🍲 Misc
Air Fryer Romanian Meatballs (Chiftele la Airfryer)
Crispy on the outside, tender inside—these air fryer Romanian meatballs are a quick, healthy, and delicious twist on a classic comfort food.
🥘 Ingredients
Ground meat (pork, beef, turkey, or mix) — 500 g
Egg — 1
Medium onion — 1
Medium potato (100 g) — 1
Garlic cloves — 2-3
Sweet paprika — 1 tsp
Dried thyme — ½ tsp
Salt and pepper — to taste
Fresh dill or parsley sprigs — 2-3
Oil (for greasing hands) — 30 ml
👨🍳 Steps
1In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated potato (using the small holes of a box grater), egg, finely chopped onion, and pressed garlic. Add the paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs.
2Knead the mixture vigorously with your hands for about 5 minutes until it becomes cohesive and paste-like.
3Lightly oil your hands, then shape the mixture into small meatballs. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding.
4Set the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 15 minutes. Halfway through, open the basket and flip the meatballs with tongs.
5Serve the meatballs hot or cold.
🛒 Shopping List
500 g ground meat (pork, beef, turkey, or mix), 1 egg, 1 medium onion, 1 medium potato (100 g), 2-3 garlic cloves, 1 tsp sweet paprika, ½ tsp dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste, 2-3 fresh dill or parsley sprigs, 30 ml oil (for greasing hands)