Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs: 6 Juicy Bites You Can’t Miss

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs: 6 Juicy Bites You Can't Miss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 9, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making air fryer chicken meatballs yet, you’re seriously missing out! These little bites of joy are not only deliciously juicy, but they’re also incredibly easy to whip up. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that comes together in about 30 minutes? The air fryer works its magic, making these meatballs crispy on the outside while keeping them moist and tender on the inside. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite!

Whether you’re in a rush on a weeknight or looking to impress guests at your next gathering, these air fryer chicken meatballs will save the day. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as they cook – it’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water! Plus, they’re versatile enough to be served with your favorite sauces or tossed into a pasta dish. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation. So, let’s get cooking and dive into the details!

Ingredients List

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Getting started on these air fryer chicken meatballs is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying the process is! Let’s break it down into easy steps so you can enjoy your delicious meal in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, gather all your ingredients. It’s always a good idea to have everything within reach before you start cooking. This way, you won’t have to scramble around the kitchen when you’re in the thick of it!

1. **Mix It All Together:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Now, here’s where you can really get your hands dirty (literally!). Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Trust me, it’s the best way to ensure that all those flavors meld together beautifully. Just make sure not to overmix, or your meatballs might end up a bit tough!

2. **Shape the Meatballs:** Once everything is mixed, it’s time to form the meatballs. I usually aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly and is perfect for popping into your mouth! Place them on a plate or tray as you shape them. If you find the mixture sticking to your hands, a little drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water can help.

3. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you finish shaping the meatballs.

4. **Arrange for Cooking:** Once your air fryer is preheated, arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You want to give them a little space so they can cook evenly and get that lovely golden color. If you have a lot of meatballs, you might need to cook them in batches.

5. **Cook to Perfection:** Cook the meatballs for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll want to check them around the 12-minute mark to see if they’re cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). They should be golden brown and oh-so-tempting!

6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once they’re done cooking, carefully remove the meatballs from the air fryer (they’ll be hot!). Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, toss them in pasta, or even throw them on a sub for a meatball sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

And there you have it! These air fryer chicken meatballs are not only easy to make, but they also pack a flavorful punch. Enjoy every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean ground chicken and fresh herbs, these meatballs are a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
Versatile: Serve them with your favorite sauces, toss them in pasta, or use them in a meatball sub – the possibilities are endless!
Kid-Friendly: These juicy meatballs are a hit with kids, making it easy to include them in family meals.

Tips for Success

When it comes to making the best air fryer chicken meatballs, a few simple tips can really elevate your game! Trust me, these pointers can make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with your seasonings! Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. You can also experiment with additional herbs like oregano or basil for an extra flavor boost. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick if you like things spicy!

Monitor Cooking Time: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your meatballs as they cook. I recommend checking them around the 12-minute mark. They should be golden brown and cooked through, but if they need a few extra minutes, that’s perfectly okay! Just make sure to avoid overcooking, or they might dry out.

Don’t Crowd the Basket: For that perfect crispy exterior, give your meatballs some space in the air fryer. If you have a lot of meatballs, cook them in batches. This ensures each meatball gets that nice golden color and cooks evenly.

Let Them Rest: Once you take your meatballs out of the air fryer, let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle. Plus, it allows the flavors to settle in!

With these tips in mind, you’re all set to create delicious air fryer chicken meatballs that will impress everyone at your table!

Nutritional Information

These air fryer chicken meatballs not only taste amazing, but they’re also packed with wholesome ingredients! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown per serving, which consists of four meatballs:

Calories: 220
Protein: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 350mg
Sugar: 1g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But with all those lean proteins and fresh herbs, you can feel great about serving these to your family!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your air fryer chicken meatballs, the options are as delicious as they are endless! You can’t go wrong with a classic marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling over pasta. The rich, tangy flavors complement the savory meatballs perfectly!

If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, toss these beauties into a fresh garden salad. The juicy meatballs add a satisfying protein boost, especially when paired with a zesty vinaigrette.

For a cozy night in, serve them on a toasted sub roll topped with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a delightful meatball sandwich. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try them in lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies and a peanut sauce for a fun twist! Whichever way you choose, these air fryer chicken meatballs are sure to shine!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative and will give you similar juicy meatballs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.

Q2: How can I make these air fryer chicken meatballs gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats for a similar texture.

Q3: Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to three months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, no need to thaw; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q4: What dipping sauces pair well with these meatballs?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Classic marinara, tangy barbecue sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing work beautifully. You can’t go wrong with a garlic aioli either!

Q5: How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Your meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy, or if you cut one open, the center should be no longer pink and juices should run clear.