Air Fryer Meatballs Marinara
These air fryer meatballs marinara are a fantastic meatless option for pasta night. They’re hearty, protein-rich, and easy to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. You’ll love the bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Servings: 4
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
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.
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
Calories: 810kcal | Carbohydrates: 139g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 1282mg | Fiber: 25g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 464IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 8mg
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