Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs offer a delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken breast
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Step 3: Shape the chicken mixture into nine meatballs about 2 inches in diameter.
4. Step 4: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Do not preheat the air fryer.
5. Step 5: Cook the meatballs at 350°F for 12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
6. Step 6: Spoon marinara sauce over each meatball and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Continue cooking at 350°F for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
7. Step 7: Serve the meatballs over noodles, in hoagie buns, on sliders, or simply as a tasty appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch in the meatballs.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
• Try swapping ground chicken for turkey or beef if preferred.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the meatballs at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, then add sauce and cheese and bake 5 more minutes.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes or until heated through, to keep them crispy. They can also be frozen before cooking; just thaw overnight before air frying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chicken instead of ground chicken breast?

Ground chicken breast is best for texture and lean flavor, but you can use ground dark meat if preferred, which will be juicier. Avoid using whole pieces since they won’t bind properly.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, this recipe works best without preheating. Placing the meatballs in a cold air fryer ensures even cooking without drying out the exterior too quickly.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

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These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a quick and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Made with lean ground chicken, seasoned with Italian herbs, and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, these meatballs are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. Cooking them in the air fryer gives you a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor, and they’re perfect served over pasta or as a hearty appetizer.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 9 meatballs (serves 3-4) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken breast
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Topping

• 3/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine ground chicken breast, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the chicken mixture into nine approximately 2-inch diameter meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
4. Arrange Meatballs in Basket: Place the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each to allow hot air circulation. Note: Do not preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
5. Cook the Meatballs: Air fry the meatballs at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on all sides.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: After 12 minutes, spoon marinara sauce on top of each meatball, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
7. Finish Cooking: Return the meatballs to the air fryer and cook at 350°F for an additional 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove the meatballs carefully from the air fryer and serve them warm over noodles, inside a hoagie bun, on sliders, or enjoy as a flavorful appetizer.

Notes

• Do not preheat the air fryer to avoid overcooking the meatballs on the outside before the inside is done.
• Use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers to ensure proper airflow.
• Make sure meatballs are spaced evenly for best cooking results.
• For a lower carb option, serve the meatballs with zucchini noodles or a salad instead of pasta or bread.
• Check internal temperature of meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: chicken meatballs, air fryer recipe, chicken parmesan, Italian meatballs, healthy chicken recipe, quick dinner