Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic Italian dish. Juicy ground chicken meatballs are seasoned with Italian herbs, coated with parmesan cheese, then air fried to perfection. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, they make a perfect quick dinner or appetizer, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
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
Topping
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken breast, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Form meatballs: Roll the chicken mixture into nine evenly sized meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter each.
- Air fry the meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer inside the prepared air fryer basket, making sure to space them apart. Do not preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook the meatballs for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Add sauce and cheese: After 12 minutes, spoon marinara sauce over each meatball and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the meatballs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes at 350°F, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve them hot. They are perfect over noodles, inside hoagie buns, on slider rolls, or as a flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- Do not preheat the air fryer for this recipe to ensure even cooking.
- Use parchment paper or nonstick spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Make sure to flip the meatballs halfway through cooking to brown them evenly.
- These meatballs can be served with pasta, in sandwiches, or enjoyed on their own as an appetizer.
- Ground chicken breast is lean, so handle gently to keep meatballs tender and moist.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
