These paleo bison meatballs are cooked in the air fryer for an easy, delicious dinner recipe. They are made with ground bison and use cassava flour instead of breadcrumbs; making this a paleo, gluten free and whole30 approved meatball recipe!
I've been trying to switch up our dinners lately by varying the types of meat we're eating. It's easy to get stuck on chicken and beef, so choosing meats like lamb, turkey and bison are a great way to mix things up.
I've now made these paleo bison meatballs a handful of times and they are a dinner hit! The whole family loves how juicy, tender and flavorful they are. And they only require a few simple ingredients.
I also like that these bison meatballs are cooked in the air fryer. This means I don't have to turn on my oven (very important during the summer heat)!
Why You'll Love these Bison Meatballs
- gluten free and grain free - made without breadcrumbs
- paleo, low carb and whole30 approved
- nut free - made with cassava flour, no almond flour
- egg free - you don't need eggs to make these bison meatballs
- cooked in the air fryer - no oven necessary
- quick and easy to throw together
- juicy, tender and full of flavor
Ingredients
The full recipe for these paleo bison meatballs can be found in the recipe card below, but here's a list of the ingredients you'll need:
- ground bison (1-1.25 lbs)
- onion
- garlic cloves
- fresh basil
- cassava flour - acts as a binding agent, while keeping the meatballs soft and tender.
- paprika
- cumin
- salt - to bring out more flavor
I seasoned these ground bison meatballs with basil, paprika and cumin, but feel free to mix up the flavors as you see fit.
How to Make Bison Meatballs in the Air Fryer
These meatballs are incredibly easy to make. I used my Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, but any air fryer will work. Here's what you need to do:
- Grease the air fryer baking sheet with oil (I used avocado oil).
- In a large bowl, combine the onion, garlic, basil, cassava flour, paprika, cumin and salt. Mix with a fork or spatula.
- Add in the ground bison and mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls, about one rounded tablespoon in size. You should get 25-30 meatballs. Place the meatballs on the greased baking sheet/air fryer rack.
- Place the meatballs on the bottom rack of the air fryer (level 1) and close the door.
- Set the temperature to 400 degrees and function to "air fry".
- Air fry for 15 minutes.
- After cooking, carefully remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve warm with your favorite side dish.
Tips and Tricks
- Don't skip the cassava flour: this ingredient helps the meatballs hold their shape and gives them a moist, tender texture
- Grease the baking sheet: this ensures that the meatballs won't stick to the pan.
- Enjoy with your favorite sauce: These meatballs are great as-is, without any sauce. However, feel free to drizzle your favorite sauce or marinara over them once cooked. Or dip them into some paleo ketchup or mustard.
Storage
Place any leftover bison meatballs in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge. They will last well up to one week.
More Paleo Meatball Recipes
Here are some more easy paleo meatball recipes you'll love:
FAQ
I always use cassava flour instead of breadcrumbs in my paleo meatball recipes. Cassava flour acts as a binding agent and keeps the meatballs juicy and tender.
Lightly grease your air fryer (or air fryer baking sheet) and place the meatballs on it. Air fry at a low temperature (200-250 degrees) for about 5 minutes.
Lightly greasing your air fryer or air fryer baking sheet will ensure that the meatballs don't stick. I like to use avocado oil.
Yes! Ground beef would be a great swap for these ground bison meatballs.
Paleo Bison Meatballs (Air Fryer)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 25-30 meatballs 1x
Description
These paleo bison meatballs are cooked in the air fryer and come out juicy, tender and flavorful. They're made without breadcrumbs, paleo, low carb and whole30 approved.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 3-5 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 Tbsp chopped basil
- 2 Tbsp cassava flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1-1.25 lbs ground bison
Instructions
- Grease the air fryer baking sheet with oil (I used avocado oil).
- In a large bowl, combine the onion, garlic, basil, cassava flour, paprika, cumin and salt. Mix with a fork or spatula.
- Add in the ground bison and mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls, about one rounded tablespoon in size. You should get 25-30 meatballs. Place the meatballs on the greased air fryer baking sheet*
- Place the baking sheet on the bottom rack of the air fryer (level 1) and close the door.
- Set the temperature to 400 degrees and function to "air fry".
- Air fry for 15 minutes.
- After cooking, carefully remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve warm with your favorite side dish.
Notes
*Instructions are for the Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, which is what I own.
Katie
My family and I love these air fryer bison meatballs. Enjoy!