Looking for a quick and delicious snack or appetizer? These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are just what you need—and they come together in only 20 minutes! This recipe is incredibly easy to make and delivers perfectly healthy air-fried meatballs that are moist, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Serve them as an appetizer with your favorite dip, or enjoy them as a satisfying snack. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
As I mentioned if you’re looking to switch up your dinner routine, ground chicken meatball recipes are a versatile and delicious option to try. These easy-to-make chicken mince meatballs recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even as a party appetizer. The real magic, however, lies in pairing them with the best sauce for chicken meatballs—whether it’s a tangy marinara, creamy Alfredo, spicy buffalo sauce, or a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. No matter your preference, these meatballs are sure to impress with their juicy texture and mouthwatering flavor combinations.
Looking for more healthy air-fried recipes? Check out my Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer BBQ Chicken, and Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Quick and Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- If you’re looking for more ground chicken recipes, you’re going to love these:
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
- Ingredients
- How to make chicken meatballs in air fryer
- STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Ingredient Substitutions for AirFryer Chicken Meatballs
- Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Equipment
- How to Store Easy Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
- How to Reheat these frozen Homemade Chicken Meatballs
- Top Tips to make the perfect air fryer chicken meatballs recipe
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Why You’ll Love This Quick and Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute appetizers.
- Healthy: Made with lean ground chicken breast and cooked in the air fryer, these meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional fried versions.I’m always excited to try healthier twists!
- Juicy and Flavorful: These air-fried meatballs remain perfectly moist and tender, thanks to the ideal blend of ingredients. Every bite is packed with irresistible deliciousness!
- Versatile: Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even as part of a main dish with pasta, salad, or veggies.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love these meatballs, especially when paired with their favorite dips like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess in the kitchen and no oil splatter to deal with. For an even easier cleanup, line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper before cooking!
If you’re looking for more ground chicken recipes, you’re going to love these:
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
If you’re wondering what to serve with Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! These ground chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair perfectly with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some delicious ideas to complete your meal:
- Serve the chicken meatballs with marinara sauce, ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for a flavorful dipping experience. Arrange the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauces—perfect for parties and gatherings as I did here in this recipe.
- Pair the meatballs with spaghetti or any pasta tossed in marinara or Alfredo sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal. For inspiration, check out some of my favorite recipes: Ricotta Pesto Pasta and Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine.
- Serve the meatballs over a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing like my Kale Quinoa Salad.
- Pair the meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables such as Roasted Carrots and Cauliflower or roasted Hot Honey Brussels sprouts for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
- Make meatball subs with toasted rolls, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
These ingredients come together to create flavorful, juicy, and perfectly seasoned chicken meatballs!
- Ground Chicken: The base of the meatballs, ground chicken provides a lean and protein-packed alternative to traditional ground meats.
- Medium Egg: Acts as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together for perfectly shaped meatballs.
- Olive Oil: The secret ingredient that adds moisture and richness, ensuring the meatballs stay tender even when air-fried.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the flavor with a savory, umami kick that complements the chicken.
- Plain Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and adds structure, creating a soft and cohesive texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a touch of saltiness and a rich, cheesy flavor to the meatballs.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the meatballs with a mild, aromatic garlic flavor.
- Onion Powder: Provides a subtle, sweet onion flavor without the need for fresh onions.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a light, herbaceous flavor to balance the seasonings.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the seasoning is well-rounded.
- Ground Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and spice, giving the meatballs a touch of depth.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make chicken meatballs in air fryer
Making chicken meatballs in an air fryer is quick, easy, and results in perfectly juicy and flavorful meatballs every time. Start by combining all the mentioned ingredients in the recipe card: ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Remember not to overmix and all you need is just your hands for that even mixing.
Mix everything just until combined, then shape the mixture into even-sized balls using an ice cream scoop or your hands. I used my 1 tablespoon measurement ice scream scoop which is just perfect size for a meatball.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Remember the easy clean up option I mentioned, use a parchment paper or aluminum foil to cover the basket.
Cook the ground chicken meatballs in air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl.
Mix it thoroughly.
Shaped chicken meatballs.
Air fry the chicken meatballs for 10-12 minutes.
Garnish the air fryer chicken meatballs with chopped parsley and freshly grated parmesan cheese once done.
These air fried chicken meatballs are versatile and can be served with marinara sauce, over pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal. Whether you're prepping a quick dinner or creating an appetizer for a crowd, this method guarantees delicious and effortless results every time!
