Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Make tender air fryer chicken meatballs in under 30 minutes using this easy ground chicken recipe. They're perfect as a weeknight dinner option or chicken appetizer.

5 from 30 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 199 kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken 93% lean ground chicken (works best with the highest fat content available)
2 tbsp plain breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1.5 cup Marinara Sauce warmed

Instructions

Add spices, mayo, egg, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl. Whisk (or use a fork) to combine - it will look like a paste.
Add the ground chicken to the bowl. Use a rubber spatula or hands with gloves to mix to combine.
Form 14 meatballs (using a meatball scooper or round tbsp measuring spoon - about 1.5 tbsp per meatball)
Preheat the air fryer for 5 min at 400 degrees.
Line the air fryer with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the meatballs generously with oil spray.
Air fry the meatballs for 6 minutes.
Spray again and air fry for 6 more minutes.
Add the meatballs to the warm marinara sauce. Top with more parmesan cheese and parsley.

Notes

Use high-fat meat: The extra fat ensures the meatballs are super tasty and remain juicy as they cook.

Alternative for meatball scooper: You can use a scooper or a round tbsp to scoop the meat to form the meatballs. If using your hands, be sure to keep your hands wet as you shape them so they don't stick.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps in searing and starting the cooking process as soon as the meatballs hit the air fryer basket.

Pro Tip: You can eat these easy chicken meatballs on long rolls to have delicious meatball subs.

Nutrition