Whole 30 Gyro meatballs have all the flavor of your favorite Greek takeout, without all of the unknown ingredients. Made in the Air Fryer, these Gyro Meatballs are crisp and juicy, all at the same time!
I seriously love Greek food. My first recipe I ever made on Casa de Crews was a Greek Frittata, and then I think after that, it was a Greek Pizza. I went to high school in Tarpon Springs, Florida – which is known for its Greek immigrants and cuisine near the sponge docks – so yes, I love all the Greek food. And I’d happily eat gyro every other day of the week [chicken souvlaki every other day].
Except like what is even all in gyro meat? Like 100% what is in it, as it’s twirling on the spit? I know lamb, and other by-products and I’m not knocking it, but also I need to know 85-90% of the time what I’m shoving into my mouth, so takeout or sit down Greek gyro is a treat, and homemade Gyro Meatballs can be an everyday meal if I want!
I’ve shared a baked gyro meatball recipe, before and they are amazing, and very flavorful and juicy and all that. HOWEVER, I have an air fryer, and so you know I had to test these whole 30 Gyro Meatballs in the air fryer, right? Of course. Actually, since this recipe makes 35-40 balls o’ gyro, I baked 25ish in the oven [this recipe] and the rest in my air fryer, to test. Both were great, but the air fryer crisped this gyro in a way only circulating air could. O M G.
For years, I made homemade meatballs by combining everything in a big bowl, would get my hands messy, and mix well. But this one time, I actually used the food processor to combine all of the meatball ingredients and you guys…I’ll never look back.
- Using a food processor to combine the meatball mixture ensured everything was seasoned evenly.
- If you’ve ever had to refrigerate your meatball mixture before rolling into balls, you shouldn’t have to do so if you prep using a food processor.
- Your hands won’t get nearly as messy!
But also, listen: if you want to make these gyro meatballs the old school way, that is totes okay. I’ll just take help wherever I can get it.
These whole 30 gyro meatballs are made with a mix of ground lamb and ground beef. Lamb has a higher fat content, which means more shrinkage, so I like to use ground beef to help with that. If you can’t find lamb or want to save a few dollahs, you can make this meatball recipe using ground beef only. These meatballs are also keto and paleo approved!
Obvi, a drizzle of homemade tzatziki is a must over these gyro meatballs. Beyond that, toss them into your favorite pita, or a Greek salad, or lettuce wrap. These gyro meatballs freeze well, and are also perfect for meal prep – enjoy!
items used to make this recipe:
whole30 gyro meatballs made in the air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 lb ground beef - 93/7 suggested
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - or Kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- nonstick cooking spray - make sure soy free for whole30
Instructions
- To a food processor, combine all meatball ingredients.
- Form mixture into approx 1 inch balls
- Spray air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place meatballs in air fryer and cook at 350F for 7 minutes. Pull basket out, and shake meatballs. Return and cook 4 more minutes. May need to do this in batches.
- Once done, allow to cool 2-3 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
Nutrition
other air fryer recipes:
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Alyssa says
Can you freeze the meatballs raw? Or after cooking?
Nichole says
Hi Alyssa. You can freeze raw or after cooking. Most of the time, I freeze after cooking just to save time, but either will work. Let me know if you need more clarification 🙂
Ellen says
This is a fantastic recipe! I mix one pound ground lamb with one pound of ground elk (that’s life of a hunters wife) and they come out amazing!! I just moved to Montana from California and have been missing my gyros so much. This gave me a new way to use up elk and satisfy the craving.. thank you thank you!
Nichole says
I am so glad you found something to help with your gyro craving (I LOVE gyro – obviously!) – thanks for letting me know!
Jen says
Yum!!! I love lamb and it’s such an underrated cut of meat.
Amber K says
We just bought an air fryer on sale and it’s arriving tomorrow. I’ll have to add this to the list of things I can’t wait to make in it!