Air-Fryer Chicken Meatballs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, making them a quick and easy meal option. The meatballs are made with ground chicken and a variety of spices and herbs, and are cooked at a high temperature to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the meatballs, but on average, they take about 10 minutes to cook.

Chicken meatball ingredients

Chicken meatballs are easy to make and can be served as a meal, snack, or appetizer. They can be served with pasta, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or salads.

• Ground chicken – you can use either white or dark chicken meat.
• Breadcrumbs – regular breadcrumbs are fine, but panko breadcrumbs hold in more flavour.
• Parmesan cheese – freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended as it cooks better with the meat and has a better flavour.
• Egg – this is an essential binding agent that helps hold the meatballs together.
• Seasoning – you can use salt and black pepper, as well as fresh or dried herbs like parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning.
• Avocado oil – this helps ensure the chicken meatballs don't dry out. However, if you want to reduce the fat content of the recipe, you can omit the avocado oil.
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Olive oil

Optional ingredients include:

• Spinach
• Tomato paste
• Red pepper flakes
• Oregano

You will also need a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken meatballs reaches 165°F.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for cooking chicken meatballs in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the model of the air fryer. However, most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F.

Some recipes suggest cooking the meatballs at 390°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Others recommend cooking them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. It is important to ensure that the meatballs are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket and cooked in batches to avoid overcrowding.

For frozen chicken meatballs, it is recommended to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For cooking frozen meatballs without thawing, one source suggests cooking them at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket after 4 minutes.

The cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of doneness. For extra-crispy meatballs, it is recommended to cook them for an additional 2 minutes.

Chicken meatball preparation

Chicken meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes and are a healthier alternative to traditional frying or baking methods. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing juicy and flavorful chicken meatballs in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Egg
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Parsley or other fresh herbs (optional)

Steps:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients, including the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oil, and seasonings. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You can use your hands or a spoon for this step.
• Shape the meatballs: Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and shape it into a ball. Repeat this process until you have used all the mixture. The meatballs should be approximately 1-2 inches in diameter. Wet your hands to help with shaping, if needed.
• Place the meatballs in the air fryer: Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with foil. Place the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook the meatballs in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the meatballs: Cook the chicken meatballs in the air fryer for 8-12 minutes. For best results, flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking time. The meatballs are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
• Rest and serve: Remove the cooked meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures they are nice and juicy. Serve the chicken meatballs as an appetizer with dipping sauces or as a main course with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Chicken meatballs in the air fryer are a quick, easy, and delicious option for any meal. They are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!

Chicken meatball serving suggestions

Chicken meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Main Course

Chicken meatballs can be served as a main course with a variety of sides. Some options include:

• Pasta: Chicken meatballs go well with any type of pasta. You can serve them with spaghetti, baked rigatoni, or your favourite pasta shape.
• Vegetables: Try serving chicken meatballs with roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with meatballs.
• Salad: Chicken meatballs can also be served on top of a salad, with your choice of dressing or sauce.

As an Appetizer or Snack

Chicken meatballs also make a great appetizer or snack. Here are some ideas:

• Meatball Appetizer: Serve chicken meatballs as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as marinara or spaghetti sauce.
• Meatball Sub: Make a meatball sub by serving the chicken meatballs in a sub roll with sauce and cheese.
• Dipping Sauce: Chicken meatballs can be served as a snack with a dipping sauce, such as buffalo sauce or your favourite sauce.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

Chicken meatballs are also great for meal prep and leftovers:

• Meal Prep: Cook a batch of chicken meatballs and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy weeknight meals. They can be reheated in the oven or air fryer and served with your choice of sides.
• Leftovers: Chicken meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or stovetop and serve them with your choice of sides.

No matter how you serve them, chicken meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Get creative and experiment with different sauces, sides, and serving styles to find your favourite way to enjoy them!

Chicken meatball alternatives

Chicken meatballs are typically cooked in an air fryer for around 10 minutes, sometimes up to 12 minutes, at a temperature of 390F or 400F. They are usually flipped halfway through cooking and served with pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice.

If you're looking for an alternative to chicken meatballs, there are several options you can consider:

• Baked Chicken Meatballs: These are a great alternative if you don't have an air fryer. They can be baked in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. You can also brush them with a lemony garlic herb butter for extra flavor.
• Ground Turkey Meatballs: If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey meatballs are a great choice. They can be cooked in the air fryer or baked in the oven, similar to chicken meatballs.
• Meatballs with Different Sauces: You can experiment with different sauces to add variety to your meatballs. Try serving them with marinara sauce, buffalo sauce, or a simple lemon-herb butter sauce.
• Meatball Dishes: Chicken meatballs can be used in a variety of dishes such as meatball subs, meatball casseroles, or meatball appetizers. You can also add them to pasta dishes like spaghetti, baked rigatoni, or creamy baked orzo.
• Other Meat Alternatives: If you want to explore different types of meat, you can try making meatballs with ground beef, lamb, or pork. These alternatives will have different cooking times and temperatures, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

Frequently asked questions