Savas Kitchen

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • By Category
    • Ukrainian
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides Dishes
    • Soup
    • Sweet treats
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

    Published: Jan 11, 2024 · Modified: May 7, 2025 by Nataliia

    Jump to Recipe

    These quick and easy air fryer chicken meatballs are ready in 30 minutes. Serve them a main dish, appetizer, or as a tasty addition to your pasta dishes.

    Close-up view of a cooked round piece of meat on a fork. There is a blurred background of a white bowl with the rest of the food.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • Nataliia's tips
    • Serving ideas
    • How to store
    • Frequently asked questions
    • More homemade meatball recipes
    • ​More air fryer chicken recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    I make meatballs at least once a week because they are versatile and everyone loves them in my family.

    These air fryer chicken meatball recipe is my go-to during busy weeks. Because I can prepare a large batch and pair them with various sides for up to three days.

    They are also ideal for my son's lunch box - they're mess-free and easy to eat by hand.

    These meatballs are so juicy and flavorful that they don't even need sauce.

    My secret is in using not-so-lean meat and adding some grated veggies. They look so appetizing and will complete any of your meals. 

    If you cannot find ground chicken at the store, you can easily make it at home using one of our four methods for mincing chicken. I like to make mine with both white and dark meat. 

    White bowl with browned meatballs.

    Ingredients

    For the full list of ingredients and quantities please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

    • Ground Chicken - I used home-made chicken mince. You can use store-bought ground chicken, make sure that the fat content is not less than 7%. The lean ground chicken will be dense. 
    • Vegetables: I used zucchini, carrots, and spinach. Vegetables will add flavor, juiciness, and extra fiber. You can skip the vegetables or use only one kind.
    • Egg - the egg will bind all the ingredients and hold the meatballs together.
    • Bread Crumbs - I used plain bread crumbs. You can also use Italian or Panko breadcrumbs instead.
    • Parmesan Cheese - you will need grated Parmesan cheese.
    • Olive Oil - Olive oil will improve the great texture and prevent the meatballs from drying out.
    • Tomato Paste - you can skip it, but adding a little bit of tomato paste will add great flavor and balance the taste.
    • Salt and spices - I used salt, dry oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add thyme, and basil or use Italian seasoning.
    Labeled recipe ingredients on a white background.

    Directions

    Prepare the veggies - use a grater box or food processor to shred zucchini and carrots. I like to grate the carrots on the fine side of the grater box and the zucchini on the coarse side. Set them aside. Chop the spinach finely and set aside separately from other vegetables.

    A cutting board with two bowls. One has shredded zucchini and carrots, the second one has chopped greens.

    Make the meatball mixture -in a large bowl, add whisked egg, ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, tomato paste, salt, and spices. Use a spoon or hands to mix everything well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Do not overmix the meat mixture. Squeeze out any extra juice from zucchini and carrots and add them to the bowl. Add chopped spinach there as well. Mix again to combine.

    Collage image with two process shots with a glass bowl before and after mixing the ingredients.

    Form the meatballs -prepare a board or baking pan by lining it with some parchment paper. Use a spoon or a cookie scoop for the even-sized balls. Form meatballs with your hands. Set the meatballs on a prepared board. You will more likely be cooking them in batches. 

    Air Fry - preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes. Arrange the first bath of chicken meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd and make sure the meatballs are at least one each apart from each other. Air fry meatballs for 10-15 minutes or until they are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Repeat with the rest of the meatballs. 

    Collage of two images showing the air fryer basket with chicken balls before and after cooking.

    Nataliia's tips

    • For juicy meatballs use a meat with a minimum of 7% fat content. Very lean meat will result in dry meatballs.
    • If you are adding shredded zucchini or other moist vegetables, make sure to squeeze extra liquid.
    • Cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer for even cooking and browning. 
    • Cooking times can vary depending on your specific air fryer model. I recommend always using a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are fully cooked.

    Serving ideas

    There are probably hundreds of ways you can serve with chicken meatballs. Below, I am sharing with you my favorite ways to enjoy them. 

    • With sauce and pasta: toss them in your favorite marinara sauce and serve them over spaghetti or zucchini noodles. 
    • Meatball subs: change it up and use them to make delicious sub sandwiches, by adding some bread, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. 
    • Grains: for extra fiber, try them with buckwheat, barley, or millet. 
    • Salads and bowls: you can add them as your choice of protein to any salad or bowl. 

    How to store

    Refrigerate: place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Pop them back in the air fryer3-5 minutes to reheat. If you plan to serve them with the sauce, reheat them in the skillet with the sauce. 

    Freeze: these meatballs freeze well. Let the meatballs cool down completely first. Then, place them in a freezer bag and mark the bag with a date. They will last in a freezer for up to 3 months. 

