Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs Recipe (with oven instructions)

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Chicken; 1 Egg; 1/3 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian or Plain); 1/4 cup Onion (diced); 2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Pepper

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Air Fryer Meatballs are a total game-changer! In just 20 minutes, the air fryer gives them a perfectly crisp outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. With garlic, onion, and a blend of flavorful spices, they’re quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—no oven needed!

Whether you serve these juicy chicken meatballs with pasta, rice, or as a party appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try some of my favorites, including a recipe for flank steak, Mexican pizza, and boneless pork chops.

Chicken meatballs in an air fryer basket with fresh parsley after they have been cooked.

When I first got an air fryer, I wasn’t sure if it was worth the hype. Did I really need another gadget taking up counter space? Fast forward a few years, and now I can’t imagine my kitchen without it. The air fryer stepped up big time when my oven broke for almost a month.

Sure, I had to borrow my neighbor’s oven to bake a cake, but for everyday dinners, the air fryer was a total lifesaver. It’s officially my kitchen MVP.

Why you will love making meatballs in the air fryer

Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch and freeze extras for busy nights. Reheat in the air fryer for a quick, tasty meal that is ready in minutes!
Quick and Easy – This recipe has lean ground chicken and pantry staples.
Healthier Option: The air fryer uses less oil than pan-frying, making these meatballs a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Simple ingredients

Ingredients for air fryer chicken meatballs, including ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, red pepper flakes, onion, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, arranged on a marble countertop.

A complete list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.

Ground Chicken Breast – You can substitute ground turkey or ground beef.
Egg – The egg acts as a binder for the meatballs.
Breadcrumbs – I always use seasoned breadcrumbs, but you can use plain or panko breadcrumbs.
Onion – If you have picky eaters, grate the onion so they won’t detect the crunch. You could also substitute the onion for 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
Garlic – I use fresh garlic when making meatballs, but you could substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – These are optional, but I think they add a little extra flavor to the meatballs, and I like a little spice in my meatballs.
Optional: Parmesan Cheese – Add 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips for air fryer success

Avoid Overcrowding: If your air fryer is small, cook the meatballs in batches for even browning.
Light Spray of Olive Oil: For a crispier exterior, spray the meatballs lightly with oil before air frying.

FAQ

How can I ensure the meatballs stay moist and don’t dry out in the air fryer?

The best way to keep your meatballs moist is not to overcook them. I always use a meat thermometer to check that the temperature doesn’t go over 165 degrees. Mixing in a little milk or grated zucchini can help with moisture.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking the meatballs?

Yes, preheating your air fryer is highly recommended! Preheating ensures even cooking and gives the meatballs a nice, crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender. Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes before adding the meatballs.

Can I make meatballs ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely! You can freeze chicken meatballs, either cooked or raw. To freeze raw meatballs, shape them and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Let cooked meatballs cool completely, then freeze them the same way. When ready to cook, you can air fry raw frozen meatballs directly—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time—or reheat cooked meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through.

Step-by-Step Directions for Air Fryer Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients: ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Egg, bread crumbs, garlic, onion and seasonings in a bowl to make chicken meatballs.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 16 – 20 meatballs.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each for even cooking. Work in batches if needed.

Air fryer basket with parchment paper and meatballs before they cook.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

Air fry the meatballs at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the meatballs halfway through cooking (around the 5-6 minute mark). Check meatballs with a meat thermometer to be sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or over pasta.

Chicken Meatballs air fryer on a plate with marinara for dipping.

How long to air fryer chicken meatballs

Air fry the meatballs at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the homemade meatballs halfway through cooking (around the 5-6 minute mark).

How to serve chicken meatballs

Appetizer or snack – Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or pesto sauce. I’ve also tossed them in buffalo sauce and served them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Main dish – These juicy meatballs are so good with alfredo sauce over pasta and a side of cheesy garlic bread. Or, how about zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for great low-carb options.

Chicken meatballs served over pasta with red sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Oven instructions for baked Italian chicken meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray of cooking oil to keep the meatballs from sticking.
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving a little space between them so they cook evenly.
Put them in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. To be sure they’re fully cooked, check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer—it should hit 165°F.
Let them cool for a minute or two, and they’re ready to enjoy!

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