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Air Fryer Meatball & Mozzarella Orzo Bake
- Category: Dinner |
This is a brilliant one-pot dish that involves making orzo in your air fryer. Yes, I know that sounds crazy but please trust the process. With no need to brown your meatballs in a pan first and no extra pots for your pasta, you'll have hardly any washing-up for this and it's brilliantly quick for a pasta bake, too. Cheesy meatball goodness in just 30 minutes.
SERVES
4
CALORIES
438
COOKING TIME
20 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
Discover the magic of one-pot cooking with this innovative air fryer orzo recipe from my latest cookbook Airfryer 30-Minute Meals. Say goodbye to extra pots and pans – with this recipe, you’ll have minimal cleanup and maximum flavour in just 30 minutes. Indulge in cheesy meatball goodness without the hassle of pre-browning, and for extra oozy mozzarella, simply add it before the final air-frying step.
Can you cook pasta like orzo in the air fryer?
While pasta can’t be boiled in an air fryer, orzo works brilliantly in a bake-style dish when it’s pre-cooked or parboiled beforehand and combined with sauce and toppings. The air fryer then crisps up the top for a deliciously golden finish.
Do I need to cook the orzo before adding it to the air fryer?
Yes – for best results, cook orzo until just al dente before mixing it with your sauce and layering with meatballs and mozzarella. This prevents it from drying out and ensures even cooking.
Can I use fresh or frozen meatballs in this recipe?
Yes – both fresh and frozen meatballs work well. If using frozen, make sure they are fully cooked or part-cooked before adding to the bake, or give them a head start in the air fryer to ensure they heat through properly.
How long does a meatball and orzo bake take in the air fryer?
Once assembled, your meatball and orzo bake will take around 10–15 minutes at 180–190°C, depending on the size of your dish and the strength of your air fryer. You’re aiming for bubbling sauce and melted, golden mozzarella on top.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes – simply assemble the bake in advance, store it in the fridge, and air fry when ready to eat. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes if cooking straight from chilled.
Is this a good family-friendly air fryer meal?
Absolutely – it’s a comforting, fuss-free dinner that’s great for kids and adults alike. Meatballs and cheese are always a winner, and the orzo keeps it hearty and satisfying.
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Orzo is perfect for this dish because it bakes evenly and holds sauce well. If substituting, try small pasta shapes like macaroni or mini shells, and part-cook before baking.
What’s the best type of mozzarella to use?
Grated mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella works best for melting and getting that lovely golden top. Fresh mozzarella can be used too but may release more liquid.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes – just swap the meatballs for veggie or plant-based alternatives, and ensure your pasta sauce is vegetarian-friendly too.
What dish should I cook it in inside the air fryer?
Use a small, oven-safe dish or air fryer-compatible tin that fits inside your air fryer basket. Always check that it allows room for airflow around the sides for even cooking
More air fryer dinner recipes
Here are some easy air fryer recipes perfect for families or those with a busy lifestyle:
Tags:
- air fryer |
- airfryer |
- mozzarella |
- orzo |
Method
Step 1
Combine the mince, breadcrumbs, onion, chopped basil and egg together in a large bowl, then mould into meatballs.
Step 2
Air-fry the meatballs for 7 minutes at 200°C (390°F) then add in the tomatoes/ passata, tomato purée, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, basil, salt and pepper, and cook for a further 3 minutes. If you have a large air fryer, you can do this in an ovenproof dish; if not, use the air fryer basket without the tray in place.
Step 3
Pour in the hot chicken stock, then move the meatballs to one side, add in the orzo and readjust so the meatballs are evenly spread. Air-fry for a further 10 minutes (or until the orzo is cooked).
Step 4
Top with mozzarella, allowing the residual heat to melt it slightly. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with a side salad. For more quick and easy air fryer recipes like this, you can pick up a copy of my airfryer cookbooks Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals and The Healthy Air Fryer Book on Amazon today.
Ingredients
400g (10 1/2 oz) lean beef mince
2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
1 onion, finely chopped
handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 egg
2 x tins of chopped tomatoes or 700g passata (1 lb 9 oz)
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
4 garlic cloves, crushed
handful of fresh basil leaves, plus extra to garnish
350ml (1 1/2cup) hot chicken stock
175g (6 oz) orzo
60g (1/2 cup) mozzarella, torn
Salt and pepper, to taste
