Deep frying, popularized in the South, is a true classic American food. And lets be honest, everything tastes better fried!

Take this meatball recipe here, for example, which is good, dare I say great, and deep fry it. It doesn’t matter how picky you are, everyone is going to love this.

This family recipe is a favorite and I am excited to share it with you today!

For the meatballs:

• 2 pounds of ground beef. I like to use a more fatty beef to add extra flavor, but if you already have lean ground beef, that will work too.
• 2 cup of breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping to hold the meatball mixture together, which will prevent it from falling apart during the cooking process.
• 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Like the breadcrumbs, the cheese here helps bind the ingredients together as well as adds some great flavor.
• 2 eggs, beaten. Another binding agent to ensure the meatball holds its shape during frying.
• 1/4 cup of diced onion (about 1/4 of an onion). Adds a sweet and savory kick to the meatballs. Just make sure you dice them up small.
• 2 cloves of garlic, freshly minced. You gotta have garlic! Thats all.
• 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Don’t go skimping on the salt. this is a must in my book.
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Feel free to adjust the amount of pepper. I went a little light, but if you like it peppery, feel free to add a few extra pinches.
• Peanut oil for frying. I chose peanut oil for frying because of its high smoke point. Really, though, you can use whatever you have on hand, such as coconut oil or vegetable oil.

For the breading:

• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Coats the meatballs, creating a protective layer that helps retain moisture and creates the base layer for our crispy exterior.
• 2 eggs, beaten. This will be the second step in our breading process.
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. I like to finish off the breading with breadcrumbs. They result in such a crispy texture and give it that satisfying crunch.

Deep Fried Meatball Recipe

*See step-by-step images below for reference.

• Step 1: Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs (except for the peanut oil) in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Tip: Add fresh herbs such as fresh parsley or rosemary if you want a more flavorful meatball.

• Step 2: Shape the meat mixture by rolling it between your palms to form small meatballs the size of a golf ball. 

• Step 3: Add each of the breading ingredients into separate bowls. Then, roll each raw meatball first in the flour, then the eggs and finally the breadcrumbs.

• Step 4: Heat the oil in a dutch oven or deep skillet. Note: To ensure even cooking, make sure that at least half of each meatball is submerged in the oil. Fill the bottom of the dutch oven or skillet to about 1/2 of an inch deep of oil. That way, at least half of the meatball is submerged to ensure even cooking. 

• Step 5: Carefully lower the meatballs, one at a time, into the hot oil using a long-handled skimmer or slotted spoon. Top Tip: If the oil is hot enough, it will sizzle when you lower the first meatball in. If it doesn’t, let it heat up a little more.

• Step 6: Fry for 2 minutes, then flip them over with tongs and fry for an additional 2 minutes. (or until cooked through)

• Step 7: Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to cool before serving to allow the excess oil to drip off.

Tips For Making The Best Fried Meatballs

Check for doneness.

To determine if the meatballs are cooked through, look for a dark golden brown color and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

This ensures that the meatballs are safe to eat.

You might run out of breadcrumbs for the breading.

I have found the more you toss the meatballs in the breadcrumbs, the more it will stick to it. Go figure.

So, if you like your deep-fried meatballs extra battered, consider having some extra breadcrumbs on hand.

Healthier alternatives.

If you want a healthier alternative to deep frying, you can cook the meatballs in an air fryer with a little bit of olive oil spray.

While the crust may not be as crispy as deep-fried meatballs, they will still be delicious and have a nice texture.

Serve with dipping sauces.

If you enjoy dipping your meatballs, consider serving them with barbecue sauce or marinara sauce. My kids prefer ketchup, but then again, they prefer ketchup with everything.

Or you can try my favorite cranberry chili sauce meatball recipe.

Save your leftover oil.

You can keep the oil in the fridge once it has cooled and reuse it for any of your favorite fried recipes. Think fried chicken tenders, fried zucchini cakes or use it for your homemade fried beef liver.

Adjust cook times for larger batches

If you’re cooking a large batch of meatballs, be aware that adding more meatballs to the pot will cause the oil temperature to drop.

Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure that the meatballs are cooked through and evenly browned.

If the breading becomes too dark before the meat is fully cooked, simply lower the temperature of the oil. This recipe will yield approximately 40 meatballs.

What goes best with deep-fried meatballs?

Whenever I think of meatballs, my mind always goes straight to spaghetti. It’s definitely a favorite combination in my family.

If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, cook up some rice and your favorite vegetable to create a delicious meal that is both comforting and full of flavor.

On freshly baked bread, you can even turn your deep-fried meatballs into meatball subs. It’s definitely one of my favorite types of sandwiches.

Do I have to use ground beef?

Of course, ground beef is my go-to, but nearly any ground protein will not only work but be delicious. Consider ground pork, chicken, venison, or turkey. Take your pick!

Enjoy!

Deep fried meatballs make great game-day appetizers or tasty side dishes. They are absolutely delicious, with a perfectly cooked texture that gives them a delightful crunch adding a satisfying bite to your meal.

If you are wondering how to store any leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does!

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a review below! We enjoy hearing from you!

Check out one of these posts next!

• How to make pizza rolls for your next party
• Cast Iron Buttermilk Fried Chicken
• Crispy Chicken Fried Venison Steak Recipe!