These garlicky air fryer chicken meatballs with herby Italian seasoning are an easy 20-minute appetizer. Serve them with sweet tomato sauce for a juicier bite!
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
These air fryer chicken meatballs are juicy on the inside and golden on the outside. They’re packed with fragrant garlic and a bit of herby Italian seasoning for the perfect bite-sized appetizer. Plus, the 10 minute cooking time turns them into anyone’s go-to recipe for weeknights or dinner parties. Simple, effortless, and loaded with savory parmesan cheese… What’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love These Ground Chicken Meatballs
This is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer with a subtle Italian flavor profile that’ll satisfy all your guests.
- Quick. This is a 20-minute appetizer that practically cooks itself!
- Convenient. These ground chicken meatballs practically cook themselves!
- Juicy. Air frying the meatballs results in equally juicy, tender meatballs every single time.
- Versatile. Dip them into tomato sauce or turn the meatballs into the main dish with fresh zoodles.
What You’ll Need
Chicken’s subtle flavor allows the garlic and Italian seasoning in the breadcrumbs to shine through. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.
- Parmesan cheese – Make sure it’s freshly-grated and not bottled cheese.
- Italian breadcrumbs – Regular breadcrumbs or panko work too.
- Egg – Liquid eggs are a good swap.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic, garlic paste, and garlic powder are great for this.
- Salt and pepper – Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper are best.
- Ground chicken – Use fresh or frozen (thawed).
- Olive oil – Avocado and coconut oil can be used instead. Cooking spray works too.
How To Make Chicken Meatballs In The Air Fryer
Air frying the meatballs ensures they’re super juicy and tender every single time. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.
- Make the meat mixture. Combine the parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. Mix in the chicken.
- Shape them. Use your hands to roll the mixture into 1″ balls. You should end up with 20 meatballs.
- Cook them. Toss the meatballs with olive oil until completely coated. Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them at 390F for 8 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve. Remove the meatballs from the air fryer, serve them with tomato sauce and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Coat them with more breadcrumbs to make the meatballs extra golden and crispy.
- Make them melty. Place a 1/2″ piece of mozzarella, cheddar, or Muenster cheese in the center of each meatball for a melty bite.
- Dipping sauces. Tomato sauce, Feta Aioli, pesto, or a ricotta dip are wonderful ways to add more flavor.
- Make them spicy. Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a bit of heat. Add more to taste.
- Swap the protein. Make the meatballs with ground chicken, pork, or turkey instead of beef.
- Bread them. Add a whisked egg in one bowl and more breadcrumbs in another bowl. Coat the raw meatballs in the whisked egg mixture and then roll them in breadcrumbs. Air fry as usual or until golden.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
These garlicky air fryer chicken meatballs are a great appetizer with sweet tomato sauce on the side. You can also turn them into the main dish with zoodles. My Ricotta Dumplings with Vodka Marinara Sauce and Orzo Salad are amazing too. Don’t forget some Grilled Asparagus and Tomato Burrata Salad on the side to complete the meal.
Proper Storage
The leftovers need to be fully cooled before refrigerating or freezing.
- Fridge: Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer them to freezer bags in serving-size portions. Freeze for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
- To reheat them: Microwave them for up to a minute or until warm. You can also pop them into the air fryer at 300F for 3-4 minutes.
More Meatball Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian Breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Add chicken; mix lightly but thoroughly. With wet hands, shape into 1-in. balls. You should end up with 20 meatballs.
- Place meatballs inside air fryer and drizzle olive oil over top, gently shake to roll meatballs so they are lightly coated with olive oil. You may need to do this in batches based on the size of your airfryer. You want all meatballs in a single layer.
- Air fry at 390° for 10 minutes, shake the basket at the 8 minute mark to roll your meatballs. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Serve warm with pasta and sauce,or enjoy on their own.
