Love meatballs but hate the oily mess that comes with frying them? Enter: air fryer ground chicken meatballs. This healthy and hassle-free alternative to traditional meatballs will change the way you look at meal prep. Ground chicken makes for a lean and flavor-packed base, while an air fryer delivers perfectly crispy and juicy bites with minimum oil.
Whether you enjoy them on their own, over pasta or as an appetizer, air fryer chicken meatballs are quick, easy, and a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, with endless seasoning and sauce options, you can customize them to your heart’s content. Get ready to ditch the pan and fall in love with air fryer meatballs.
Ingredients
If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty recipe for dinner, try making air fryer ground chicken meatballs. These meatballs are easy to prepare and cook in an air fryer, making them a quick and convenient meal. To make the meatballs, you will need ground chicken, an egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, then form the mixture into small balls. Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and place the meatballs inside. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are browned and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
You can serve them solo or with your choice of sauce. These air fryer ground chicken meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs and are perfect for anyone looking for a high-protein, low-fat dish. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love.
Ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika
If you’re looking for a flavorful and versatile protein, ground chicken is an excellent option. To make it into a tasty meal, you only need a few ingredients. Apart from the ground chicken itself, you’ll need breadcrumbs to bind it together and give it a bit of texture.
Add some egg to the mixture, and it’ll become even more cohesive. To bring out the chicken’s natural taste, you can mix in some finely chopped onions and garlic. Finally, a good dose of salt and pepper will enhance the flavors even further.
Paprika is a great addition if you want to add a bit of a smokey taste to your ground chicken. Once you have all the ingredients ready, mix them well and shape them into patties or meatballs. You can cook them in a pan, in the oven, or on a grill.
These chicken patties or meatballs are perfect for meal prepping as they’re easy to make and deliciously healthy! So grab your ingredients and get cooking with some ground chicken!
Optional: parmesan cheese, parsley, onion powder
When it comes to making the perfect dish, every ingredient counts, and Parmesan cheese, parsley, and onion powder are great additions to your recipe. Parmesan cheese, with its nutty and salty flavor profile, adds depth and richness to any dish. Sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over pasta, salads, or casseroles makes everything more delicious.
Parsley, on the other hand, adds a fresh and light flavor to any dish. It is a great herb to add to soups, stews, or roasted vegetables. Once you cook with parsley, you won’t want to go without it.
Finally, onion powder is a versatile ingredient that adds a delicious savory flavor to dishes. It is perfect for adding to marinades, rubs, dressings, and sauces. The best part about onion powder is its convenience, you get the taste of fresh onions without the tears.
So, if you want to take your dish to the next level, don’t forget about these optional, but delicious ingredients.
Instructions
Air fryer ground chicken meatballs are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs. Making them couldn’t be easier – start by combining ground chicken with any seasonings and breadcrumbs you desire. Then, shape the chicken mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them in the air fryer.
Set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The result is crispy, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for adding to salads, pastas, or just eating on their own as a protein-packed snack. Plus, using the air fryer means you can enjoy all the taste and texture of fried food without the added grease and calories.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a quick and easy dinner option, these air fryer ground chicken meatballs are sure to be a hit.
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F
Air Fryer If you want to achieve crispy and delicious meals using your air fryer, preheating it is a crucial step that you shouldn’t skip. Preheating your air fryer to 375°F ensures that your food is cooked evenly and provides the perfect temperature for optimal cooking. Preheating allows the air fryer to reach the desired temperature before placing your food for cooking, allowing for a consistent and efficient cooking process.
This step helps to prevent your food from sticking to the basket and results in perfectly cooked meals that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. So before you start cooking in your air fryer, don’t forget to preheat it to 375°F for the best results!
2. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
When it comes to preparing delicious meals, mixing all the ingredients together is something that a lot of us can struggle with, especially if we’re not experienced cooks. However, it’s actually a pretty straightforward process, and one that can be done with minimal fuss. To get started, we recommend finding a mixing bowl that is large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients.
Then, simply measure out all of the required amounts of each ingredient and add them to the bowl, one at a time. Stir the mixture thoroughly after each addition, making sure that everything is well incorporated. Depending on the recipe, you may need to use a whisk or even an electric mixer to get everything properly combined.
Once you’re done, you should have a smooth, creamy mixture that is ready to be cooked or baked. This is an essential step in any recipe, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully to get the best results.
3. Form mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter)
To make delicious meatballs, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, gather all the necessary ingredients, including ground meat, bread crumbs, eggs, seasonings, and any additional flavorings you want to add. Then, mix everything together in a large bowl until well combined.
