Air Fryer Vegetarian Meatballs
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I made these Air Fryer Vegetarian Meatballs and honestly loved them. The shiitake and bulgur add so much flavor. They came out crispy on the outside and tender inside, and the Dijon gravy was rich, creamy, and just a little tangy. It’s so hearty and the kind of dinner I’ll definitely make again and again.
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Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, this is one of those meals I reach for when I want something comforting and filling without much effort. They’re wonderful served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, which makes them endlessly versatile for whatever you have on hand. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Vegetarian Meatballs with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Here’s exactly how I make these meatless meatballs from start to finish, and it’s honestly way simpler than it looks.
Prep the Mushrooms and Chickpeas
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Add the shiitake mushrooms to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, then transfer them to a large bowl. Pulse the chickpeas the same way in the food processor until roughly chopped, then add those to the bowl too.
Mix the Meatball Mixture
Add the cooked and cooled bulgur wheat, bread crumbs, sour cream, egg, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, ground nutmeg, and chili flakes if you’re using them.
Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when you press it in your hand.
Shape and Arrange
Shape the mixture into meatballs and lightly spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper. You can use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs and a silicone air fryer liner for your basket if you want something long-term.
Place the meatballs in a single layer with a little space between each one so the air can circulate properly. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they won’t get that golden exterior. Work in two batches or more if needed.
Air Fry Until Golden
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are light golden brown and firm. If you’re making larger meatballs, you may need the full twelve minutes. They should feel set when you press them lightly.
Make the Gravy
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, then mix in the flour using a wire whisk and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns lightly golden.
Slowly pour and whisk in the vegetable broth until smooth, then let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Coat and Serve
Pour the gravy over the meatballs and gently coat them before serving. Spoon any extra gravy over the top so nothing goes to waste. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs for a pop of color and brightness if you like, then serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredients
Vegetarian Meatballs:
- ½ cup dry bulgur wheat cooked, cooled, and excess water removed
- 2 cups shiitake mushrooms
- 1 cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional
Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse the mushrooms until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl.2 cups shiitake mushrooms
- Pulse the chickpeas until chopped and add them to the bowl.1 cup canned chickpeas
- Add the bulgur wheat, breadcrumbs, sour cream, egg, seasonings, and spices. Mix until well combined.½ cup dry bulgur wheat, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 large egg, Salt and pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Arrange meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and firm.
Make the Gravy:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.2 tablespoons butter
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth until smooth. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Pour the gravy over the baked meatballs and gently coat them.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Let the meatballs cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, with the gravy stored separately in a leakproof container or sealed mason jar to keep their texture intact.
Reheat the meatballs in the air fryer until warmed through and the gravy gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it if it thickens up.
For longer storage, flash-freeze the meatballs without the gravy on a freezer-safe baking sheet until frozen solid, then keep in a freezer bag or container for up to 1 month. Freeze the gravy separately in its own container. Thaw both overnight in the fridge and reheat as instructed.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Vegetarian Meatballs
A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes is the most classic pairing here and one of the best ways to soak up that Dijon gravy. Egg noodles or cooked pasta work just as well for a different spin.
Steamed rice is another easy option that lets the gravy really shine. On the vegetable side, roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or glazed carrots all complement the richness of the gravy without competing with it.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
Here are more easy air fryer vegetarian recipes you’ll love!