Ingredient Substitutions for AirFryer Chicken Meatballs
- Ground Chicken: Substitute with ground turkey for a similar lean option, or use ground beef or pork for a richer flavor. Follow the rest of the same steps.
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil, melted butter, or any neutral-flavored oil like canola oil.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Swap with soy sauce, tamari (for gluten-free), or coconut aminos for a similar umami flavor. I have used soy sauce at times and still these meatballs have turned out so great.
- Plain Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs: My daughter loves this version. Add a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise when you bite into it.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture for a kick of heat. Spice lovers would love this version of meatballs.
- Asian Chicken Meatballs: Replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce, add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and serve with a sesame glaze or teriyaki sauce. The meatballs will turn better than the take outs!
- BBQ Meatballs: Swap Worcestershire sauce for 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce and serve with extra sauce for dipping. Best to create during the grilling season!
Equipment
Air Fryer: The essential tool for cooking the meatballs to golden perfection without deep frying.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining all the ingredients evenly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
Ice Cream Scoop or Cookie Scoop: To make uniform meatball sizes for even cooking.
Foil or Parchment Paper: Used to line the air fryer basket for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Meat Thermometer: To check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
How to Store Easy Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. These air-fried meatballs will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a convenient option for meal prepping.
- Freezing Meatballs: Allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a handy solution for quick and easy dinners on busy weekdays.
By storing your Moist Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs properly, you can enjoy them anytime as a quick snack, meal, or appetizer!
How to Reheat these frozen Homemade Chicken Meatballs
- Air Fryer Method: Reheat refrigerated or frozen chicken meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
- Oven Method: Place meatballs on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Stovetop Method: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a little marinara sauce for added moisture and flavor.
Top Tips to make the perfect air fryer chicken meatballs recipe
Follow these below tips for perfectly juicy, flavorful, and golden air fryer chicken meatballs every time!
- Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a perfect golden exterior.
- Mix the chicken meatball ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough. We don't want that!
- Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to ensure all meatballs are the same size. This helps them cook evenly. I used my 1 tablespoon measurement ice cream scoop.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
FAQ
Chicken meatballs typically take about 10–12 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 390°F (200°C). Turn the meatballs over around the 5–6 minute mark to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Adjust cooking times slightly based on the size of your meatballs and the type of air fryer you're using, as models may vary.
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground chicken. Just follow the same recipe and cooking instructions. Ground turkey may be slightly leaner, so be sure to include the egg and olive oil to maintain moisture.
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Yes, you can freeze uncooked air fryer chicken meatballs! Freezing them before cooking is a great option for meal prep or making a batch ahead of time as it saves a lot of time. Prepare the meatball mixture as directed and shape it into evenly sized balls. Place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t touching.
Freeze for 1-2 hours or until the meatballs are firm to touch. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes! Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe gluten-free. This is also a option for creating a Low-Carb Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs.
Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, the air fryer gives them a crispier texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Air Fry Chicken Meatballs Recipe:
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ice cream scoop
- Mixing Bowls
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs plain or panko
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
- Marinara sauce to serve
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes. Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleaning, and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the ingredients to make chicken meatballs; ground chicken, egg, olive oil, worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, scoop out portions of the chicken mixture and roll them into round balls. Place the meatballs on a plate. This recipe yields approximately 20-22 meatballs.
- Arrange the chicken balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch or overcrowd. Air fry at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cook until the meatballs are golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve these juicy air-fried chicken meatballs with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish!
Notes
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the meatballs in a single layer with space between them to allow air to circulate for even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Turn the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure they’re golden and evenly cooked on all sides.
Nutrition
If you try this recipe, please leave a STAR rating in the comment section below! Your feedback helps a small blogger like me stay motivated in creating content for my readers. Also, feel free to follow me at Food Exit on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!
Tina says
Love chicken meatballs! So easy!
Abi Guna says
This is my go to meatball recipe for appetizers, thank you Tina!
Eva Filer says
These look so moist! I never thought to use an air fryer - thanks for a great recipe. I can't wait to try it.
Abi Guna says
I am sure you will add this meatball recipe to your favorite recipes list, they are so versatile and perfect to make in an air fryer in no time!
Abi Guna says
These chicken meatballs are our go to game day appetizer! I love how healthy it is 🙂