Picture this: you’re craving something savory, delicious, and quick to whip up. Enter these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan. They are your new kitchen hero—packed with flavor, super easy to make, and best of all, cooked to perfection in the beloved air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These meatballs are ready in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Yet Flavorful: Made with lean ground chicken and a sprinkling of parmesan, they deliver on taste without compromising nutrition.
- Versatile: Can be served as an appetizer, with pasta, or in sandwiches, offering endless meal possibilities.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love these tender, cheesy bites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready for a flavor-packed experience with some simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering those savory, cheesy tones we crave.
- Ground Chicken: A lean protein that holds flavors brilliantly, keeping things juicy.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, creamy richness that elevates the meatballs.
- Bread Crumbs: Helps bind everything together for that perfect bite.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: These pantry staples give a subtle depth of flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a slight warmth and beautiful color to the meatballs.
Variations
One of the best things about these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan is how easily you can make them your own. Here are a few suggestions for customizing.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh basil or cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with all other ingredients: egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, spices, and herbs. Mix gently until everything is well integrated, ensuring a flavorful meatball mixture.
Step 2: Form Meatballs
Scoop out the mixture by heaping tablespoons and shape it into round balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, ready to take on the heat of the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Optionally line the basket with foil or a light spray of cooking oil. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll emerge golden and juicy!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
- Optimal Mixing: Avoid over-mixing the ingredients to keep the meatballs light and tender.
- Size Consistency: Try to keep all meatballs the same size for even cooking, making sure each is as delicious as the next.
- Batch Cooking: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, allowing each meatball to cook evenly.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken mixture for 30 minutes before forming the meatballs.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra parmesan can really make your dish shine, adding a pop of color and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these with a side of spaghetti, a fresh green salad, or even in a warm crusty roll for a scrumptious meatball sub. They pair well with almost anything!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you could serve the meatballs on skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, making for a delightful appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make for a great snack or quick meal during the week.
Freezing
Freeze cooked meatballs by laying them out on a parchment-lined sheet until solid, then transfer them to a ziplock bag for up to three months. A perfect meal prep solution!
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs in the microwave, or pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that delightful crispiness.
FAQs
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Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely! These meatballs work wonderfully with ground turkey, beef, or even lamb, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your taste preference.
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What sauce goes best with these meatballs?
A classic marinara sauce is always a hit, but don’t shy away from trying them with a creamy alfredo or a tangy BBQ sauce.
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Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions or use crushed gluten-free crackers.
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Do I need to line the air fryer basket?
It’s not mandatory, but lining it with foil or spraying with a bit of oil can help prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan are a wonderful addition to any meal roster. Packed with flavor and delightfully easy, they are sure to become a firm favorite. Give them a try, and let me know how they fit into your culinary adventures!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These delicious Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with savory flavors. They are quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect for a protein-packed snack or meal served with marinara sauce and your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp parsley (dried) or 2 tbsp fresh
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, olive oil, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Using a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, shape it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture, resulting in approximately 24 meatballs. Place the shaped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). You can line the basket with foil or spray it with cooking spray for easier cleanup.
- Cook Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer. Optionally, re-warm all the cooked meatballs together for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- To Freeze: Arrange uncooked or cooked meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- From Frozen: Cook from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F for about 12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (about 85g)
- Calories: 211 kcal
- Sugar: 0.7 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 20.4 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg
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