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    Home » Beef Recipes » Keto Meatballs - Baked, Air Fry, or Ninja Foodi Grill

    Keto Meatballs - Baked, Air Fry, or Ninja Foodi Grill

    Published: Feb 2, 2022 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Feb 19, 2022 · 1258 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I can’t stop thinking about how good these Keto Meatballs are! They are an easy family favorite that is always a welcome addition to the table. Serve them over zucchini noodles or a simple veggie side for a simple and satisfying meal.

    Overhead photo of keto meatballs in marinara sauce.

    My family loves meatballs, and these Keto Meatballs are a favorite of ours.

    They are simple to make and the kind of recipe every cook should learn to make by heart.

    Whether you use your air fryer, Ninja Fodi Grill, or you prefer baked meatballs, this is sure to become one of your go-to keto recipes.

    Ingredients for Making Keto Meatball Recipe

    Photo of prep bowls with 2 pounds ground beef, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 eggs beaten, 2 teaspoons unseasoned beef gelatin,¼ cup beef broth, 1 cup finely grated parmesan , and ¼ cup almond flour.
    • Ground Beef: You can use 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef.
    • Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic to your liking. Garlic powder or onion powder and be used if you prefer.
    • Seasonings: A blend of Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper adds the perfect flavor to these meatballs. Want to go fresh? Fresh parsley and fresh basil or oregano can be used.
    • Eggs: I used large eggs.
    • Gelatin: This is optional. It helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender and helps to bind them in the absence of breadcrumbs.
    • Broth: You can omit the broth if you are not using the gelatin.
    • Parmesan: I recommend buying parmesan and grating it yourself.
    • Almond Flour: Use finely grated almond flour.
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    Tips, Tricks, and Variations

    • For the best texture, make sure you don’t overmix the meat.
    • I recommend using a cookie scoop to measure out your meatballs to ensure they are uniform in size and cook evenly.
    • If you would prefer, these meatballs can be pan-fried for a crisp exterior and then baked until cooked through.
    • Crushed pork rinds can be used in place of the parmesan and almond flour if you prefer.
    • Heavy cream can be substituted for the broth.
    • You can brush the exterior of the meatballs with olive oil or avocado oil to help the exterior crisp up.
    • If you like, ½ cup of sauteed onion can be added to the meatball mixture. Just be sure to adjust the carb count.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of meat do you use for meatballs?


    I used 90/10 ground beef, but 80/20 will work as well. If you use 80/20 and bake rather than air fry or use the Ninja Foodi Grill, you can expect to have some fat that accumulates around the meatballs. Just blot it off as necessary.


    Any ground meat works to make this easy keto meatball recipe. Feel free to substitute ground pork or ground turkey. Italian sausage is also great.

    What is the best gluten-free binder to use as a replacement for breadcrumbs?


    I use finely grated parmesan cheese and finely ground almond flour. Additionally, I like to use gelatin in my meatballs. It helps with both moisture and helps the meatballs hold shape.


    What keto sauce for meatballs can I use?


    I use my homemade Keto Marinara. Keto Alfredo Sauce is also a fun way to mix things up.


    If you want to buy sauce, make sure you read the label as many brands have added sugar. My go-to brand for sugar-free marinara sauce is Rao’s. If you choose another brand to enjoy with these keto beef meatballs, make sure it is keto-friendly.

    Can you make keto meatballs to freeze?


    Yes. Allow them to cool completely, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.

    Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe container.

    What is the ideal temperature for meatballs? 


    The ideal internal temperature after the meatballs have rested for 10 minutes is 165° F.

    What’s the best way to make uniform-sized meatballs? 


    I recommend using a small cookie scoop to measure out your meatballs for the most uniform size.

    Are meatballs keto?


    Most meatballs are not keto because they use bread crumbs as a binder.

    Tools Needed to Make Keto Italian Meatballs

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying sales.

    • Mixing bowl
    • Small cookie scoop
    • Baking sheet, Air Fryer, or Ninja Foodi Grill
    • Instant read thermometer

    Serving Suggestions

    Low Carb Meatballs are great served with zucchini noodles, palmini noodles or mashed cauliflower. (If you are low carb and not keto, low carb spaghetti is another option.) Round out the meal with Keto Breadsticks or Garlic Knots and a simple green salad.

    Storage

    Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.

    They may be frozen for up to three months.