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I bake these meatballs if I do not have an air fryer?

    Yes, you can easily bake these meatballs if you do not have an air fryer.
    Simply line the baking pan with parchment paper and bake them in the
    preheated to 400°F oven for about 19-25 minutes.

    How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?

    The best way to check if the meatballs are cooked is by using a meat
    thermometer. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, they are
    ready.

    Can I freeze chicken meatballs?

    Yes, you can freeze chicken meatballs for up to 3 months. After cooking them, let them cool to room temperature. Then place them in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freeze-safe bag or a container. When ready to eat, you can reheat them from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

    More homemade meatball recipes

    • Ground turkey meatballs
    • Chicken meatball and orzo soup
    • Stove top beef meatballs
    • Chicken rissoles 
    • Greek chicken meatballs

    ​More air fryer chicken recipes

    • Air fryer ground chicken patties
    • Air fryer frozen wings
    • Air fryer chicken thighs
    • Air fryer buffalo wings
    • Air fryer chicken fajitas
    • Air fryer breaded chicken breast
    • Air fryer frozen chicken breasts
    • Air fryer chicken legs
    • Air fryer chicken bites

    📖 Recipe

    Close-up view of a cooked round piece of meat on a fork. There is a blurred background of a white bowl with the rest of the food.

    Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

    Nataliia
    These quick and easy air fryer chicken meatballs are ready in 30 minutes. Serve them a main dish, appetizer, or as a tasty addition to your pasta dishes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 12 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 27 minutes mins
    Course dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 6
    Calories 325 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Ninja Air Fryer or other brand
    • 1 Box grater
    • 1 Large Mixing Bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound ground chicken (7% fat)
    • ½ medium zucchini
    • 1 carrot
    • 1 cup spinach
    • 1 egg, whisked
    • ½ cup plain bread crumbs
    • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional
    • ¼ teaspoon salt or more by taste
    • 1 teaspoon dry oregano
    • ½ teaspoon paprika powder
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Grate the zucchini and carrots using a box grater. Finely chop spinach. Set prepared vegetables aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine whisked egg, ground chicken, ½ cup bread crumbs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dry oregano, 1 tablespoon tomato paste and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands, being careful not to overmix.
    • Squeeze out any excess liquid from the grated zucchini. Add zucchini, carrots, and chopped spinach to the meat mixture. Mix until well combined.
    • Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion the meat mixture and shape it into small meatballs. Place them on a cutting boar or parchment-lined baking pan.
    • Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 375°F ("air fry mode") or until browned and the internal temperature reached 165°F. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer type and size of the meatballs.
    • Use  at least 7% fat ground chicken for juicy meatballs.
    • You can skip the vegetables or choose only one of them to add to the meatballs. 
    • To make the m gluten-free, use the same amount of rolled oats instead of bread crumbs.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4eaCalories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 14.2gProtein: 27.5gFat: 14.2gSodium: 438.2mgFiber: 1.7gSugar: 3g
    Keyword air fryer chicken meatballs, air fryer meatballs
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Air Fryer

    • Sliced cooked steak with slightly pink center on a cutting board, garnished with with a fresh sprig of rosemary.
      Juicy Air Fryer Frozen Steak
    • Roasted whole chicken with golden skin in air fryer basket
      Super Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
    • Air fried chicken wings coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce and topped with thinly sliced green onion on a plate.
      Air Fryer Honey Garlic Wings
    • Air-fried potato cubes garnished with fresh curly parsley served with a sunny-side-up egg on a white plate.
      Perfectly Seasoned Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Sava's kitchen female author wearing an apron standing in the kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Nataliia, a mom from Ukraine living in the U.S. I share cozy, family-friendly recipes that taste like home, no matter where you are. I hope these recipes end up in your family’s recipe box someday.

    More about Nataliia →

    Popular

    • Braised red cabbage served on a plate.
      Slow-Braised Red Cabbage (German-Style With Apples And Vinegar)

    • Ukrainian banosh cornmeal porridge served with fried pork belly pieces and crumbled cheese in a white bowl.
      Banosh (Ukrainian Cornmeal Porridge with Pork Belly and Cheese)

    • Lentil soup with chunky vegetables is served in a white bowl and topped with fresh green herbs.
      Lentil Soup Without Tomatoes

    • Overhead view of a square slice of carrot semolina cake with white glaze and shredded fresh carrots on top, served on a white plate with a bite-size piece on a fork showing the soft golden crumb inside.
      Easy Carrot Sheet Cake With Semolina

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Sava's Kitchen

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Contact
    • About

    Copyright © 2025 SAVA'S KITCHEN

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.