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Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

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Juicy air fryer chicken meatballs coated in a sticky, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy firecracker sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 meatballs

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, olive oil, garlic, chives, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Add ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 3 tablespoons each).
  4. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and lightly spray basket and meatballs with oil.
  5. Cook meatballs in a single layer for 10 minutes.
  6. Flip, spray lightly again, and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, combine brown sugar, hot sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in red pepper flakes.
  8. Dip cooked meatballs in the sauce until well coated.
  9. Return coated meatballs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  10. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • Substitute ground turkey for a lighter variation.
  • Adjust spice level by modifying hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
  • Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 17–20 minutes if no air fryer is available.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for up to 4 months.
  • Reheat in air fryer or oven until warmed through.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Find it online: https://cooksplash.com/air-fryer-firecracker-chicken-meatballs/