Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan Recipe

If you’re craving juicy, flavorful meatballs that come together in under 30 minutes, these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan will absolutely steal your heart! They’re golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory, cheesy flavor—perfect as a family dinner, meal prep essential, or even a high-protein snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each staple plays a special role—bringing flavor, texture, and a golden finish you just can’t resist!

• Ground chicken: The star of the show—mild and tender, it soaks up all the seasonings and Parmesan.
• Egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold your meatballs together without drying them out.
• Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Help create that light, juicy texture and prevent the meatballs from being dense.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a cheesy, salty kick and melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t skip it!
• Olive oil: Lends richness and helps the meatballs brown beautifully in the air fryer.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Essential for depth of flavor—they wake up the chicken and Parmesan.
• Paprika: Brings warmth and a gorgeous golden color to your meatballs.
• Salt & black pepper: Basic, but crucial for balanced, mouthwatering seasoning.
• Parsley (dried or fresh): Pops with herby freshness and bright color—fresh parsley is especially lovely if you have it!

Variations

The beauty of Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan is how adaptable they are. Don’t be afraid to riff with what you have or make them your own based on what your family loves!

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap in some smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
• Low-Carb Swap: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs to make these keto-friendly.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan, or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.
• Herby Twist: Try basil, oregano, or chives in place of parsley for new flavor notes every time.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and add your ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Roll up your sleeves and combine everything gently but thoroughly—use a fork or your hands for the best texture. The mixture should come together and feel just slightly tacky, not sticky.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Place the formed meatballs onto a parchment-lined sheet as you go. You’ll end up with about 24 adorable meatballs—just the right size for popping in your mouth or stacking on pasta.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 3 minutes). While it preheats, you can either line the basket with foil or give it a spritz of cooking spray for easier cleanup. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd—this will help them brown perfectly.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Air fry the meatballs for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden, firm, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You might need to work in batches for even results, but they reheat beautifully at the end.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once all your Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan are cooked, you can toss them in your air fryer for a quick reheat, then serve piping hot with a side of marinara, pasta, or stacked in a sub roll. They’re irresistible at this stage—be ready for them to disappear fast!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a shower of fresh-chopped parsley make these meatballs pop with color and flavor. For a little zing, add a drizzle of good olive oil or some lemon zest just before serving—your plate will look and taste restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

These meatballs love classic pairings: serve them over al dente spaghetti with marinara, tucked into toasted Italian subs, or alongside a crisp Caesar salad. For a lighter touch, try them with roasted veggies or over zucchini noodles—totally satisfying either way!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan into cocktail hour stars by skewering them with toothpicks and serving with a tangy dipping sauce. For game day, pile them into slider buns, or set up a DIY meatball bar with different sauces and toppings—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their juicy texture beautifully, making them perfect for speedy lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, simply arrange the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag (they’ll keep for up to 3 months!). You can air fry them straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your meatballs in the microwave or give them a quick blast in the air fryer at 350°F until they’re piping hot. The air fryer refreshes their crispy edges while keeping the insides moist and flavorful!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan—they’re pure comfort, easy enough for any weeknight, and special enough to serve to friends. Give them a try and let me know how you love to serve yours!

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