Name: Mini Pork Meatballs with Rosemary and Chile
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons whole-wheat panko bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons water; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary; ⅛ teaspoon table salt; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 8 ounces 95 percent lean ground pork

Why This Recipe Works

Mini meatballs are a weeknight-friendly protein with built-in flexibility. For this pork version with Tuscan flavors, lean ground pork keeps them light, while a simple panko-and-water paste guarantees tender, juicy meatballs without needing extra fat. Everything comes together in one bowl, and a quick stint under the broiler (or in the air fryer) cooks all 12 meatballs in under 10 minutes—no stovetop splatter or babysitting.

Before You Begin

This recipe can easily be doubled; cook the meatballs in two batches if using an air fryer. Refrigerate the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. See “Recipe Variations” for easy flavor variations that let you swap in beef with chimichurri flavors or turkey with warm kofte spices.

Instructions

Combine 2 tablespoons panko, 2 tablespoons water, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon minced rosemary, ⅛ teaspoon table salt, and ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes in large bowl. Add 8 ounces ground pork and mix with your hands until thoroughly combined. Using your moistened hands, pinch off and roll mixture into 12 meatballs (about 1½ tablespoons each).

To Cook Meatballs in Oven: Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Set wire rack in aluminum foil–lined rimmed baking sheet and spray with canola oil spray. Arrange meatballs evenly on prepared rack and broil until meatballs register at least 160 degrees and are beginning to brown, 7 to 9 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through broiling. Serve.To Cook Meatballs in Air Fryer: Arrange meatballs in air fryer basket, spaced evenly apart. Place basket in air fryer, set temperature to 400 degrees, and cook until meatballs register at least 160 degrees and are beginning to brown, 7 to 9 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through broiling. Serve.