Air Fryer Greek Meatballs with Tomato Salad and Tzatziki

Try my Baked Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Greek Meatballs

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes! Minimal prep, minimal fuss, maximum flavor.

✔ Meal Prep Hero – Makes great leftovers for lunches or quick dinners. Just reheat and enjoy.

✔ High-Protein Power – Packed with lean beef and Greek yogurt to keep you full and energized.

✔ Air Fryer Magic – Crispy outside, juicy inside, with way less oil than frying. (Cleanup is a breeze too!)

✔ Bursting with Freshness – The zesty tomato salad and cool tzatziki balance the savory meatballs perfectly.

✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store, without breaking the bank.

✔ Crowd-Pleaser – Works for weeknight dinners, parties, or even a fancy-ish lunch. Everyone will ask for seconds!

✔ Versatile AF – Serve in pitas, over rice, or with a salad. They’re delicious no matter how you eat ’em.

Basically, it’s a flavor-packed, no-stress meal that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Let’s cook! 🎸

Try my Sweet Chili Meatballs recipe.

What You’ll Need To Make

Let’s Talk Key Ingredients (They’re the Real MVPs!)

🍖 Lean Ground Beef (5% fat) – Keeps these meatballs juicy without being greasy. Plus, it’s packed with protein to keep you full and fueled.

🧅 Grated Onion & Garlic – The dynamic flavor duo! They add sweetness and punch, melting right into the meat for that chef’s kiss taste.

🌿 Cumin + Cinnamon + Oregano – Sounds wild, but trust me, this spice combo is chef’s kiss. Warm, earthy, and totally Greek vibes.

🥒 Cucumber (for Tzatziki) – Grated and drained so your sauce stays creamy, not watery. Pro tip: Use the big holes on your grater for the best texture.

🍅 Fresh Tomatoes & Dill (for the Salad) – Bright, tangy, and crunchy. The vinegar + coconut sugar mix makes it addictive. You’ll wanna eat this by the forkful.

🥛 Greek Yogurt – Thick, creamy, and packed with protein. It’s the base for that cool, garlicky tzatziki we’re drizzling everywhere.

🍞 Panko Breadcrumbs – The secret to keeping meatballs tender (not dense!). They’re lighter than regular breadcrumbs, so you get perfect texture every time.

🔥 Why This Combo Rocks? It’s balanced AF – savory meatballs, zesty salad, cool sauce, and toasty pitas. Every bite’s a flavor party! 🎉

Bonus: Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy grabs at any grocery store. No fancy hunting required!

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You’ll Need To Do

Time required: mins

Let’s Make These Greek Meatballs!

Step 1: Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank that air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up while you get your hands dirty (literally).

Step 2: Mix & Roll Those Meatballs

In a big bowl, toss in all the meatball ingredients ground beef, grated onion, garlic, spices, parsley, eggs, and panko. Now, dive in with your hands and mix it all up like you’re kneading happiness. Roll the mix into walnut-sized balls (no need to be perfect, rustic is tasty!).

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Working in batches (crowding is a no-no), arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Let them sizzle for 8-10 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.

Meanwhile… Make the Tomato Salad

Chop those juicy tomatoes, toss them in a bowl with salt, red onion, vinegar, coconut sugar, and fresh dill. Give it a good stir and pop it in the fridge to chill.

Next Up: Whip Up the Tzatziki

Grate the cucumber, mix it with salt, and let it sit for 2 minutes (this kicks out extra water no one likes watery sauce!). Squeeze out any excess liquid, then stir in the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and dill. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Final Act: Assemble & Feast!

Toast those pitas until warm and slightly crispy. Pile your plates with fluffy meatballs, tangy tomato salad, cool tzatziki, and pita on the side. Dig in and pretend you’re on a Greek island!

Pro Tip: Leftovers? These meatballs are gold for meal prep tuck them into pitas or salads tomorrow. Enjoy! 🎉

Glycemic Index: () Glycemic Load: ()

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Easy Ingredient Swaps (Because Life Happens!)

🍖 Meat Swap:

• Ground beef → Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a different flavor twist
• Vegetarian? Use plant-based ground meat or mashed chickpeas + breadcrumbs as a binder

🧀 Tzatziki Tweaks:

• Greek yogurt → Coconut yogurt (dairy-free option)
• Fresh dill → 1 tsp dried dill (in a pinch)
• Lemon juice → White wine vinegar for extra tang

🥗 Tomato Salad Subs:

• Red onion → Shallots or green onions for milder bite
• White wine vinegar → Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• Coconut sugar → Honey or regular sugar

🍞 Bread & Binder Options:

• Panko → Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or oats
• Pita → Flatbread, naan, or lettuce wraps (low-carb)
• No eggs? → 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (vegan binder)

🌿 Herb Hacks:

• Fresh parsley → 1 tbsp dried parsley
• No dill? Try mint or basil in the tzatziki/salad

🔥 Air Fryer Alternative:

• No air fryer? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 mins or pan-fry in a bit of oil

Pro Tip: Swaps work, but keep the spice mix for that authentic Greek flavor! Happy experimenting! 🧑🍳

Try my Turkey Meatballs with Cilantro Dip recipe.

