Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until just combined (don’t overmix).
Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.
Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
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Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
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Lightly spray the basket to prevent sticking.
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Check doneness early—air fryers can vary.
Variations
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Italian-Style: Add mozzarella cubes inside each meatball and serve with marinara.
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Low-Carb/Keto: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
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Asian-Inspired: Add grated ginger, green onion, and a splash of soy sauce.
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Spicy: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Herb & Lemon: Add lemon zest and fresh dill or basil for a bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g