Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs: Easy and Delicious

Air fryer chicken meatballs are a great option for a quick and healthy meal. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make delicious chicken meatballs in your air fryer: Ingredients For the Meatballs: 1 lb (450g) ground chicken 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (you can use regular or panko) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley) 1 egg 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing or spraying) Instructions Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense. Form the Meatballs: Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 16-20 meatballs, depending on size. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Cook the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s some space between each meatball for even cooking. If desired, lightly brush or spray the meatballs with olive oil to help them crisp up. Air fry the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown on the outside. Serve: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, over pasta, or in a sub roll for a meatball sandwich! Tips: Variations: You can add other herbs and spices to the meatball mixture to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, try adding some red pepper flakes. Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce for a classic Italian touch or with tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist. Storage: Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .