If you’re in search of the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further than these amazing Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor from a blend of Parmesan cheese and spices, these meatballs are a must-try for any busy weeknight or casual get-together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: These meatballs are ready in a snap, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Irresistibly Flavorful: Each bite is packed with the rich taste of Parmesan and spices that will leave your taste buds singing.
- Healthy Option: Using ground chicken helps keep these meatballs light yet satisfying.
- Versatile: Ideal for appetizers, main courses, or in your favorite pasta dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan come together effortlessly. Each component plays a role in building the fantastic flavor profile and ensuring fabulous texture.
- Ground chicken: The base that makes these meatballs light and protein-packed.
- Bread crumbs: Acts as a binder and adds a touch of crunch when cooked.
- Parmesan cheese: Elevates the flavor with its nutty and salty notes.
- Garlic and onion powder: Bring that classic allium flavor without any chopping.
- Olive oil: Helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Variations
The beauty of cooking, and these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan in particular, is the ability to personalize them to your liking or dietary needs. Here’s how you can switch things up!
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to bring some heat to the meatballs.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh basil or oregano for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
- Cheese Options: Swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
Step 1: Mixing Ingredients
Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs in a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic begins! Don’t be shy—use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Shaping the Meatballs
Form the mixture into balls, about a tablespoon each, and place them on a parchment-lined sheet. This step is exciting because it’s where your dinner really starts to take shape!
Step 3: Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 400F. Lining the basket with foil or spraying it with cooking oil will ensure an easy release. Place the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch—this gives them room to crisp up perfectly.
Step 4: Cooking to Perfection
Air fry the meatballs for about 10 minutes, turning them halfway to ensure even browning. When they’re done, the outside will be beautifully golden, and they’ll have that inviting aroma that makes them hard to resist!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
- Achieve Perfect Size: Use a cookie scoop for even sizing, which ensures consistent cooking.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh parsley or your favorite herb mix can be added to enhance the flavor profile.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center of the meatballs reaches 165°F for safety.
- Freeze Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal another time.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
Garnishes
To complement the rich flavor of these meatballs, you can garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This adds a fresh pop of color and an extra cheesy hit that ties the dish together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan alongside a light salad or garlic bread. Pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes or pasta topped with marinara sauce can also bring your meal to the next level of comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs on skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for an appetizer with flair. Or go bold by turning them into sliders using small brioche buns and a slice of fresh tomato.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re perfect for quick meals, so don’t let them go to waste!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooked meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag, where they can stay for up to three months. They’ll be ready to impress whenever you’re in the mood!
Reheating
Reheat your meatballs in the microwave or back in the air fryer. If frozen, they can go directly into the air fryer for about 12 minutes until they’re heated through and enticingly crispy on the outside once again.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely, ground turkey is a perfect substitute for chicken in this recipe and will yield equally delicious results with a slightly different flavor profile.
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What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking for even browning.
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Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook, which will save you time on the day of serving.
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Are these meatballs gluten-free?
To make the meatballs gluten-free, simply replace the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing texture or taste.
Final Thoughts
I really encourage you to dive into this delightful recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, promising to bring joy and scrumptious satisfaction to your table with every bite. Enjoy!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
These flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are packed with Parmesan cheese and herbs, offering a juicy and tender bite with a crisp exterior. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they cook quickly in the air fryer for a hands-off, healthy meal option.
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, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, olive oil, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape meatballs: Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and gently shape it into a ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined sheet. This recipe yields about 24 meatballs.
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for a few minutes. Line the air fryer basket with foil or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Cooking in batches: Remove cooked batches and repeat with remaining mixture. To serve all at once, reheat all cooked meatballs in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping or as a main dish with pasta or salad.
Notes
- Store – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Freeze – Arrange uncooked meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, air fry for approximately 12 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
- You can customize herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (about 84g)
- Calories: 211 kcal
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 235 mg
- Fat: 12.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 20.4 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg
