Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Air fryer chicken meatballs are tender, juicy and taste like pizza! Ready in 15 minutes, these are great for lunch or dinner and made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand! Perfect for weeknight meals or as a party appetizer.
The air fryer is one of my favorite ways to make dinner quickly. Be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes, including air fryer chicken burgers or air fryer chicken bites.
If you are looking for quick and easy recipes ready in 30 minutes or less, you are in the right place! With my years of experience working with women as a personal trainer and health coach, I know how hard it can be to get a nourishing meal on the table when you have a busy schedule! Bites of Wellness was created to help you take the “what’s for dinner” question off your to-do list.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and easy
- Ready in 15 Minutes
- Flavorful (they taste like pizza!)
- Easy to find ingredients
- Gluten free, Whole30 and low carb friendly
Ingredient spotlight
- Ground chicken – ground chicken is my families favorite, but you could also use ground turkey, ground bison or lean ground beef.
- Balsamic vinegar – the balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavor to the meatballs and starts to caramelize when cooked.
- Almond flour – almond flour helps to bind the meatballs. The almond flour replaces the breadcrumbs in the recipe. You could also use gluten free breadcrumbs.
How to make air fryer chicken meatballs
Add the ground chicken, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, almond flour, spices to a bowl.
Combine the ingredients but don’t overwork them (if possible).
Measure out the ground chicken mixture into 1-1.5 tablespoons to make into meatballs. Be sure to loosely press the meatballs together, don’t apply to much pressure.
Put the meatballs into the air fryer basket.
Turn on the air fryer to 390F for 12-13 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip and allow them to cook 2-3 minutes more.
Other additions
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture before mixing.
- Garlic flavor: Add 2-3 cloves of finely minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder (the garlic powder will blend into the mixture more evenly). To keep these low FODMAP friendly, you could also add 1 tablespoon roasted garlic olive oil.
- Fresh herbs: Add 2-3 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley or fresh basil.
What to serve with chicken meatballs
- Serve with your favorite pasta and pasta sauce
- Serve as an appetizer or snack along with your favorite dip ( like white bean pesto dip or spinach walnut pesto)
- Serve with cauliflower mash or mashed potatoes and broccoli or your favorite salad for a comforting meal.
Common questions
Can you simmer these in marinara sauce?
Yes! Cook the meatballs 1-2 minutes less than indicated then place them in a pot with simmering marinara . Cook 4-5 minutes (or longer) in the sauce.
Can you make these chicken meatballs in the oven
Yes, make these in the oven by cooking them at 400F for 20-25 minutes until they reach 165F (internal temperature).
Can you make these in advance?
Assemble the chicken meatballs up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to store them in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready to serve, follow directions on how to cook in the air fryer.
Can you freeze meatballs
Yes! After cooking, allow them to cool off completely. Freeze them in a single layer (I like to put parchment or wax paper on a sheet pan) and freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen:
- Stovetop: To reheat, you can drop the frozen meatballs in marinara and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: You can reheat in the microwave 2-3 minutes from frozen.
- Air fryer: Put them in a 350F air fryer for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp almond flour
- 2 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add all the ingredients.
- Combine the ingredients well, but try not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough.
- Make the meatballs, using 1-1.5 tablespoons of the ground chicken mixture. Lightly press until they form a ball, no need to press down hard when forming the meatballs.
- Add the meatballs to the air fryer basket.
- Turn the air fryer on, 390F for 13 minutes.
- After 10 minutes of cooking, pause the air fryer and carefully flip the meatballs. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F (or more).
Equipment
Notes
- When mixing the meatballs try not to overwork the meatball mixture, as that can make the meatballs tough.
- Roll the meatballs loosely or use a 1 tablespoon scoop. Using too much force to form the meatballs can also make them tough.
- There is no need to preheat your air fryer in advance.
- Be sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs 165F when done cooking to ensure they are done.
- You can make the meatball mixture in advance, up to 2 days, just be sure it’s kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: After cooking, allow the chicken meatballs to cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer (I like to put parchment or wax paper on a sheet pan) and freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Stovetop: To reheat, you can drop the frozen meatballs in marinara and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: You can reheat in the microwave 2-3 minutes from frozen.
- Air fryer: Put them in a 350F air fryer for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Omg!!! These look very delicious. I would love to try these meatballs.