    How to Make Keto Meatballs

    First, start by placing the ground beef in a large bowl. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

    • Photo of meat  and seasonings in a bowl.
    • Photo of beaten egg sprinkled with gelatin.

    Next, beat the eggs in a small bowl and sprinkle with the gelatin.

    • Photo of beaten egg with gelatin and beef broth.
    • Photo of seasoning ground beef in a bowl that has had egg, gelatin, almond flour, and parmesan cheese sprinkled over it.

    Heat the broth until warm, but not hot.

    After that, add the warm broth to the gelatin mixture and whis to combine.

    • Photo of a meatball mixture in a bowl.
    • Photo of prepped meatballs on a baking sheet.

    Then add the gelatin mixture, parmesan cheese, and almond flour to the ground beef and mix to combine. Be careful not to overwork the meat.

    Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out the meat and form into meatballs.

    Ninja Foodi Grill Meatballs

    Set the grill to air crisp and the temperature to 375° F. Set the timer to 10 minutes.

    When the grill is preheated, arrange the meatballs in a single layer in your air crisp basket. (You will need to cook in two batches.)

    Next, cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired.

    • Photo of meatballs in an air crisp air fryer basket.
    • Photo of a Ninja Foodi Grill set to 375° F on the air crisp function.

    Keto Air Fryer Meatballs

    Preheat your air fryer to 375° F.

    After that, arrange the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.

    Cook for 10 minutes.

    Repeat with the remaining meatballs.

    Baked Meatballs

    Line two small or one large baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Arrange the meatballs in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes.

    Don't miss my Keto Meatballs Web Story.

    More Meatballs for Your Keto Diet

    • Keto Meatball Soup is one of my go-to recipes for the cooler months. It is deliciously rich and so satisfying.
    • Looking for a meal the whole family can enjoy? These Keto Swedish Meatballs are perfect!
    • Craving cheese? You will love Keto Stuffed Meatballs!
    • Mix up your meal plan with these Keto Lamb Meatballs.
    • Keto Turkey Meatballs tossed in a punchy BBQ Sauce for a meal that never gets old.
    Close up photo of keto meatballs garnished with parsley and parmesan.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.

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      Square photo of keto meatballs in marinara garnished with parsley and parmesan.
      Print Recipe

      Keto Meatballs

      These are the best keto meatballs! Moist, tender, and so full for flavor.
      Prep Time20 mins
      Cook Time10 mins
      Total Time30 mins
      Course: Main
      Cuisine: American
      Keyword: air fryer, ninja grill
      Servings: 10
      Calories: 303.05kcal
      Author: Wendy Polisi
      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

      Ingredients

      • 2 pounds ground beef
      • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
      • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
      • 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
      • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
      • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
      • 2 eggs beaten
      • 2 teaspoons unseasoned beef gelatin optional
      • ¼ cup beef broth
      • 1 cup finely grated parmesan
      • ¼ cup almond flour
      • For serving: keto marinara

      Instructions

      • Place the ground beef in a large bowl and add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
      • In a small bowl, beat the eggs and sprinkle with the gelatin.
      • Heat the broth in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish until warm but not hot.
      • Add to the gelatin mixture, whisking vigorously to combine.
      • Add the gelatin mixture, parmesan, and almond flour to the ground beef and mix to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.
      • Scoop out the meat with a cookie scoop, and form it into meatballs.

      Ninja Foodi Grill

      • Set the grill to Air Crisp and set the temperature to 375° F and set timer for 10 minutes.
      • When the grill is preheated, arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air crisp basket. You will need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
      • Cook for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165° F,, flipping halfway through.

      Air Fryer

      • Preheat your air fryer to 375° F.
      • Cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding, arrange the meatballs in a single layer in your air fryer.
      • Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be 165° F.

      Bake

      • Preheat the oven to 400° F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
      • Arrange the meatballs in a single layer.
      • Bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through or until the internal temperature is 165° F.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 303.05kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.45g | Protein: 21.67g | Fat: 22.99g | Saturated Fat: 8.99g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.71g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.03g | Trans Fat: 1.12g | Cholesterol: 103.95mg | Sodium: 606.37mg | Potassium: 278.3mg | Fiber: 0.51g | Sugar: 0.24g | Vitamin A: 153.8IU | Vitamin C: 0.14mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 2.29mg
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      Welcome

      I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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