Meatballs cooking times
How long to cook meatballs: 18–22 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 10–12 min in an air fryer at 190°C, 10–12 min pan-fried and 20–25 min boiled. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook meatballs
Times are for 500 g mince, rolled into about 20 meatballs of 3–4 cm.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 18–22 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On an oiled tray; turn halfway. |
| Air fryer | 10–12 min | 190°C (375°F) | Shake halfway. |
| Pan-fry | 10–12 min | over a medium heat | Brown in oil, turning, then finish in sauce. |
| Boil In a sauce | 20–25 min | simmering in a tomato sauce | Raw or browned meatballs, covered. |
| Slow cooker | 4–6 hours | on low | In sauce. 2–3 hours on high. |
Before you start
Wet your hands to roll them, and chill them for 20 minutes so they hold together.
How to tell it’s done
Browned and cooked through, with no pink.
Food safety: Cook mince, burgers and sausages all the way through, to 71°C (160°F), with no pink left in the middle.
Questions
How long to cook meatballs in the oven?
18–22 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. On an oiled tray; turn halfway.
How long to cook meatballs in an air fryer?
10–12 min at 190°C (375°F). Shake halfway.
How long to pan-fry meatballs?
10–12 min over a medium heat. Brown in oil, turning, then finish in sauce.
How long to boil meatballs?
In a sauce: 20–25 min simmering in a tomato sauce. Raw or browned meatballs, covered.
How long to cook meatballs in a slow cooker?
4–6 hours on low. In sauce. 2–3 hours on high.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.