Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

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Have you had Swedish meatballs before? They are a tender meatball coated in a rich gravy. Making air fryer Swedish meatballs is incredibly easy and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!

Close up of Swedish meatballs on a plate with fork resting on plate holding meatball.

I love Swedish meatballs. Like many people, I first tried them at IKEA. I stop and get them every time I visit the store (which is not often) and have been wanting to recreate them at home. 

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Since I have been all about my air fryer lately, I figured I might as well try making them in the air fryer. I already knew meatballs turned out great in the air fryer (crispy on the outside without drying out). I was not disappointed, and you won’t be either!

White plate filled with Swedish meatballs next to a red striped towel.

Keep in mind that you will need to use the stove to make the sauce but you can do it while your meatballs are cooking in the air fryer. It’s an easy peasy recipe that your family is sure to love.

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Close up of meatballs coated in a Swedish meatball gravy.

What makes Swedish meatballs different?

The main difference is the sauce. Italian meatballs are served in a marinara. Swedish meatballs are served in a rich gravy. Swedish meatballs are also often served with lingonberry sauce.

What is Swedish meatball sauce made of?

Swedish meatball sauce is essentially a gravy. To start, you may a roux of butter and flour. Then, you mix in beef broth, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until it thickens and then serve it over the Swedish meatballs. Scroll down for the full printable recipe!

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Fork holding a meatball on the end of it.

More air fryer recipes:

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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Peach Hand Pies

Air Fryer Pickles with Tangy Dipping Sauce

Air Fryer Potato Skins

A white plate of Swedish meatballs with one meatball on a fork.

Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Aileen Clark
Have you had Swedish meatballs before? They are a tender meatball coated in a rich gravy. Making air fryer Swedish meatballs is incredibly easy and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!
4.64 from 11 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Course Main Dish Recipes
Cuisine Swedish
Servings 4
Calories 593 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer to 360°F.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, milk, breadcrumbs, egg yolk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, allspice and nutmeg. Mix well.
  • Roll meat mixture into golf ball sized meatballs.
  • Arrange meatballs inside air fryer.
  • Air fry for 6 minutes, turning half-way through.
  • Heat a medium skillet over medium high-heat.
  • Melt butter in skillet and whisk in flour.
  • Continue to mix until butter is fully disolved and a light beige roux forms.
  • Slowly whisk in broth, sour cream, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Continue to cook, mixing constantly, until sauce is thickened. About 3 minutes.
  • Place meatballs inside a (6-inch) cake pan.
  • Pour sauce over cooked meatballs and carefully place cake pan inside air fryer.
    A pan of Swedish meatballs inside an air fryer basket.
  • Air fry an additional 3 minutes.
  • Serve with lingonberry sauce, if desired.
    A fork holding a meatball over a cake pan of Swedish meatballs with sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 593kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 37gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 245mgSodium: 1419mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
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A Swedish meatball on the end of a fork with the words "air fryer Swedish meatballs" in red and brown lettering.

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4.64 from 11 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

    1. Anything you can put in the oven can be put in the instant pot. So, don’t use plastic but metal, foil, and silicone are fine.

  1. Your instructions in point 2 miss out mentioning to add the all spice and the nutmeg to the meat mix. Otherwise a good recipe.