Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey makes a great substitute and will yield similarly tender meatballs, though they might be a bit leaner—just keep an eye on moisture and consider adding a splash of olive oil if needed.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should also be golden brown on the outside and firm to touch.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs, and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free as well.

What dipping sauces go best with these meatballs?

Classic marinara is my go-to, but you can also try garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a tangy yogurt-based dip to mix things up.

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe – Quick & Delicious Air Fryer Dinner

Description

These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan are a quick and delicious appetizer or main course option. Made with ground chicken, parmesan cheese, and flavorful spices, these meatballs are air fried to perfection for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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 dried parsley or 2 tbsp fresh parsley

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Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form Meatballs: Take a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet, making approximately 24 meatballs in total.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the air fryer basket with foil or spray it lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Air Fry Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook Remaining Batches: Remove the cooked meatballs and cook any remaining batches following the same steps. Once all are cooked, you can return all the meatballs to the air fryer for a few minutes to warm through before serving.
Serve: Serve the chicken meatballs warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
To freeze, place meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To cook from frozen, air fry the meatballs at 400°F for about 12 minutes or until heated through and safe to eat.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture or regular breadcrumbs for a denser meatball.
Parmesan cheese adds flavor, but you can substitute with a vegetarian hard cheese if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 211 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 12.3 g
Saturated Fat: 3.4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5.5 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 20.4 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg