Pineapple BBQ Meatballs (Air Fryer Version)

Intro:

These Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are the perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and sweet. Traditionally made in a crockpot for hours, this air fryer version gets them golden and juicy in minutes! Tossed in a zesty homemade (or shortcut) pineapple BBQ sauce, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish served with rice or skewers.

Ideal for parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners — and done in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time (Air Fryer): 10–12 minutes per batch

Sauce Simmer Time: 5–8 minutes

Total Time: ~30 minutes

Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated onion

1 egg

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pineapple BBQ Sauce:

1 cup BBQ sauce (hickory or honey preferred)

3/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Optional: a pinch of chili flakes for heat

Instructions:

Make the Meatballs (10 minutes):

In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat.

Roll into 1 to 1.5-inch balls (you should get 18–22 mini meatballs).

Air Fry the Meatballs (10–12 minutes):

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Spray the basket lightly with oil.

Place meatballs in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

Make the Pineapple BBQ Sauce (while meatballs cook):

In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple (with juice), soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes if using.

Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5–8 minutes, until it slightly thickens and flavors blend.

Coat the Meatballs (2 minutes):

Toss cooked meatballs in the warm pineapple BBQ sauce until fully coated.

Optionally, return coated meatballs to the air fryer for 2 extra minutes at 375°F to caramelize the glaze slightly (not required but delicious!).

Serving Ideas:

Serve over white or coconut rice with green onions.

Thread onto toothpicks or mini skewers for appetizers.

Add to lettuce cups or Hawaiian buns for sliders.

Nutrition (per 4 meatballs, approx.):

Calories: 280

Protein: 18g

Carbs: 16g

Fat: 16g

Sugar: 10g