Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs? Tips+[Quick & Easy]

Have you ever tried Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs? If you have not then let’s try it out now with me.

I will guide you in this article which is about Chicken meatballs, they are flavorful, bite-sized spheres made primarily from ground chicken meat.

Why People Love Chicken Meatballs?

People love chicken meatballs for several reasons. Firstly, they offer a lighter and leaner alternative to traditional beef meatballs, making them a healthier choice for those looking to reduce their red meat intake.

Additionally, chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be flavored in numerous ways, from classic Italian seasonings to exotic spice blends, catering to a wide range of taste preferences.

Their tender and juicy texture, combined with a satisfying flavor profile, makes them a hit among both adults and children alike.

Moreover, chicken meatballs are easy to make and can be cooked in various ways, whether baked, pan-fried, or simmered in sauce, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals and appetizers.

Overall, the appeal of chicken meatballs lies in their versatility, flavor, and health benefits, making them a popular choice for anyone craving a tasty and nutritious dish.

How to Make The Best Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs?

To create the best Air Fryer Meatballs, start with high-quality ingredients and a well-balanced blend of flavors.

Combine ground chicken with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, fresh herbs like parsley, and a hint of dried oregano for depth.

The key to exceptional meatballs lies in thorough mixing—blend the ingredients evenly to ensure a harmonious distribution of flavors.

When forming the meatballs, aim for consistent sizes to ensure even cooking. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, lightly oil the basket, and arrange the meatballs in a single layer for optimal air circulation.

While air frying, periodically flip the meatballs to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior on all sides. Monitor the cooking time to prevent over-drying, ensuring they remain moist and tender inside.

Consider checking the internal temperature for doneness to guarantee they reach the recommended safe temperature.

The best chicken meatballs from the air fryer offer a perfect balance of savory flavors, a moist interior, and a delightful crispy texture.

A combination that’s both satisfying and versatile in various culinary creations. Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy this flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional fried meatballs.

How to Make Frozen Meatballs in Air Fry?

Cooking frozen meatballs in an air fryer is simple and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Frozen meatballs of your choice

Instructions:

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature (usually around 360°F or 180°C) for a few minutes.

Arrange Meatballs: Take the frozen meatballs out of the freezer and arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.

Air Fry: Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook the frozen meatballs. The cooking time typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and type of meatballs.

Shake or Turn: If your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating or shaking feature, pause halfway through the cooking time to shake or turn the meatballs for even browning and cooking.

Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Serve: Once the frozen meatballs are thoroughly cooked and heated, remove them from the air fryer and serve as desired.

Cooking times may vary based on the size and composition of the frozen meatballs, as well as the air fryer model.

Always refer to the package instructions for specific cooking guidelines. This method provides a quick and efficient way to enjoy crispy and evenly cooked frozen meatballs without the need for excess oil.

Adjust cooking times as needed for your preferred level of doneness.

How Long To Cook Chicken Meatballs In Air Fryer?

The cooking time for chicken meatballs in an air fryer can vary based on factors like the size of the meatballs, the specific air fryer model, and its temperature settings. As a general guideline:

1. For fresh or thawed chicken meatballs: Cook them in a preheated air fryer at around 360°F (180°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes. It’s advisable to flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

2. For frozen chicken meatballs: If cooking from frozen, the cooking time might be slightly longer, typically ranging from 12-15 minutes at the same temperature setting. Again, flipping the meatballs halfway through helps them cook evenly.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air fryer model and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Additionally, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs can ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for proper doneness and food safety.

Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size and composition of the meatballs to achieve the desired level of browning and doneness.

How to Store Leftovers Meatballs?

Whether you’ve indulged in a hearty pasta with meatballs or whipped up a batch of Swedish meatballs, storing leftovers safely and effectively is crucial to avoid spoilage and ensure future enjoyment. Here are your options:

Refrigeration:

• Cooling is key: Let cooked meatballs cool completely before storing. This prevents trapped heat from creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Airtight containers are your allies: Transfer meatballs to airtight containers or tightly sealed zipper-lock bags. This prevents them from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
• Location matters: Place the container on a shelf, not the door, where temperatures fluctuate more.
• Labeling for longevity: Date the container with the storage date to keep track of freshness.
• Enjoyment window: Consume refrigerated meatballs within 3-4 days for optimal quality and safety.

