Air Fryer Chicken Balls: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken balls are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They are also incredibly easy to make in an air fryer and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The key to making juicy chicken balls is to use ground chicken thighs or 90–93% lean mince, and to include an ingredient that will melt into the meat, such as mozzarella cheese, to keep them moist. You can also experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to create unique flavour profiles, such as Italian, Greek, or Mexican.

Choosing your ingredients

Choosing the right ingredients is essential to making delicious chicken balls in an air fryer. Here are some tips to help you select the best components for this mouth-watering dish:

Meat

Ground chicken is the star ingredient for juicy chicken balls. Opt for 90% to 93% lean ground chicken, as it has just the right amount of fat to keep the meat moist and flavourful. If you prefer white meat, go for ground chicken breast, but note that it tends to be drier. You can also use ground turkey or ground beef as alternatives.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are crucial for binding the meatball mixture. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice as they create lighter and more tender meatballs. Regular breadcrumbs are an option, too, especially if you're making Italian-style chicken balls. Don't forget to soak the breadcrumbs in an egg to soften them before mixing with the other ingredients.

Vegetables

Onions, garlic, and zucchini are common additions to chicken balls. Onions and garlic provide flavour, while zucchini adds moisture and prevents the meatballs from drying out. You can also include celery, carrots, and red onions for extra crunch and colour.

Cheese

Cheese is a secret ingredient that melts into the meat, enhancing juiciness. Mozzarella works great, but you can also use Parmesan or a Mexican blend. For a Greek twist, substitute feta cheese.

Seasonings

Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes to boost the flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, toss in some Italian seasoning or parsley for an herby aroma.

Oil

A little olive oil goes a long way in keeping your chicken balls moist and juicy, especially when using leaner meats. Don't skip it!

With these tips in mind, you're ready to select the perfect ingredients for your air-fried chicken balls. Happy cooking!

Mixing the ingredients

Firstly, add all the ingredients to the bowl. This includes your ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs (panko or regular), parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, olive oil, and parsley. You can also add in some zucchini, celery, carrot, red onion, and garlic cloves for extra flavour and moisture.

Stir the ingredients until they are well combined. It is important to ensure that the mixture is thoroughly mixed so that the eggs and breadcrumbs are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This will help the chicken balls stay together and retain their shape during cooking.

If you are using leaner meat, you may also want to add in a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the mixture moist and juicy.

Once all the ingredients are combined, you are ready to start forming the mixture into chicken balls.

Shaping the chicken mixture into balls

Firstly, gather your chicken mixture, which typically includes ground chicken, breadcrumbs, spices, herbs, and sometimes vegetables like zucchini or carrots. You will also need a large mixing bowl and either a spoon or your hands (with kitchen gloves) for shaping.

Take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and start shaping it into a ball. The size may vary depending on your preference, but it is common to make them approximately 1 to 2 inches in diameter. If the mixture is sticky, you can lightly coat your hands with cooking oil or water to make the process smoother.

Continue shaping the chicken mixture into balls until you have used up all the mixture. This process should be done gently, ensuring you do not pack the meatballs too tightly. Over-compressing the mixture can result in tough meatballs. Aim for a gentle yet firm shape that holds together.

If you want uniformly sized meatballs, consider using a cookie scoop or a meatballer. These tools can help you achieve consistent sizing and prevent over-handling of the meat. Simply scoop the mixture and gently roll it between your palms to shape it into a ball.

Once you have shaped all the chicken mixture into balls, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked! Remember to preheat your air fryer and follow the cooking instructions for the desired doneness.

Cooking the chicken balls in the air fryer

Now that you've prepared your chicken mixture and shaped it into balls, it's time to cook your chicken balls in the air fryer!

First, preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. You can line the air fryer basket with foil or spray it with cooking spray or oil. Then, place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't touch each other, and leaving about an inch of space in between each one.

Cook the chicken balls for about 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking process.

To check if the chicken balls are done, use a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, you can cut into one of the meatballs to make sure it is not raw in the middle.

Once cooked, remove the chicken balls from the air fryer and serve them as desired. They go well with dipping sauces, pasta, rice, or in a sandwich.

Serving suggestions

Chicken balls cooked in an air fryer can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack or Appetizer

You can serve the chicken balls as a snack or appetizer with a dipping sauce on the side. Some sauce options include marinara, BBQ sauce, mustard, or aioli. You can also serve them with toothpicks for easy eating.

As a Main Course

Chicken balls can be served as a main course in several ways:

• With Pasta: Toss the chicken balls with your favourite type of pasta and a sauce such as marinara, cream sauce, or pesto.
• With Rice: Serve the chicken balls with rice, such as zucchini rice, cauliflower rice, or herby rice.
• With Salad: Add the chicken balls to a Caesar salad or any other type of salad.
• With Vegetables: Serve the chicken balls with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms and zucchini, or roasted vegetables like garlic butter shrimp or roasted butternut squash.
• With Potatoes: Chicken balls go well with potatoes, including homemade French fries, sweet potatoes, or roasted small potatoes.
• In a Sandwich: Make a meatball sub by placing the chicken balls between two slices of bread or hot dog buns, along with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.

As Part of Other Dishes

Chicken balls can also be incorporated into other dishes:

• Soup: Add the chicken balls to a soup, such as meatball and farro soup.
• Stroganoff: Make a hearty one-pot meatball stroganoff.
• Curry: Top the chicken balls with a tandoori-inspired curry or enchilada sauce.
• Hawaiian Meatballs: Try making slow cooker Hawaiian meatballs.
• With a Side of Sauce: Chicken balls can be served with a variety of sauces on the side, such as marinara, blue cheese sauce, buffalo sauce, or arrabbiata sauce.

Frequently asked questions