25g Protein Air Fryer Meatballs Under 300 Calories: Your Go-To High-Protein Meal Prep
Looking for a high-protein, low-carb dinner that satisfies your cravings and fits your macros? These air fryer meatballs with pressed cottage cheese are a juicy, flavorful, and keto-friendly option that comes together quickly and delivers big on taste. Whether you're meal prepping or feeding the family, this easy air fryer recipe will become a staple.
Recipe at a Glance
· Prep Time: 5 minutes
· Cook Time: 12 minutes
· Total Time: 17 minutes
· Servings: 6
· Calories: 290 per serving
· Protein: 25g per serving
Why You’ll Love This meatball recipe
· High in protein: 25g per serving
· Low in carbs & keto-friendly
· No breadcrumbs – gluten-free
· Juicy, tender center with crisp crust
· Quick and easy to make in the air fryer
· Perfect for batch cooking and meal prep
Ingredients
· 1 kg extra lean ground beef
· ½ cup pressed cottage cheese
· 1 tsp salt
· 1½ tsp Italiano spice (Italian seasoning)
· ½ tsp Cajun spice
· ½ tsp garlic powder
· Olive oil spray
· Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, cottage cheese, and all seasonings. Mix until just combined.
3. Form into 1½-inch meatballs. Yields approximately 24 meatballs.
4. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray and place meatballs in a single layer.
5. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.
6. Serve immediately or cool and store for later use.
Nutrition
· Calories: 290
· Protein: 25g
· Fiber: 0g
Tips & Customizations
· Use half ground pork for more tenderness.
· Add Parmesan cheese for richer flavor.
· Make spicy: add chili flakes or increase Cajun spice.
· Make Italian authentic: serve with marinara and basil.
· Skip dairy: omit cottage cheese and add more egg.
Meal Prep & Storage
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days.
Freeze meatballs on a tray first, then bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these with ground pork or chicken?
A: Yes, substitute part or all of the beef with pork or chicken for different flavor and texture.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, there are no breadcrumbs in this recipe and just check your spice blend to confirm no hidden gluten.
Q: What’s the best air fryer basket size?
A: Use any size that allows a single layer of meatballs. Cook in batches if necessary.
Q: Can I use these for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. They're great reheated and perfect with veggies, grains, or as a snack.
Q: What’s the best seasoning mix?
A: Montreal Steak Spice is a great all-in-one and paprika for a homemade blend.
Final Thoughts
These air fryer meatballs are everything you need for a healthy, high-protein, low-carb dinner or snack. They're easy to customize, simple to prep, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy them solo, in a wrap, or paired with veggies, they’ll hit the spot every time.
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and leave a comment below—What extra spices would you add?
