Oh my goodness, let me just tell you about these *air fryer chicken meatballs*! They’re juicy, flavorful, and honestly, they couldn’t be easier to whip up. I mean, who doesn’t love a quick and delicious meal that checks all the boxes for taste and convenience? Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner option or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these little gems are perfect. The air fryer makes them so wonderfully crispy on the outside while keeping them tender and moist inside—it’s like magic! Plus, you can customize them with your favorite herbs and spices to make them truly your own. Trust me, once you try these air fryer chicken meatballs, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
- First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your ground chicken. I love using fresh, high-quality meat for the best flavor!
- Next, add in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Wow, the smell of garlic already makes me excited!
- Now, it’s time to get your hands in there! Mix everything together until well combined. You want all those flavors to meld perfectly, but don’t overmix, or your meatballs can get tough.
- Once your mixture is ready, start forming the meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter; they’ll cook evenly at that size. I usually like to wet my hands a little to keep the mixture from sticking—super helpful!
- Now, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for getting that lovely crispy exterior!
- Carefully place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure to leave some space between them so they can cook evenly. If you have a lot, cook them in batches.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through for that golden color all around. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and have that irresistible crispy edge.
- Finally, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to firm up a bit and makes for a better bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have these delicious air fryer chicken meatballs ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful: With the blend of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, each bite is bursting with savory goodness.
- Healthy Option: Made with lean ground chicken, they’re lower in fat compared to traditional meatballs, making them a guilt-free treat!
- Versatile: You can customize the seasonings or serve them with different sauces, so they never get boring!
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives them that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy—what’s not to love?
Tips for Success with Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
To make your air fryer chicken meatballs truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step; it’s essential for that crispy texture we all crave. If you want to add a little zing, try mixing in some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for a flavor boost. And remember, if the mixture feels too wet, just add a bit more breadcrumbs—this will help them hold their shape while cooking.
Also, be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; giving them space allows for even cooking. If you’re making a big batch, it’s better to cook in batches than to stuff them all in at once. Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment with different dipping sauces—everything from marinara to tzatziki can elevate these meatballs to the next level!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
These air fryer chicken meatballs are not only delicious but also a healthy choice for any meal! Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values per serving, which equals about four meatballs:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. But overall, you’re getting a tasty, protein-packed option that fits into a balanced diet! Enjoy guilt-free munching!
FAQ about Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will give you a slightly different flavor, but just as delicious. It’s a great alternative if you’re looking for something leaner.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut one open to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Yes! You can form the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just pop them into the air fryer straight from the freezer; you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What sauces pair well with these meatballs?
Oh, the options are endless! Marinara is a classic choice, but I also love a good barbecue sauce or even a creamy garlic sauce. Experiment to find your favorite!
Can I make these meatballs in the oven instead?
Definitely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just make sure to flip them halfway through for that nice browning.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
These air fryer chicken meatballs are super versatile and can be paired with so many delicious sides! For a complete meal, serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all those flavors. You can also toss them into a fresh salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, try them with creamy mashed potatoes or nestled in a warm sub with marinara and melted cheese—yum! And don’t forget a side of your favorite dipping sauce; they’re just begging for a little extra love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
If you have any leftover air fryer chicken meatballs (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let them cool completely before sealing, so they don’t get soggy.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps that lovely crispy texture! You can also microwave them, but the air fryer really does a better job at keeping them deliciously juicy.
For more tips on healthy cooking, check out this guide on healthy cooking techniques.
And if you’re interested in exploring more delicious chicken recipes, visit our chicken recipe collection.
Lastly, for a deeper understanding of the benefits of air frying, you can read this article on the benefits of air frying.
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These air fryer chicken meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked through before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Try adding different herbs for variation.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken meatballs, easy meatball recipe, healthy meatballs
