Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs (dairy-free)

These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are an easy weeknight meal and a great way to get in extra protein. Made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs and a few simple spices, these juicy meatballs make the perfect appetizer, snack or add-in to pasta.

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3 stacked air fried meatballs, one cut in half dipped in marinara sauce.

Move over frozen meatballs because homemade has never been easier. These juicy chicken meatballs are made with 2 simple ingredients and only a handful of spices.

How are these so perfect? The air fryer. The air fryer gives them a golden brown outside and a tender and moist inside, ensuring you a perfect cook without using olive oil.

Serve with Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo, add on top of pizzas, add to sandwiches for meatball subs or put in bowls like Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls.

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Why you’ll love this recipe:

Easy to make and a great way to add protein to any meal.
90 calories per large meatball.
Perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients and Substitutes:

These are the main ingredients and substitutions. See recipe card below for full ingredients list and instructions for air fryer chicken meatballs.

Lean Ground Chicken: substitute with ground turkey, ground beef or ground pork.
Italian Breadcrumbs: if using unseasoned be sure to add some Italian seasoning to your bread crumbs. If using panko breadcrumbs be sure to add additional seasoning.

Variations

Add parmesan cheese or onion powder.

Dietary Modifications

These homemade chicken meatballs are dairy-free, as is.
To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free breadcrumb.

Meatballs in the base of the air fryer basket.

How to make ground chicken meatballs:

Step 1: make your meatball mixture

Preheat your air fryer. While the air fryer is heating, combine chicken and all seasonings (minus parsley) in a large mixing bowl and mix well to combine. Add red pepper flakes, if desired, for heat.

Step 2: make the meatballs

Using a 1/4 measuring cup measure out 2 oz. of the meat mixture and roll into meatballs. This recipe makes 8, 2 oz. meatballs or 16, 1 oz. meatballs.

Step 3: air fry meatballs

Spray the air fryer pan with cooking spray and lay out meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, careful they do not touch. Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through. 12 minutes for 2 oz. meatballs and less for smaller. Cooking time will depend on the size of your meatballs.

Ensure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit with a meat thermometer.

Meatballs in the base of the air fryer basket cooked and browned.

Expert Tip!

Use a cookie scoop to help scoop out your meatballs.

Recipe FAQs

How to store leftover air fryer meatballs?

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer. Freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

What to serve with meatballs?

Serve with spaghetti or zucchini noodles, on a hoagie with marinara sauce, or make into a meatball subs with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. These are delicious with Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo.

Check out our other easy air fryer recipes!

If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and/or comment! Tag me on Instagram @ohsnapmacros, I love hearing from you!