If you are looking for a delicious, lean, and protein-packed comfort food that’s easy to make, look no further than this Bison Meatballs (Air Fryer or Baked) Recipe. These meatballs are perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, blending simple ingredients like lean ground bison, fragrant herbs, and a touch of garlic. Whether you air fry or bake them, they come out juicy with a satisfying texture every single time. I love how versatile and straightforward this recipe is, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the lean protein base to the aromatic herbs and the binding egg, every component has been selected to balance taste, moisture, and ease of preparation.
- 1 lb ground bison (90% lean): The star of the dish, lean yet flavorful with less fat than traditional beef.
- 1 egg: Helps to bind the mixture together for perfect, hold-together meatballs.
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs: Adds just enough texture and soaks up moisture to keep meatballs tender; adjust salt if using seasoned breadcrumbs.
- 2-3 scallions, finely diced (¼ cup): Offers a mild onion flavor with a fresh green color pop, but you can substitute with a small yellow onion.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warmth and savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a subtle herbal sweetness that’s classic and comforting.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning): Enhances the savory notes and adds complexity to each bite.
- ¾ – 1 teaspoon salt (to taste): Essential for flavor balance, especially when using plain breadcrumbs.
- ½ – 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning beautifully.
How to Make Bison Meatballs (Air Fryer or Baked) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F for baking, or if you prefer air frying, set your air fryer to the same temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup, and lightly brush or spray with olive oil. This simple prep ensures the meatballs won’t stick and helps them cook evenly.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground bison, egg, breadcrumbs, scallions, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly using a fork or your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed. This step is key—uniform mixing guarantees each meatball will have a burst of flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, roughly 1-inch meatballs—about a rounded tablespoon each works perfectly. Using your hands to shape the meatballs rather than a scoop helps you control size and keeps the texture just right. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket for cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
If baking, pop the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. For air frying, cook them at 400°F for about the same amount of time or until cooked through. These meatballs will release a little bit of greyish protein juice—don’t worry, this is normal and totally edible. Use tongs to gently remove the meatballs when they are done.
How to Serve Bison Meatballs (Air Fryer or Baked) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil immediately brightens the plate and adds a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat. A touch of grated Parmesan cheese also adds a salty, nutty finish that makes the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair brilliantly with a variety of sides. Try them over spaghetti or zucchini noodles tossed in marinara for a classic combo, or alongside roasted vegetables and a crisp salad to keep things light and nourishing. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta also complement the juicy texture exceptionally well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer, serve mini bison meatballs on cocktail skewers with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, spicy sriracha mayo, or a simple marinara. Another idea is stuffing them into small slider buns with your favorite toppings for crowd-pleasing sliders that are perfect for parties or game days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover bison meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner reheats. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
Bison meatballs freeze wonderfully and make meal prep a breeze. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for a couple of hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready to be reheated whenever you crave a hearty protein boost.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them gently in the microwave, but the oven method helps maintain their delicious texture. For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef for bison in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef works as a substitute, but keep in mind bison is leaner and has a slightly sweeter, richer flavor. If using beef, consider a lean blend to avoid excess grease.
Is it necessary to use an egg in the meatball mixture?
Yes, the egg acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together. If you want an egg-free version, you can try using a flaxseed or chia seed egg alternative, but the texture might be a bit different.
Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Yes! You can shape the raw meatballs and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer container. When ready to cook, simply bake or air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I know when the bison meatballs are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat. The meatballs will be firm to the touch and their juices clear, not pink or red.
What sauces pair well with these bison meatballs?
Classic marinara is a favorite, but barbecue sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, or even a tangy yogurt-based sauce all pair beautifully with these meatballs for different flavor experiences.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Bison Meatballs (Air Fryer or Baked) Recipe a try because it’s a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and big, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, these meatballs bring comfort and joy with every bite. Plus, they’re quick and easy enough to fit into your busy week! Once you make them, I bet you’ll keep this recipe in your regular rotation just like I have.
Print
Bison Meatballs (Air Fryer or Baked) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 24 meatballs)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bison Meatballs are a lean and flavorful protein-packed option, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Made with 90% lean ground bison and seasoned with garlic powder, dried basil, and oregano, these meatballs can be cooked either in the oven or air fryer, providing a juicy and tender bite every time. Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep, they are simple to make and pair well with your favorite sauce.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bison (90% lean)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs (reduce salt if using seasoned breadcrumbs)
- 2–3 scallions, very finely diced (about ¼ cup) or 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning instead)
- ¾ – 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ – 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy cleanup, then lightly spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground bison, egg, breadcrumbs, finely diced scallions or onion, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork to mix thoroughly until all ingredients and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Form Meatballs: Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, about a rounded tablespoon each. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). It’s normal if a small amount of greyish liquid appears; this is simply protein and water and is safe to consume.
- Serve: Use tongs to carefully transfer the baked meatballs to a serving dish. Serve hot, optionally tossing with your favorite sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute dried oregano and basil with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
- If using seasoned breadcrumbs, reduce added salt to ½ teaspoon to avoid over-salting.
- Meatballs can be cooked in an air fryer as an alternative to baking; cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
