Air Fryer Honey Garlic Pork Meatballs are juicy on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and coated in the most irresistible sticky honey garlic sauce. This is one of those meals that tastes like you ordered takeout — but it’s homemade, easier, and way more budget-friendly.
As a mom and wife, I lean on recipes like this when I need something quick that still feels special. These meatballs are perfect over rice, tucked into lettuce wraps, or served as a party appetizer with toothpicks. And because the air fryer does all the heavy lifting, cleanup is minimal and dinner stress stays low.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pork meatballs check all the boxes for a busy home cook.
- Sweet and savory honey garlic flavor everyone loves
- Air fryer makes them crispy outside and juicy inside
- Kid-friendly but flavorful enough for adults
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Works as a main dish or appetizer
It’s one of those “make once, crave forever” meals.
Ingredients
For the Pork Meatballs
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Red pepper flakes for heat
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Pork Meatballs
1. Mix the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper. Mix just until combined — don’t overwork the meat or the meatballs can turn dense.
2. Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches in size. You should get around 16–20 meatballs.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Air Fry the Meatballs
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them.
Cook for 9–11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
5. Cook the Sauce
While the meatballs cook, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
6. Coat the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a bowl and pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the top. Toss gently until every meatball is coated in that sticky, shiny sauce.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Pork Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the pork mixture to keep meatballs tender
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs
- Leave space in the air fryer so they brown, not steam
- Simmer the sauce just until thick — it will thicken more as it cools
- Add chili flakes if your family likes a little heat
These small details make a big difference in flavor and texture.
For more pork cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Recipes Guide.
Easy Variations
This recipe is super flexible depending on what you have on hand.
- Swap ground pork for chicken or turkey
- Add finely grated carrots or zucchini for hidden veggies
- Stir a spoonful of hoisin sauce into the glaze for deeper flavor
- Make it spicy with sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari for a gluten-free version
You can easily tailor these to your family’s taste.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Pork Meatballs
These meatballs are incredibly versatile.
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Noodles or lo mein-style stir-fried veggies
- Inside lettuce wraps for a lighter meal
- As party appetizers with toothpicks
- Over a grain bowl with cucumber, carrots, and cabbage
They also make amazing lunch leftovers the next day.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes or gently warm in a pan with extra sauce. They also freeze well for up to 2 months — just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Pork Meatballs are one of those meals that feel like a treat but are secretly easy enough for a weeknight. The juicy pork, crispy edges, and sticky honey garlic glaze are a combination that never fails.
From busy family dinners to party platters, this recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort — exactly the kind of cooking I love as a mom and wife trying to get something delicious on the table without the stress.