Freezing:

• Raw or cooked? Both options are viable!
  • Raw: Follow these steps for freezing raw meatballs:
    • Form your meatball mixture into even-sized balls.
    • Flash-freeze on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 1-2 hours to prevent sticking.
    • Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, label, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Cooked: Cool cooked meatballs completely and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
    • Freeze for 1-2 hours to solidify.
    • Transfer to freezer bags or containers, label, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing safely: Thaw frozen meatballs gradually in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave (carefully monitoring to avoid overheating).

Pro-tips:

• Sauce saviors: If storing with sauce, ensure the meatballs are completely submerged to prevent drying.
• Reheating wisely: Reheat refrigerated or thawed meatballs thoroughly (internal temperature of 160°F) in your desired sauce, oven, or air fryer.
• Label love: Don’t forget to label frozen meatballs with the date and contents for easy identification.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your leftover meatballs stay delicious and safe to enjoy long after the initial feast!

How To Freeze Meatballs?

Whether you’ve made a giant batch or want delicious meatballs on hand in a flash, freezing is your friend! Here’s your quick guide to freezer-ready meatballs:

Raw or Cooked?

• Raw: Prepare your meatball mix, scoop into even-sized balls, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash-freeze them individually for 1-2 hours to prevent sticking. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, label, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Cooked: Cook your meatballs as usual, let them cool completely, and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours to solidify. Then, transfer them to freezer bags or containers, label them, and freeze them for up to 3 months.

Thawing Tips:

• Refrigerator: Thaw overnight for slow, even thawing.
• Cold water: Place frozen meatballs in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes per pound.
• Microwave (defrost setting only): Use the defrost setting carefully, pausing to rotate and check for even thawing. Avoid overheating.

Cooking from Frozen:

• Raw: Add a few extra minutes to your usual cooking time to ensure they cook through.
• Cooked: Reheat them in your desired sauce, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.

Remember:

• Labeling with date and contents is key for freezer organization.
• Use within recommended times for optimal quality.
• Enjoy the convenience of having homemade meatballs whenever the craving strikes!

How to Reheat Meatballs?

Ditch the fear of dry, reheated meatballs! Here’s your one-stop guide to succulent, warm bites every time:

In sauce? 1. Let’s simmer! Combine meatballs and sauce in a pan over low heat, covered, for 20-30 minutes. Stir gently, avoiding boiling to keep your sauce smooth and splatter-free.

No sauce? 2. Oven magic! Preheat to 350°F, spread meatballs on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. 3. Air fryer fun! Preheat to 375°F, arrange meatballs in a single layer, and air fry for 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally.

Remember:

• Use a meat thermometer for foolproof results, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F for safety and juicy goodness.
• Reheat in smaller batches for even cooking.
• Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, especially for saucy meatballs.
• Don’t overcook – toughness is the enemy!
• Enjoy leftovers within 3-4 days for peak quality.

Now go forth and conquer reheated meatball heaven!

FAQs

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan

Amy Nicholson

These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor! They are ready in 10 minutes and make an easy meal or a yummy snack!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 211 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
• 3 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon parsley (dried) or 2

Instructions

 

• Into a large mixing bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, olive oil, and parsley until combined.
• Take a heaping tablespoon from the chicken mixture and shape it into a ball. Place them on a parchment-lined sheet. This makes about 24 balls.
• Preheat the Air fryer to 400F. You can line the Air fryer basket with foil or spray it with cooking oil and place the meatballs on it.
• Airfry the meatballs for 10 minutes or until browned, flipping halfway. You can use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165F.
• Remove and cook the next batch. Once all the meatballs are cooked, you can put all the meatballs in the Air fryer and warm for a few minutes. Serve with marinarasauce.

Notes

• Store – in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.
• Freeze – place the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze. Put the frozen meatballs in a ziplock bag and freeze them for 3 months.
• To cook from frozen – Air fry them for about 12 minutes until cooked through.

Keyword Air Fryer, Chicken Meatballs, Easy, Meatballs, Parmesan, Quick