Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, all while being packed with flavor! They get a sweet and spicy kick from a yummy sauce.
These meatballs are quick to make in the air fryer, making them a great choice for busy days. Just whip up the sauce, cook, and enjoy your tasty bites while watching your favorite show!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish! You can swap it for ground turkey or lean pork if you prefer a different flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different meats can vary.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a light and crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but you’ll lose some crunchiness.
Green Onions: They add a nice fresh flavor. Feel free to use white or yellow onions if needed, or even chives for a milder taste.
Bang Bang Sauce: The classic sauce is creamy and spicy! If you want a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or use low-fat mayo. You can adjust the sriracha to control the heat level!
How Do I Get the Meatballs Just Right in the Air Fryer?
Getting perfectly cooked meatballs requires a bit of attention. First, mix the ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs. Use a cookie scoop to create uniform sizes for even cooking. Preheating the air fryer is key to a great crust.
- Shape meatballs about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook in a single layer; overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking for that golden finish!
With these tips, your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs will turn out delicious every time!
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup minced green onions (about 2-3 green onions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, finely grated (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for the air fryer basket
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll love how quick these are to make, and they are sure to be a hit!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, grated carrot (if using), egg, cilantro or parsley, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, each about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 18-20 meatballs. Put them on a plate as you go.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes to get it nice and hot.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a little oil in to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
5. Cook the Meatballs:
Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You might need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small. Air fry the meatballs at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket or turn the meatballs halfway through for even cooking and browning.
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare your bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (or lime juice). Stir until it’s well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha based on your desired spice level.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the meatballs are cooked and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the meatballs or serve it on the side for dipping. Feel free to garnish with extra chopped cilantro or parsley if you like. Dig in while they’re warm and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Meat?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is preferred for this recipe, you can substitute it with ground turkey or even lean pork. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different meats can vary slightly in how long they take to cook through.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the meatballs and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook them, simply pop them in the air fryer directly from the fridge, but you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring they stay crispy.
Can I Freeze These Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze them! Place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
