Introduction

These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a quick and delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer.

The dish shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a bottom layer of cooked spaghetti pasta, pale yellow in color with a smooth texture, spread evenly across the base. On top of the pasta, there is a thick layer of bright red marinara sauce with a slightly chunky texture, covering most of the noodles but leaving the edges visible. Arranged evenly on top are nine golden-brown meatballs, each covered with melted cheese that is lightly browned and bubbly, giving a textured and appetizing look. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top of the meatballs and sauce, adding a fresh pop of color. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken breast
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
3/4 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Roll the chicken mixture into nine meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter each.
Step 4: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Do not preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
Step 5: Cook the meatballs at 350°F for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Step 6: After 12 minutes, spoon marinara sauce over each meatball and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Cook for an additional 2 minutes at 350°F to melt the cheese.
Step 7: Serve your chicken parmesan meatballs over noodles, in a hoagie bun, on sliders, or simply as an appetizer.

Tips & Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
For added flavor, mix some finely chopped fresh basil or parsley into the meat mixture.
Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different twist.
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layer of cooked spaghetti at the bottom, pale yellow in color with a smooth texture. Above the pasta, there is a thick, rich red tomato sauce spread evenly. On top of the sauce, there are nine browned meatballs, each topped with melted, slightly golden cheese and garnished with small green parsley leaves scattered over the whole dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with part of a white plate and silverware visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check the internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe?

No, this recipe works best without preheating. Placing the meatballs directly into the cold air fryer helps them cook evenly and retain moisture.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 127 reviews

These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic Italian favorite. Made with lean ground chicken breast, Italian seasoning, and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, these meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or served over pasta for a hearty meal. Cooking in the air fryer gives them a crispy exterior with juicy, tender insides without the added oil of frying.

Author: Cleo
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

Toppings

3/4 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Mix ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper thoroughly until evenly mixed.
Prepare air fryer basket: Line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
Form meatballs: Roll the chicken mixture into nine evenly sized meatballs, each about 2 inches in diameter.
Arrange meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each one for even cooking. Note that you should not preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
Cook meatballs: Cook the meatballs at 350°F for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Add sauce and cheese: After 12 minutes, spoon marinara sauce over each meatball and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue cooking at 350°F for an additional 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serve: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve them over noodles, in a hoagie bun, on sliders, or as a tasty appetizer.

Notes

Do not preheat the air fryer for this recipe; start cooking with the cold basket.
Using lean ground chicken keeps the meatballs light but ensures they remain juicy and tender.
Feel free to substitute Italian seasoning with your preferred herbs for a different flavor profile.
These meatballs can be served in various ways: over pasta, inside a sandwich, or as finger food at gatherings.
Ensure the meatballs are spaced out in the air fryer basket for optimal air circulation and even cooking.

Keywords: air fryer chicken meatballs, chicken parmesan, easy chicken meatballs, Italian meatballs, air fryer recipes, healthy meatballs