Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t tie you to the stove, this Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These meatballs are juicy, packed with delicious cheesy goodness, and come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight or when you want something comforting without the fuss.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to get those crispy edges and tender centers with minimal oil and mess, thanks to the air fryer magic. You’ll find that once you’ve tried these meatballs, they’re not just a hit at dinner but also a great make-ahead snack or party appetizer!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to create flavorful chicken meatballs that are moist but still hold their shape. The parmesan cheese adds a wonderful umami punch, while the seasonings keep things tasty but simple.

• Ground chicken: Look for fresh, lean ground chicken to keep meatballs tender yet healthy.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to keep those meatballs from falling apart.
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch or regular if that’s what you have on hand.
• Parmesan cheese: This is the star – freshly grated gives best flavor, but pre-grated works too.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps with browning in the air fryer.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
• Onion powder: Boosts flavor without the fuss of fresh onions.
• Paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness that pairs beautifully with chicken and cheese.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• Parsley: Fresh or dried works – brightens up the dish and adds a leftover pop of color.

Variations

I love tweaking this Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or how I’m feeling. You can easily customize it to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper – my family loves the little heat boost!
• Herb Swap: Experiment with basil, oregano, or thyme instead of parsley for a more Italian flair.
• Cheese Variations: Try swapping parmesan for pecorino Romano or mixing in some shredded mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep these meatballs safe for your gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients and Form the Meatballs

Start by tossing your ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley into a large mixing bowl. I like to use my hands for this step—makes sure everything is evenly combined without overworking the meat. Then, scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to create nice, evenly-sized meatballs. This recipe yields about 24 meatballs; try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare Your Air Fryer and Cook the Meatballs

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C). While warming up, line the basket with foil or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in a single layer without crowding—this helps them brown beautifully. Air fry for 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through so all sides get crispy and golden. Use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they’re cooked safely but still juicy.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, remove your meatballs from the basket and get ready to enjoy! They’re amazing on their own, but I love serving them with warm marinara sauce for dipping or tossing them with pasta for a full meal. If you’re making multiple batches, keep the cooked meatballs warm in the air fryer at a low temperature before serving.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I’m a big fan of sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or basil over these meatballs right before serving — it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that really balances the parmesan richness. A little extra grated parmesan on top never hurts either if you want to go full cheese mode.

Side Dishes

I often pair these meatballs with simple spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic or a crisp green salad for a lighter touch. Roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus make a perfect side too, soaking up any extra marinara sauce leftover on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party, I like serving these Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe on wooden skewers with little cups of dipping sauce lined up buffet-style. When we want something more elegant, I toss the meatballs in a rich tomato cream sauce and plate over risotto or polenta—always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and ready to reheat without drying out.

Freezing

I often make a double batch and freeze extras! Just spread the cooked meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet tray and freeze until solid, then pack into a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver on busy days when you want a quick protein fix.

Reheating

For reheating, I find zapping them in the microwave works for a quick fix, but popping them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes revives the crispy exterior like they’re freshly made. Just be sure not to overheat or they can dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Recipe turns out every single time. It’s that perfect blend of ease, flavor, and texture that makes me come back to it again and again—plus, it’s a guaranteed hit with my family and friends. If you’re looking to add a simple but impressive dish to your repertoire, give these a go. You’ll enjoy the hands-off cooking, the juicy results, and the way they bring everyone to the table with a smile.

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