Tender, juicy, and bursting with savory flavor, Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan are the ultimate anytime treat. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner, an impressive party appetizer, or a kid-friendly protein for meal prep, these golden bites always hit the spot. The combination of ground chicken, freshly grated Parmesan, fragrant herbs, and a hint of garlic creates a crave-worthy dish that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. If you’re looking for a healthier twist on classic meatballs with unbeatable crispiness and flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan is in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each staple brings something special—moisture, flavor, or a gorgeous golden color—working together to create meatballs that are anything but ordinary.
- Ground Chicken: The star of the show—lean, mild, and perfect for soaking up all the Italian-inspired flavors.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps the meatballs brown beautifully in the air fryer.
- Breadcrumbs: Bind the mixture and keep the texture light and tender—try gluten-free or almond flour for a twist.
- Large Egg: Acts as the glue that holds everything together, ensuring the meatballs stay moist.
- Minced Garlic: For that unmistakable aromatic kick—freshly minced makes all the difference.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Lends a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to balance the richness.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Italian flavors with its blend of dried herbs—no extra mixing required.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the other flavors to life—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: A touch of heat and earthiness to round things out.
- Olive Oil Spray (optional): Helps the meatballs achieve that irresistible golden crust in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding your ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently combine everything using clean hands or a spatula—just enough to bring the mixture together. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so a light touch is key here for perfectly juicy results.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
With your mixture ready, scoop out portions and roll them into 1 1/2-inch balls. You should end up with about 16 meatballs. If the mixture feels a little sticky, lightly wetting your hands with water can help make the shaping process easier and less messy.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. If your air fryer basket tends to stick, give it a quick spritz with olive oil spray. This step ensures the meatballs won’t stick and helps them achieve that deliciously crisp exterior.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, making sure there’s a bit of space between each one for even airflow. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. The meatballs are ready when they’re golden all over and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Right out of the air fryer, these chicken meatballs are at their absolute best—juicy on the inside, perfectly crisp on the outside. Serve them hot with your favorite marinara sauce, over a bed of pasta, or let them shine on their own as a fun appetizer with toothpicks. No matter how you serve them, Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan are sure to be a hit.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a shower of fresh parsley, or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can transform these meatballs into a restaurant-worthy dish. For an extra touch, drizzle with good-quality olive oil or serve with a side of lemon wedges for brightness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan with classic spaghetti and marinara, a crisp Caesar salad, or buttery garlic bread for a cozy Italian feast. For lighter fare, serve alongside roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation to the next level by skewering the meatballs onto cocktail sticks for party bites, tucking them into slider buns with a dollop of sauce, or piling them into lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. You can even thread them onto skewers with veggies and grill for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan (lucky you!), simply let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, ready to heat up for a quick meal or snack.
Freezing
These meatballs are freezer-friendly, which makes meal prep a breeze. Arrange the cooked and cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just grab as many as you need for future meals.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the meatballs back into the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry. If reheating from frozen, allow a few extra minutes in the air fryer to get them nice and hot all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get juicy, tender meatballs with the same easy cooking method.
How do I make these gluten-free?
To make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan gluten-free, simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Both options work well and keep the texture light and delicious.
What dipping sauces go well with these meatballs?
Classic marinara is always a hit, but you can also serve these meatballs with pesto, garlic aioli, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a zesty twist.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the meatballs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop them into the air fryer and cook as directed for a super speedy meal.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A light mist of olive oil spray in the basket before adding the meatballs usually does the trick. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the basket—giving the meatballs a little space helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a new staple that’s quick, healthy, and seriously flavorful, Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan should be at the top of your list. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you’ll have a dish everyone will ask for again and again. Give them a try and watch these meatballs disappear faster than you ever thought possible!
