, like oregano, basil, or thyme, to your vegan meatballs before air frying. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for an extra burst of flavor.
• Vegan cheese addition: If you’re a fan of vegan cheese, try adding a slice of it on top of the meatballs after cooking and let it melt for a cheesy finish. This is especially great for meatball subs.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftover vegan meatballs, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze cooked vegan meatballs, allow them to cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the air fryer or oven.
• Reheating: To reheat the vegan meatballs, use the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave them for a minute, although the air fryer will give the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen vegan meatballs in the air fryer without defrosting them?

Yes, there’s no need to defrost frozen vegan meatballs before cooking them in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer straight from the freezer, and they will cook to crispy perfection in about 8 minutes.

What temperature should meatless meatballs be cooked to?

For safety and the best texture, it’s recommended to cook vegan meatballs to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, especially if the meatballs are larger.

What if my meatballs are not fully cooked after 8 minutes?

If the meatballs aren’t fully cooked after 8 minutes, or if they’re larger than average, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they are at least 165°F.

Can I use homemade vegan meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use homemade vegan meatballs in the air fryer. Just make sure they’re frozen before cooking and follow the same instructions. Homemade meatballs might need a little more or less time depending on their size.

Do I need to use oil when cooking vegan meatballs in the air fryer?

No oil is necessary for this recipe, as the air fryer will crisp up the meatballs on its own. However, you can spray a light coating of oil for extra crispiness if you prefer.

Other Easy Meatball Recipes

Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs: These tender vegan meatballs cook perfectly from frozen in the Instant Pot, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.

Crispy Air Fryer Meatball Recipe: Get deliciously crispy meatballs in just minutes using the air fryer, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Instant Pot Meatballs With Rice: A hearty meal combining juicy meatballs and fluffy rice, all cooked together in the Instant Pot for a complete one-pot dinner.

Low-Carb Keto Meatballs Baked Recipe: These baked keto meatballs are the perfect low-carb option, packed with flavor and ideal for those following a keto diet.

Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs With Mozzarella: Juicy meatballs stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese, offering a delightful cheesy surprise in every bite.

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Meatballs Baked Recipe: These gluten-free meatballs use oatmeal as a binder, making them hearty, healthy, and perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.

Simple Italian Baked Meatballs Recipe: Classic Italian baked meatballs that are tender, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for pairing with pasta or enjoying on their own.

 

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