Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs Recipe
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, and delightfully juicy dinner, you’ll fall in absolute love with these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs. Perfectly seasoned and crisped golden without a trace of oiliness, this recipe captures all the savory satisfaction of traditional meatballs with a fabulous lightness you can only get in the air fryer. Whether you’re looking for a reliable appetizer, an easy weeknight meal, or a creative way to sneak in lean protein, these scrumptious morsels are destined to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs is simple yet essential, each working its magic to create the ideal balance of tenderness, moisture, and bold flavor. You’ll probably have most ingredients on hand, which means you’re just a quick mix away from dinner bliss.
- Ground Chicken Breast: Lean and full of protein, this is the perfect base for juicy, tender meatballs that stay moist in the air fryer.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These airy Japanese breadcrumbs keep the meatballs light, preventing them from getting dense or heavy.
- Finely Diced Onion: Adds mild sweetness, moisture, and a subtle pop of flavor with every bite.
- Green Onions: Their gentle, fresh zip brightens the mix and works beautifully as an optional garnish.
- Garlic Cloves: For that addictive savory aroma and depth that every great meatball needs.
- Large Eggs: These are the glue that binds the mixture, giving the meatballs structure and tenderness.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning, it draws out and enhances every other flavor in the bowl.
- All Purpose Seasoning: Packs in savory depth and a little complexity—use your favorite blend for a personal signature touch.
- Hot Sauce: A finishing splash for just the right amount of zing; feel free to adjust the heat to your liking.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix Everything Together
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl big enough to allow for some enthusiastic mixing! Add in your ground chicken breast, panko breadcrumbs, both types of onions, garlic, eggs, kosher salt, all-purpose seasoning, and hot sauce. Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, blend everything together until the mixture is just combined—be careful not to overwork, which keeps your Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs wonderfully tender.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Scoop up a portion of the chicken mixture and gently roll it into a ball about 2 inches in diameter. If the mixture sticks to your hands, wetting them lightly can help. Line up your meatballs on a plate or tray as you go. Repeat until all the mixture is rolled, aiming for consistency in size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Fire up your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)—this high heat is perfect for a crisp outside while keeping the insides juicy. Mist the air fryer basket lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange your meatballs in a single layer, making sure there’s a little space between each one for good airflow and perfect browning.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Cook your meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes, opening the basket at the halfway mark to give them a gentle shake or turn if needed. The goal: beautifully browning and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing they’re safe and delicious. Once done, transfer your piping-hot Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs to a serving platter and get ready for the oohs and aahs.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with extra sliced green onions for a burst of color and a final fresh bite. These meatballs shine all on their own, but they also play wonderfully with sauces and sides—read on for inspiration!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
Finish your Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with a flourish of thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a dusting of grated parmesan—a pop of green or savory richness always elevates the presentation. For a saucy spin, a bowl of your favorite dipping sauce on the side (think sweet chili, tangy barbecue, or classic marinara) turns these into party-ready bites.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are happy to anchor almost any meal. Tuck them beside fluffy rice or atop buttered noodles, spoon them onto a toasted sub roll with melty cheese, or pair with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for an easy, satisfying supper. Their mild heat and savory notes make them super versatile, matching well with anything from zesty slaw to creamy pasta dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Skewer individual Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with colorful veggie chunks for party-perfect kabobs, or thread them onto toothpicks for easy hors d’oeuvres. For family dinners, try serving them over grain bowls layered with roasted veggies and a drizzle of yogurt sauce, or pile them high in lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (seriously, these go fast!), allow them to cool completely, then stash in an airtight container in the fridge. Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making them ideal for meal prepping or next-day lunches.
Freezing
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs freeze extremely well! Arrange cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag or container. This prevents sticking and lets you grab exactly as many as you need. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just label with the date so you remember.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer (350°F for a few minutes does the trick) for a crisp exterior, or warm gently in the microwave. For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the fridge or add a few extra minutes to the air fryer time straight from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will yield similar juicy, flavorful results. If using turkey breast, you may want to add a splash of olive oil for extra moisture.
How do I keep my meatballs from sticking in the air fryer?
A light mist of non-stick cooking spray on your air fryer basket really helps, as does making sure your meatballs aren’t crowded or touching each other during cooking.
Are these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses panko breadcrumbs, which typically contain gluten. Swap them for gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your seasonings to make this recipe fully gluten-free.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. This actually lets the flavors mingle for even more delicious results.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Go for it! To ensure even cooking, simply air fry the meatballs in batches, keeping the cooked ones warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to air frying or just looking for your next comfort food staple, these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs should absolutely be on your menu. They’re fun to make, customizable, and so irresistibly tasty that you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds every time. Give them a spot at your table and see how quickly they disappear!
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Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried meatballs. Made with ground chicken and flavorful seasonings, they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 Pound Ground Chicken Breast
- 1/2 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/3 Cup Finely Diced Onion
- 2 Whole Green Onions, Chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
- 2 Large Eggs, Beaten
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Tablespoon All Purpose Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, eggs, salt, all-purpose seasoning, and hot sauce. Mix well.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 2 inches in diameter. Repeat until the chicken mixture is gone.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the Meatballs: Cook in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Garnish with green onions, if desired, and serve as an appetizer or main course with your favorite accompaniments.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning of the meatballs to suit your taste preferences.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs, Chicken Meatballs, Air Fryer Recipe, Healthy Meatballs
