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    Home » Entree

    Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

    November 15, 2022 by Chrissy Carroll Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    Meatballs in the air fryer basket after cooking.

    Ingredients

    Here’s a photo of everything you’ll need to make this recipe, along with selected ingredient notes:

    Ground chicken, parmesan, panko, egg, spinach, oil, and seasonings.
    • 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.

    Finely chopped spinach on a cutting board.

    Now mix together all the ingredients – the ground chicken, spinach, egg, panko, parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

    Meatball ingredients mixed together in a bowl.

    Roll the mixture into 18 meatballs, and place those in your air fryer basket.

    Uncooked meatballs in an 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.

    Chicken meatballs on top of roasted red pepper pasta.

    Recipe FAQ

    Here are some common questions that may come up as you prepare this recipe:

    How do you know when chicken meatballs are done?

    Chicken meatballs are done when they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, as measured with a meat thermometer.

    Can you freeze air fryer chicken meatballs?

    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.

    Can you make chicken meatballs without cheese?

    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 in the air fryer basket after cooking.

    Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

    Snacking in Sneakers
    These air fryer chicken meatballs are an easy, protein-packed dish! Perfect for pastas, subs, or any of your other favorite ways to use meatballs.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 12 minutes mins
    Total Time 27 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 18 meatballs
    Calories 63 kcal

    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 facts (per meatball): 63 calories, 3.5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 85 mg sodium, 1.5 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 6 g protein, Vitamin D: 0%, Calcium: 2%, Iron: 2%, Potassium: 3%

    Nutrition

    Calories: 63kcal
    Keyword air fryer chicken meatballs, chicken spinach meatballs
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Share with me:  What’s your favorite way to use ground chicken?  Do you have any inexpensive meals that you absolutely love to make?

    Feel free to pin this post to save for later!

    Air fryer chicken meatballs in the air fryer basket with a text overlay with the recipe name.
    • Author
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    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
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    Welcome to Snacking in Sneakers! That’s me, Chrissy, and I’m here to share all my favorite fitness, food, & wellness stories & tips. I’m a dietitian, personal trainer, runner, triathlon coach, foodie, not-so-extreme couponer, and all around fun lovin’ gal.

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    Chrissy Carroll
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    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
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    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
    Latest posts by Chrissy Carroll (see all)
    • Should Runners Lift Heavy Weights or Light Weights? - May 9, 2025
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