Fig and Goat Cheese Air-Fried Meatballs

Total Time Prep: 45 min. Cook: 25 min./batch
Yield 1-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
Around the holidays, saucy cocktail meatballs are always the first appetizer from the buffet to be eaten. In this dish, the sweet flavor of the fig glaze goes perfectly with the pork and tangy goat cheese. —Kim Banick, Turner, Oregon

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 2 ounces fresh goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Chopped fresh chives, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350°. In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and egg. Add sausage; mix lightly but thoroughly. Divide into 18 portions. Shape each portion around 1/2 teaspoon cheese to cover completely. In batches, place meatballs on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Cook 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
  2. Meanwhile, for sauce, in a large saucepan, bring vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and star anise to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Discard cinnamon, cloves and star anise. Add figs; cook until softened, 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Transfer to a blender. Add 1/2 cup water; process until almost smooth. Serve with meatballs. If desired, top meatballs with chopped chives.

Nutrition Facts

1 meatball: 97 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.

Around the holidays, saucy cocktail meatballs are always the first appetizer from the buffet to be eaten. In this dish, the sweet flavor of the fig sauce goes perfectly with the savory pork and tangy goat cheese. —Kim Banick, Turner, Oregon
Recipe Creator

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