Name: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lbs. ground chicken (lean 96%); 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs (40g); 1 Tbsp. garlic powder; 1 tsp. Italian seasoning; pinch of salt; pinch of black pepper; parsley (for garnish)

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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. Ready in no time with delicious flavor, you can't go wrong with these meatballs.

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

Homemade meatballs are calling your name and they’ve never been easier. These juicy chicken meatballs are made with 2 simple ingredients and a handful of seasonings. The air fryer gives them a golden brown outside and a tender and moist inside.

Using ground chicken means these meatballs are flavorful, high in protein and low in fat. Make as an easy appetizer, meatball sandwich or onto a plate of pasta for a healthy option for the whole family.

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Why you’ll love this recipe

90 calories per large meatball.
12g of protein and only 3g of fat.

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 crumbs.

Dietary Modifications

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

Chicken meatballs in an air fryer basket and on a plate.

How to make this air fryer chicken meatball recipe:

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: cook the meatballs

Spray the air fryer pan with nonstick 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.

Step 4: serve

Serve as a main dish in fried spaghetti, on a roll as a sandwich or as a snack with dipping sauces.

Serving ideas…

These ground chicken meatballs can be served so many ways! Serve with spaghetti or zucchini noodles, on a hoagie with marinara sauce, or make into a meatball sub with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Or, one of my favorite ways, is as an appetizer, paired with dipping sauces like marinara, barbecue and ranch.

How to store your 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.

If you like this recipe be sure to check out some of 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!