If you’re craving a delicious and fuss-free Italian-inspired dish, you are going to love the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe. These meatballs are juicy and tender with just the right hint of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a crispy outside without the grease. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits the spot every time with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of texture and taste that makes these meatballs so irresistible.

  • Ground chicken: A lean, tender base that absorbs all the flavors while keeping the meatballs light.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together for perfect meatballs.
  • Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Adds structure and a delicate crunch to the meatballs’ bite.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a savory, nutty depth that distinguishes these meatballs.
  • Olive oil: Enhances moisture and helps the outside crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
  • Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.
  • Onion powder: Complements the garlic and cheese with a mild sweetness.
  • Paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smoky flavor.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the flavors of the meat and spices.
  • Parsley (dried or fresh): Provides a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, olive oil, and parsley. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This step ensures each bite delivers consistent flavor and texture, setting the foundation for fantastic meatballs.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, shape the meatballs into round balls. You should end up with approximately 24 meatballs. To keep things tidy and prevent sticking, place your formed meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This makes transferring them into the air fryer a breeze.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because a hot air fryer helps create that signature crispy exterior while locking in the juices inside. You can line the basket with foil or spray with cooking spray for easier cleanup.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

Arrange the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up perfectly. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown all sides evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) — this guarantees food safety and juicy, fully cooked meatballs.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer. If you’re serving a large group or prefer them warm all together, feel free to reheat them briefly. These meatballs are delicious as is or dressed with marinara sauce and extra Parmesan for an Italian feast!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To elevate these chicken Parmesan meatballs, try garnishing with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a vibrant green contrast. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes adds a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress your guests.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair beautifully with spaghetti or any pasta tossed in marinara sauce for a classic combo. For a lighter approach, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the meatballs.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to mix things up? Present the meatballs as sliders with mini buns, mozzarella slices, and a dab of marinara. They also make fantastic appetizers when skewered with toothpicks for your next party. The possibilities are endless with this versatile Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want flavorful, ready-to-eat protein on hand.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy the wonderful taste of this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to regain that perfect crispness. Alternatively, microwave gently until heated through, but the air fryer will give you the best texture revival.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and offers a similar lean, mild flavor profile. Just follow the same steps for the best results.

Do I need to add sauce while cooking?

It’s best to cook the meatballs plain in the air fryer for that crispy exterior, then toss them in marinara or sauce afterward to keep the texture perfect.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, but the air fryer will give you a crispier outside with less oil.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

They can be if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Be sure to check all your ingredient labels to confirm.

How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Spraying the basket with cooking spray or lining it with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers can help keep the meatballs from sticking.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe enough if you want something quick, flavorful, and tasty that feels special. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy enough for any weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 52 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 meatballs
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan are a quick and delicious appetizer or main dish. Made with ground chicken, seasoned with herbs and spices, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they are both healthy and flavorful. Crispy outside with a tender inside, these meatballs are perfect served with your favorite dipping sauce or tossed in marinara for a tasty meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

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


Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, olive oil, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Shape Meatballs: Using a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, shape it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture, resulting in approximately 24 meatballs. Place the shaped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy handling.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). You can line the basket with foil or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easier cleanup.
  4. Cook Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  5. Serve: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer. Optionally, rewarm all the cooked meatballs together for a few minutes before serving if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or pasta.

Notes

  • Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking.
  • You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free option.
  • For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the mixture.
  • Meatballs can be frozen before cooking for convenient meal prep.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the meatballs are fully cooked.

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