Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the chicken mixture into nine approximately 2-inch diameter meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: After 12 minutes, spoon marinara sauce on top of each meatball, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- 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.
- 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
