Need a quick and easy protein-packed recipe? Try these air fryer chicken meatballs! From start to finish, these will be on your table in under 30 minutes. This meatball recipe is perfect for pasta, meatball subs, or even tossed in a grape jelly sauce.
Ingredients
Here’s a photo of everything you’ll need to make this recipe, along with selected ingredient notes:
- Ground chicken – Ground chicken is inexpensive, making it a top choice for many recipes in these days of rising food costs! You could also easily sub in ground turkey if you prefer.
- Spinach – I’m always looking for an excuse to add veggies to a dish, so why not add some spinach to these meatballs?! Not only does it boost the nutrition content, but it also adds some moisture to keep these meatballs tender.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are a bit larger and coarser than traditional breadcrumbs. If you don’t have any on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch.
Instructions
This recipe is so easy! You’ll find the full recipe amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the page, but here’s a helpful overview with photos. (Though it’s honestly so simple you probably don’t need the process photos).
When prepping your ingredients, try to chop the spinach fairly finely. It’s OK if it’s not perfect, but finely chopping will help ensure it mixes well into the meatballs.
Now mix together all the ingredients – the ground chicken, spinach, egg, panko, parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Roll the mixture into 18 meatballs, and place those in your air fryer basket.
I have a fairly large air fryer, so I can fit everything without the meatballs overlapping. If you have a smaller air fryer though, you may need to do two batches.
Air fry at 375 degrees for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Then enjoy in whatever way you’d like!
The last time we made these meatballs, I added them to a roasted red pepper pasta and the whole dish was so yummy.
Recipe FAQ
Here are some common questions that may come up as you prepare this recipe:
Chicken meatballs are done when they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, as measured with a meat thermometer.
Yes. After cooking, freeze the meatballs in an air-tight Tupperware or zip top bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave on a plate covered with a slightly damp paper towel.
Sure. You can simply omit the parmesan if needed.
More Ground Chicken Recipes
If you’ve stocked up on ground chicken, here are some other delicious recipes to try:
- Chicken apple meatballs
- Chicken parm stuffed peppers
- Cranberry chicken meatloaf
- Ground chicken enchiladas
- Ground chicken lettuce wraps
I hope you enjoy these air fryer chicken meatballs! We’re big fans here at my house. If you get a chance to try ‘em, feel free to leave a recipe rating or comment below.
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mix well and shape into 18 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in your air fryer basket (you may need to do multiple batches if you have a small air fryer).
- Air fry at 375 degrees F for 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165 degrees F.
Notes
Nutrition
Share with me: What’s your favorite way to use ground chicken? Do you have any inexpensive meals that you absolutely love to make?
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