Fun Recipe Tweaks (Make It Your Own!)

🔥 Spice It Up

• Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the meatballs for a kick
• Mix 1 tbsp za’atar into the meatball seasoning for Middle Eastern vibes

🧀 Cheese Lover’s Move

• Fold 1/2 cup crumbled feta into the meatball mixture
• Sprinkle halloumi cubes in the tomato salad

🍋 Zesty Twists

• Add lemon zest to both the meatballs and tzatziki
• Swap white wine vinegar for balsamic in the tomato salad

🥒 Crunch Factor

• Toss chopped cucumbers into the tomato salad
• Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for texture

🌱 Healthier Options

• Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef
• Swap panko for almond flour (low-carb)

🍽️ Presentation Play

• Serve as sliders on mini pitas
• Make meatball skewers with salad on the side

🍅 Sauce Switch-Up

• Add 1 tbsp harissa to the tzatziki for spicy version
• Drizzle with tahini sauce instead

Remember: The best recipes are the ones you customize to your taste! Have fun with it! 🎉

Pro Tips for Perfect Greek Meatballs Every Time

✋ Handling the Meat

• Chill your hands with cold water before shaping meatballs to prevent sticking
• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture or they’ll become tough

⏲ Cooking Hacks

• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs that cook uniformly
• Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking for even browning

🧊 Meal Prep Magic

• Freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray before transferring to bags for future use
• Double the batch and refrigerate cooked meatballs for up to 3 days

🥗 Salad Secrets

• Salt the tomatoes first and let them drain to prevent watery salad
• Make the salad 1 hour ahead to let flavors meld

🥒 Tzatziki Tricks

• Wring out grated cucumber in a clean towel for ultra-creamy texture
• Let the sauce rest 30 minutes before serving for best flavor

🔥 Reheating Right

• Reheat meatballs in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to keep them crispy
• Add a splash of water when microwaving to prevent drying out

🧂 Seasoning Savvy

• Test cook a small patty first to check seasoning before shaping all meatballs
• Remember the tzatziki and salad will add saltiness so go easy on meatball salt

🍞 Pita Perfection

• Brush pitas with olive oil before toasting for extra crispness
• Warm pitas in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes right before serving

These little tricks will take your Greek meatballs from good to restaurant-quality amazing! Enjoy your culinary win! 🏆

Try my Easy Vegan Tofu Meatballs recipe.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Try my Spaghetti with Homemade Authentic Italian Meatballs recipe.

Diet-Friendly Variations

Try my Keto Italian Pork Meatballs recipe.

Serving Ideas

Try my Sweet Potato Turkey Chili recipe.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Try my Herby Green Risotto recipe.

Final Thoughts

Recipe Card

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Air Fryer Greek Meatballs with Tomato Salad and Tzatziki

Weeknight dinner winner! ⏱️ These air fryer Greek meatballs are flavor bombs with juicy beef, warm spices & fresh herbs. Toss together the zesty tomato salad & cool tzatziki - boom, dinner’s done!

Cooking Method: Air Fryer Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: High Protein M Meal Prep

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe BEEF

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 25 Calories: 562 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

For the meatballs

• 2 lb lean ground beef (5% fat)
• 1 onion, grated
• 3 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• ¹⁄₂ cup parsley, minced (8 gram)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko breakcrumbs (60 grams)

Tomato Salad

• 4 tomatoes, chopped/sliced
• 1 tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 tsp coconut sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Tzatziki sauce

• 1 cucumber, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (285 grams)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

To serve

• 4 Pitas, toasted

Instructions

Video ON

1. 1. Preheat the Air Fryer

   Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while preparing the meatball mixture.

2. 2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, minced parsley, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Using your hands, mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated

3. 3. Shape and Cook the Meatballs

   Form the mixture into evenly sized balls, approximately the size of a walnut. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned.

4. 4. Prepare the Tomato Salad

   While the meatballs cook, combine the chopped tomatoes, salt, thinly sliced red onion, white wine vinegar, coconut sugar, and chopped dill in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

5. 5. Make the Tzatziki Sauce

   Grate the cucumber into a medium bowl and mix with salt. Let sit for 2 minutes, then drain any excess liquid. Add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and chopped dill, stirring until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

6. 6. Toast the Pitas

   Lightly toast the pitas in a toaster, dry skillet, or air fryer until warm and slightly crisp.

7. 7. Assemble and Serve

   Divide the cooked meatballs evenly among plates. Serve with a portion of the tomato salad, a generous dollop of tzatziki, and toasted pita bread on the side.

   

8. Storage Notes:

   Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 562kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 19g30%

Total Carbohydrate 53g18%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Protein 45g90%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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