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Looking for a healthy, satisfying and flavorful twist on a classic Italian dish? These air fryer meatballs marinara are packed with protein and bold seasonings, using red lentils, oats and almonds for a plant-based punch. Pair them with gluten-free spaghetti and a homemade marinara sauce for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this air fryer-friendly recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Air fryer meatballs marinara are plant-based, easy to make, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect served over spaghetti with homemade marinara sauce.
Also try vegan mushroom ragu, vegan kung pao, vegan samosas or what about vegan miso ramen soup which you aren’t going to want to miso out on!
Why You’ll Love It
Plant-based and hearty: These meatballs are packed with protein from lentils, almonds and oats.
Easy to prep: Use the air fryer for quick, hands-off cooking.
Flavor-packed: The spices and homemade marinara bring bold Italian flavor.
Versatile: Great with spaghetti, in subs or on their own with a side of veggies.
Air Fryer Meatballs Marinara Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Red lentils: Provide a hearty base and plant-based protein.
Oats: Bind the mixture and give the meatballs a great texture.
Almonds: Add crunch and nutty flavor.
Onion and garlic: Add depth to both the meatballs and the sauce.
Flax eggs: A mixture of flax seed and water helps bind the meatballs while keeping them vegan.
Tomato puree: Used in both the meatballs and the sauce for richness.
Spices: Italian seasoning and chili flakes add a bold, savory flavor.
Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Spaghetti: A gluten-free base to round out the dish.
How to Make Vegan Air Fryer Meatballs
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Cook the lentils: Boil until soft but not mushy.
Sauté aromatics: Cook onions and garlic until golden.
Process dry ingredients: Blend oats and almonds into flour.
Make the mixture: Add lentils, aromatics, flax eggs, tomato puree, and spices. Pulse to combine.
Shape and air fry: Form into balls, air fry until golden on both sides.
Make the sauce: Sauté onions and garlic, then add puree, spices, and sugar. Simmer until thick.
Assemble the dish: Coat cooked meatballs in the sauce, then serve over spaghetti.
Substitutions and Variations
Use real eggs: If not vegan, regular eggs work in place of flax eggs.
Swap almonds: Use walnuts, sunflower seeds or cashews instead.
Make it spicy: Add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Begin your meal with a peach panzanella salad or some vegan pesto on melba toast triangles.
Side dishes: Enjoy roasted rainbow carrots or Brussels sprouts casserole with your meatless-balls and spaghetti.
Dessert: Finish off with creamy layered vegan bars.
How to Store Air Fryer Meatballs Marinara
Store: You can keep leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: You can warm up leftovers in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.
Top Tips
Avoid over-blending: Leave a little texture in the meatball mixture for best results.
Preheat the air fryer: This ensures even cooking and a nice crust.
Don’t simmer meatballs in sauce: Just coat them to avoid falling apart.
Vegan Meatball Marinara FAQs
Yes, you can refrigerate or freeze them before cooking.
A blender or mini chopper can work, but a processor gives the best texture.
It might surprise you to know that, although we don’t know for sure who made the first meatball, they didn’t originate in Italy! It’s believed that meatballs originated in Persia. The Persians used leftover meat to make kofta, and it’s possible this recipe made its way through the Middle East before reaching China. Some people think Venetian traders introduced meatballs via European trade routes. Others think the Ancient Romans developed the recipe!
Air Fryer Spaghetti and Vegan Meatballs Recipe
Air Fryer Meatballs Marinara
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 Cloves garlic
- 3/4 Cup oats, gluten free
- 1/2 Cup almonds
- 1 Cup red lentils, whole
- 1 Tablespoon tomato puree
- 1 Teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 Teaspoon red chili flakes
- salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Flax Egg
- 1 Tablespoon powdered flax seed
- 3 Tablespoons water
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons onion
- 1 Tablespoon garlic
- 1 Cup tomato puree
- 1 Teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
- Boil the lentils until soft but not mushy.
- Put a pan on the heat, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, add roughly chopped onions and garlic and cook until it turns light brown.
- Mix the flax seed and water together then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- In a food processor add oats and almonds and blend until the almonds are finely chopped and oats become flour.
- Next add boiled lentils, cooked onion and garlic, 1 tablespoon of the flax egg mixture (keep the rest for another use), tomato puree, dried herbs, chili flakes, salt and pepper.
- Blend until everything is mixed properly, don't over-mix as we need a little texture in the meatballs.
- Now take a teaspoon of the prepared mixture and shape it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
Air Fry the Meatballs
- Preheat the air fryer at 350 degrees F.
- Brush some olive oil on an air fryer tray and arrange the balls, brush some oil on top and cook for 5 minutes.
- Turn over the meatballs and cook for another 5 minutes or until light brown in color. Repeat with the rest of the prepared meatballs.
Cook the Spaghetti
- Meanwhile, you can cook the spaghetti following the instructions on the package.
Make the Marinara Sauce
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a saucepan and add finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook and stir for a few seconds until light brown.
- Add the tomato puree and rest of the ingredients. Cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and absorbs all the flavors. (You can blend the sauce if wanted a smooth consistency).
- Add the meatballs and switch off the flame (don't simmer the meatballs in sauce, they just need to be coated in it).
Assemble and Serve
- Serve hot over the cooked spaghetti.
Notes
Preheat the air fryer: This ensures even cooking and a nice crust.
Don’t simmer meatballs in sauce: Just coat them to avoid falling apart.
Nutrition
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just craving a cozy Italian-inspired dinner, air fryer meatballs marinara is a recipe to keep in your back pocket. The plant-based ingredients make it a wholesome choice, and the air fryer keeps things fast and simple. Pair with gluten-free spaghetti or stuff into subs for a versatile, satisfying meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
The best marinara recipe I foud online! Even my kids loved this!
As a vegan, I love stumbling upon new recipe ideas and this one did NOT disappoint!
Yum! I need to try this recipe.