Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to whip up, and downright irresistible, look no further than this Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe. Tender ground chicken gets perfectly seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, then cooked to golden perfection using the magic of an air fryer. The result is a healthier twist on classic meatballs that are juicy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and ready in just 20 minutes. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe is simple yet essential. Each element plays its part in building layers of flavor, texture, and that delightful visual appeal that makes these meatballs so inviting.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean base that keeps the meatballs tender and healthy without sacrificing juiciness.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together and add moisture.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Adds delightful texture and helps absorb moisture for perfectly shaped meatballs.
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient delivering a savory, nutty flavor that elevates every bite.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and ensures the meatballs brown beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings warm, aromatic depth with every mouthful.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
- 1 tsp paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and a pop of color that makes these meatballs irresistible.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential to balance and enhance all flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and earthiness.
- 1 tbsp parsley (dried) or 2 tbsp fresh: Provides a fresh, herby brightness to finish the meatballs with a flourish.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
Start by placing the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, olive oil, and parsley into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly combine everything. This ensures each meatball bursts with balanced flavor and holds together firmly for perfect cooking.
Step 2: Shape Meatballs
Once mixed, scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and roll them gently in your hands to form balls. You should have about 24 meatballs. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep them neat and ready for the air fryer. It’s a fun step where you can sneak a peek at the perfect texture forming already!
Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This quick step ensures your meatballs will cook evenly and get that lovely golden exterior without sticking to the basket. For easier cleanup, you can line the air fryer basket with foil or give it a light spray of cooking spray.
Step 4: Cook Meatballs
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer within the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through so every side gets that perfect crisp and color. Don’t forget to check with a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) — this ensures they’re juicy and safe to eat.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, remove your beautiful meatballs from the air fryer. If you’re cooking in batches, feel free to rewarm them together for a few minutes before serving. Pair with marinara sauce, a tangy dip, or any favorite sauce you love. These little morsels are ready to steal the show at your dinner table.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate the experience and add both aroma and visual appeal. Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a burst of green freshness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese continues that cheesy theme, making the meatballs look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with classic Italian sides like spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce or a bed of creamy polenta. For something lighter, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The savory, cheesy richness of these meatballs balances perfectly with fresh, bright sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up? Thread the meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for colorful party appetizers. Or serve them over garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist. No matter how you present them, these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe always impress with style and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more over time, making reheated bites equally delicious and convenient for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly whenever you need a speedy meal solution.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the meatballs back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method keeps them crispy outside and tender inside, just like freshly made. Microwave reheating is also fine but may soften the texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a substitute and will yield similarly tender and flavorful meatballs. Just ensure it’s cooked through to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Do I have to use an air fryer for this recipe?
While the air fryer gives these meatballs their signature crisp exterior and fast cooking time, you can also bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway to brown all sides.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Both options maintain the texture and flavor without gluten.
What dipping sauces go well with these meatballs?
Classic marinara is a winner, but creamy ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo complement the Parmesan and spices beautifully for some variety.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze before cooking?
You can shape the meatballs and freeze them raw on a tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, fuss-free recipe that delivers on taste and speed, the Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe is a total winner. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Trust me, once you try these juicy, cheesy meatballs, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe you reach for time and time again. So grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to dig into pure deliciousness!
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Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan are a quick and healthy snack or meal option. Made with ground chicken, seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and Parmesan cheese, then air-fried to perfection for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Perfect for serving with marinara sauce or as a protein-packed appetizer.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ 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
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp parsley (dried) or 2 tbsp fresh parsley
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 to make cleaning easier.
- 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. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- 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
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking.
- If you prefer, you can use fresh parsley instead of dried; adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked for safety.
- These meatballs can be frozen after cooking and reheated in the air fryer.
- Serve with a side of pasta, salad, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