It’s important to make sure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed, so take your time and mix thoroughly. Once you have your mixture ready, it’s time to form it into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter, as this size is perfect for cooking evenly and ensuring that each meatball is flavorful and tender.
Use your hands to shape the mixture into balls, rolling them gently between your palms until they are smooth and round. Don’t worry if your meatballs aren’t all perfectly uniform in size or shape – this is part of the charm of homemade cooking! Just try to make them as close as possible, so they cook evenly and look beautiful when served. When you’re done forming your meatballs, you can choose to cook them right away or freeze them for later use.
Either way, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious taste and texture of these handmade delights. So why not give it a try and see how easy it is to make your own meatballs at home? Your taste buds will thank you for it!
4. Place meatballs in air fryer basket in a single layer
When it comes to cooking meatballs, air fryers are a game changer. Not only do they cook the meatballs quickly, but they also result in a crispy exterior that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Once you’ve mixed your ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices together, it’s time to form them into individual meatballs.
Once you’ve finished rolling all of the meatballs, it’s important to place them into the air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures that each meatball is evenly cooked and comes out perfectly crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking and a soggy exterior.
With the meatballs arranged in a single layer, simply set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time, and let it work its magic. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked and crispy meatballs that are sure to impress your guests. So go ahead and give it a try, your taste buds will thank you!
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, cooking chicken on the stovetop is a great option. To do this, start by heating up some oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan heats up, season your chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breast and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s important to make sure the chicken is fully cooked before you eat it, so keep an eye on the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This simple stovetop method yields juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Give it a try tonight!
Tips and Variations
When it comes to making air fryer ground chicken meatballs, there are a variety of tips and variations that can take your recipe to the next level. For a healthier twist, you can use lean ground chicken and add in extra veggies like shredded zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms. To pack a flavorful punch, try experimenting with different seasonings, like cumin, paprika, or even a little sriracha sauce.
And if you want to make a party out of it, consider serving the meatballs with toothpicks and dipping sauces for easy snacking. Regardless of what route you take, one thing is clear: air fryer ground chicken meatballs are a delicious and easy meal that can be enjoyed any time of day.
1. Try adding different spices or herbs to customize the flavor
One of the simplest ways to upgrade your cooking game is by customizing your dishes with different herbs and spices. Whether you’re making a classic spaghetti sauce or a savory roasted chicken, adding different seasonings can drastically change the flavor profile of your dish. For example, adding a pinch of oregano, basil, and thyme to your tomato sauce can give it a Mediterranean twist, while adding cumin and coriander to your chicken can add a touch of exotic flavor.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to find the combinations that work best for you. Not only do herbs and spices add unique flavors, but they also have numerous health benefits. Turmeric, for instance, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cinnamon can help regulate blood glucose levels.
So go ahead and get creative with your cooking and explore the world of herbs and spices – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you for it!
2. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce
When it comes to serving your favorite snacks, having a delicious dipping sauce can take things to the next level. One great option is to whip up a simple, yet flavorful, garlic aioli. To make this dipping sauce, just mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Stir until everything is well combined, and you’ll have a tangy and creamy sauce that’s perfect for dipping your snack of choice. Of course, there are many other options as well. For example, you could make a classic ranch dip with sour cream, mayonnaise, and a packet of ranch seasoning.
Or, if you like a little kick, try mixing together Greek yogurt, hot sauce, and a squeeze of lime. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors. Whatever you choose, your snack time is sure to be tastier with a delicious dipping sauce on the side!
Conclusion
In the world of kitchen gadgets, the air fryer has quickly become the golden child. And for good reason! It cooks up crispy and delicious meals with less oil and less guilt. Enter: air fryer ground chicken meatballs.
These little bites of flavor explode with savory goodness while still keeping it healthy. It’s a win-win situation. So go on and impress your friends and family with this clever use of your air fryer.
Your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you!”
FAQs
Can I make air fryer ground chicken meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or coconut flour in the same quantity for a gluten-free option.
How long should I cook air fryer ground chicken meatballs?
Depending on the size of the meatballs, it typically takes around 12-15 minutes at 375°F. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Can I freeze air fryer ground chicken meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze them either cooked or uncooked. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent my air fryer ground chicken meatballs from sticking to the basket?
Lightly coat the basket with non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper before placing the meatballs. You can also try brushing the meatballs with some oil before cooking.