Prepare to fall in love with these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan! Imagine juicy, golden chicken meatballs brimming with savory Parmesan and aromatic herbs, all crisped up perfectly in your air fryer. They’re quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. The best part? These irresistible meatballs are packed with flavor but feel so much lighter than their beefy cousins—making them a personal favorite I reach for again and again whenever I’m craving comfort food with an Italian-American twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of this recipe, but each component really earns its place. Every ingredient works together to create juicy, cheesy meatballs with gorgeous color and classic Italian-style fragrance. Here’s what you’ll need for these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan:
- Ground Chicken: The foundation for tender, lean meatballs that absorb every bit of flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps bind the meatballs while melting into each bite.
- Breadcrumbs: Key for structure and moisture—try gluten-free if you need!
- Egg: Holds everything together for a meatball that is moist but never crumbly.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic brings a bold, aromatic kick you’ll taste in every bite.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): Offers brightness and a pop of color that makes these meatballs as pretty as they are delicious.
- Italian Seasoning: A pre-mixed blend makes life easy, adding classic herbs for extra character.
- Salt: Essential to enhance all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Elevates the savory flavors with mellow warmth.
- Olive Oil Spray: Just a light mist keeps the meatballs from sticking and encourages that glorious golden crust.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together with clean hands or a sturdy spoon, just until the ingredients are evenly combined. Don’t overmix, or your meatballs might turn dense—think tender, not tough!
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into 1.5-inch balls. Aim for uniform sizing to ensure even cooking. It helps to lightly oil your hands before rolling if the mixture is a little sticky. Line them up on a plate or tray as you go to keep things tidy.
Step 3: Prep the Air Fryer
Before adding your meatballs, give your air fryer basket a quick spray with olive oil. This not only keeps the meatballs from sticking, but also encourages that signature golden crust. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one so the hot air can work its magic.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry the meatballs for 10–12 minutes. About halfway through, carefully turn each meatball to promote even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden and their internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). Trust me, the air fryer delivers unmatched texture—juicy inside, lightly crisp outside—every time!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked through, transfer your Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan to a serving platter. Enjoy them piping hot, spooned with warm marinara sauce or nestled over your favorite pasta. You’ll be blown away by how such simple ingredients turn into the ultimate weeknight treat.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle your meatballs with a fresh shower of extra Parmesan and a few torn parsley leaves. A quick drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a spark of lemon zest adds brightness and brings the whole dish to life.
Side Dishes
These flavorful meatballs are super versatile: serve them over spaghetti tossed in marinara, beside garlicky sautéed greens, or even alongside creamy risotto. If you’re living low-carb, pile them on a bed of zoodles or roasted veggies—the options are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Try tucking these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan into a crusty sub with melty mozzarella for the best-ever meatball sandwich, or skewer them with cherry tomatoes and basil for an easy party appetizer. They even shine atop a Caesar salad for an Italian twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They make fantastic meal prep for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
These meatballs are wonderfully freezer-friendly. After air frying, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-cooked feel, reheat meatballs in your air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes (no need to thaw if reheating from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes). Alternatively, you can gently warm them in a covered skillet with a splash of water or sauce.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works seamlessly in this recipe and delivers a very similar light, juicy texture. Just make sure to use turkey with a moderate fat percentage for best flavor and moisture.
How do I keep my meatballs from drying out?
Be careful not to overmix your meatball mixture and avoid overcooking—they’re perfectly done when the internal temp hits 165°F. The egg and breadcrumbs also help lock in moisture, making each bite tender.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
While not always required, preheating your air fryer for a couple of minutes ensures that the meatballs start cooking immediately and brown evenly. It’s a simple step that can really up your texture game!
Can Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and double check that your seasonings are certified gluten-free. The taste and texture will be just as wonderful, so no one will miss the gluten.
Can I add extra veggies to the meatballs?
Definitely. For more veggies, finely grate a little zucchini (squeeze it dry first) or carrot and fold into the mixture. Not only does it add color and nutrients, it sneaks in extra moisture for super-juicy results.
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible not to want seconds of these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan! Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for a busy week, or just in the mood for something comforting and full of Italian flavor, this recipe hits the spot every single time. Give it a try and watch these become your new favorite go-to meatballs!
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Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and seasonings, these meatballs are cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Serve them with marinara sauce or over pasta for a delicious meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil spray for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
- Form Meatballs: Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce or over pasta if desired.
Notes
- These meatballs freeze well after cooking—just reheat in the air fryer or oven.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
