Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a quick, flavorful appetizer or snack packed with spicy buffalo sauce and cheesy goodness. They’re easy to make and perfect for parties or a tasty weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon until fully combined.
- Step 2: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the mixture into about 25 meatballs. Roll each portion gently into a ball.
- Step 3: Brush your air fryer basket with oil or line it with a piece of perforated parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- Step 4: Cook the meatballs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Step 5: Remove the cooked meatballs to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm while you cook any remaining batches. Let them rest for about 5 minutes for best flavor.
- Step 6: Serve the meatballs with an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, or use ranch as a dip. Garnish with chives or green onions if you like.
Tips & Variations
- Add finely chopped celery for extra crunch and classic buffalo flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Try blue cheese crumbles instead of cheddar for a different twist.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat level to your taste.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes for the best texture, or microwave until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.
PrintAir Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a delicious, spicy twist on classic meatballs, made with lean ground chicken, cheddar cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and juicy interior, they make an excellent appetizer or snack served with ranch dressing and garnished with fresh chives or green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: About 25 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined.
- Form Meatballs: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the mixture into about 25 meatballs, then roll each portion into a ball by hand.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Brush the air fryer basket with oil or preferably line it with a piece of perforated parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook Meatballs: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating they are fully cooked.
- Rest Meatballs: Remove cooked meatballs to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs with an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side as a dip. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Grated carrot adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the meatballs, complementing the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Using perforated parchment paper in the air fryer helps prevent sticking and allows air to circulate evenly for a crisp texture.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they’re safe to eat.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to taste if you prefer milder or spicier meatballs.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.
Keywords: buffalo chicken meatballs, air fryer meatballs, spicy chicken appetizer, buffalo sauce recipes, quick meatballs, game day snacks
