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TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Fig and Goat Cheese Air-Fried Meatballs

Name: Fig and Goat Cheese Air-Fried Meatballs
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1-1/2 dozen
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

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Total Time:Prep: 45 min. Cook: 25 min./batch

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by Kim Banick, Turner, Oregon

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated on Jun. 27, 2023

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

Can you freeze Fig and Goat Cheese Air-Fried Meatballs?

Freeze cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan, stirring occasionally; add a little water if necessary.

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Fig and Goat Cheese Air-Fried Meatballs

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Yield:1-1/2 dozen

Prep:45 min

Cook:25 min

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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

Text Ingredients

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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.