Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe in Just 17 Minutes

The air fryer buffalo chicken meatballs are a perfect example of healthy air fryer meals. The cooking process is also very simple: just mix the ingredients, roll them into balls, and cook at 400°F for 12 minutes. Really, it’s that easy to get juicy, flavorful meatballs ready to enjoy.

This dish is a perfect game-day snack or a nutritious family dinner option. It’s a testament to how healthy air fryer meals can also be delicious and easy to prepare. Using an air fryer, this recipe becomes an easy air fryer recipe that anyone can follow to create a mouthwatering treat.

Why Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

You might wonder, why go for air fryer buffalo chicken meatballs recipe? Well, it’s simple.

• The health benefits of air frying are hard to overlook. This cooking method uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier choice.
• Buffalo chicken meatballs bring a savory and spicy flavor that’s truly irresistible, hitting all the right notes for a game day recipe.
• This dish is among the quick party appetizers you can whip up in no time, making it ideal for hosting.
• Lastly, it’s a standout among healthy chicken meatball recipes, combining lean protein with bold flavors.

Choosing this recipe means you’re opting for quick air fryer meals that don’t compromise on taste or health.

Ingredients List

To get started on our buffalo chicken meatball ingredients, you’ll need the following:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving

Gathering these air fryer recipe ingredients is the first step towards making a delicious batch of meatballs that everyone will love.

And for better cooking experience you can use COSORI Turbo Blaze 6 Quart Air Fryer for this recipe.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Here’s how you can create cooking buffalo chicken meatballs in your air fryer, combining simplicity with delicious results. Follow these steps carefully for the best outcome.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This air fryer temperature setting ensures the meatballs cook evenly and get that desired crispy exterior.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Shape the mixture into balls, using about a tablespoon of mixture for each meatball. This size is ideal for cooking through evenly while keeping the inside juicy.

Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each to ensure they cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the meatballs at 400°F for 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking times, turn the meatballs to ensure they brown on all sides.

Check the meatballs are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Serve the meatballs with extra buffalo sauce and optional blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Essential Note: Always make sure the meatballs are spaced out in the air fryer. Crowding them can lead to uneven cooking. If you’re cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven while the rest cook.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in Air Fryer

Achieving perfect air fryer meatballs is about more than just following a recipe. It’s about technique and understanding what makes a meatball deliciously tender and flavorful. Here are some tips to ensure meatball juiciness and flavor enhancements:

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix your ingredients just until they’re combined. Overworking the meat mixture can lead to tough meatballs. Gentle hands are key to perfect air fryer meatballs.
• Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to form your meatballs. This ensures each meatball is the same size, which means they will cook evenly and at the same rate.
• Let Them Rest: Once you’ve formed your meatballs, let them sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them keep their shape and enhances the meatball juiciness.
• Moisture is Key: To prevent dry meatballs, ensure your mixture isn’t too lean. A bit of fat in the meat and the right amount of buffalo sauce contribute to the juiciness.
• Flavor Enhancements: Don’t shy away from adding herbs and spices to your mixture. While the buffalo sauce provides a kick, additional seasonings can complement the overall flavor.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving air fryer meatballs, the right accompaniments can turn the dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some suggestions for buffalo meatball dips and side dishes:

• Blue Cheese Dressing: The classic partner for anything buffalo-flavored. The creamy and tangy profile of blue cheese cuts through the spice and adds a layer of complexity.
• Ranch Dressing: Another creamy option that’s a crowd-pleaser. Ranch dressing offers a herbaceous counterpoint to the spicy meatballs.
• Celery Sticks: These provide a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the meatballs, making them a staple side for this dish.
• Carrot Sticks: Like celery, carrot sticks offer a sweet crunch that pairs well with the spicy and savory flavors of the meatballs.
• Presentation: For parties, consider skewering the meatballs with toothpicks and serving them on a platter with the dips and vegetable sticks on the side. For casual dining, a bowl of meatballs with dips and sides served family-style encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy.

Choosing the right side dishes and buffalo meatball dips not only complements the flavors but also turns the meal into a festive, shareable feast.

See next: 10-Minute Air Fryer Cajun Catfish

FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Variations of the Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

For those with specific dietary needs or taste preferences, there are plenty of recipe variations to explore:

• Gluten-Free Options: Swap out regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. There are many available that offer the same binding qualities without gluten.
• Vegetarian Alternatives: Consider using ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a lighter option or to accommodate vegetarian diets.
• Spice Adjustments: The heat level of the buffalo sauce can be easily adjusted. Use a milder sauce or mix in some honey to dial down the spice, or add extra hot sauce for those who prefer a fiery kick.

These dietary adjustments and alternative ingredients ensure that everyone can enjoy these delicious meatballs, regardless of their dietary restrictions or flavor preferences.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Properly storing and reheating air fryer dishes is crucial for maintaining their quality:

• Storage Instructions: Cool the meatballs at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Meatballs: Arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. This method prevents them from sticking together.

To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer at 350°F until they are heated through, ensuring they retain their texture and flavor.

Final Words

I would like you to try making air fryer buffalo chicken meatballs for your next gathering or meal prep.

This gluten-free air fryer recipe is adaptable, delicious, and sure to be a hit. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or just looking for a tasty, healthier option, this recipe has got you covered.

Give it a go, and feel free to share your experiences or ask any questions in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, Ofcourse You’ll Love

• Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Spatchcock Chicken
• Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken
• Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
• Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

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