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To make tasty buffalo chicken meatballs, you need these main ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for serving) - 1 egg, beaten Each ingredient brings flavor and helps the meatballs hold together. The ground chicken is the star. It provides lean protein and a great base. The breadcrumbs and egg help bind the meatballs, so they don’t fall apart. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick, while green onions give a fresh taste. The spices make every bite exciting. You can add more ingredients for extra flavor if you like: - Chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) - A dash of hot sauce for more heat - Diced jalapeños for spice - Cream cheese for a richer texture These optional ingredients let you customize your meatballs. Use what you love to make them your own. To cook these meatballs, you will need some basic gear: - Air fryer - Large mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Mixing spoon or spatula - Baking sheet or plate for raw meatballs This gear makes the cooking process smooth and easy. An air fryer is key to getting that crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy. The mixing bowl is where all the magic happens. With the right tools, you’ll create a delicious dish in no time. To start, gather all your ingredients. You need 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, use 1/3 cup of buffalo sauce and 1 beaten egg. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it blends well. Then, pour in the beaten egg and buffalo sauce. Stir again until all the ingredients are combined. This mixture will make about 20 meatballs. Next, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Once your air fryer is ready, place the meatballs in the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. You might have to cook them in batches. Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes. Check for a golden brown color and ensure they’re fully cooked. Shake the basket halfway through to help the meatballs cook evenly. After cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer. If you want extra flavor, toss them in more buffalo sauce. Now it’s time to serve! Place the warm meatballs on a platter. You can drizzle more buffalo sauce on top if you like. I recommend serving extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping. These meatballs are perfect for parties or any game day. Enjoy the spicy kick with friends or family! To get the best texture, use fresh ground chicken. This keeps the meatballs moist. Adding breadcrumbs helps bind the mix. Don't add too many breadcrumbs, or the meatballs can be dry. Mixing in chopped green onions adds a nice crunch. Remember to form the meatballs gently. Overworking them will make them tough. Aim for about 1-inch in size. This size cooks evenly and stays juicy. One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. Leave space around the meatballs. This helps them cook evenly. Another mistake is not preheating the air fryer. Preheating to 380°F (193°C) ensures the meatballs cook right. Also, avoid skipping the egg. The egg helps hold the mix together and keeps it moist. Lastly, don't forget to shake the basket halfway. This helps brown all sides. You can boost the flavor easily. Try adding chopped celery or carrots for crunch. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. If you love cheese, mix in some shredded cheddar. For a twist, use ranch seasoning instead of garlic powder. Don’t forget to serve with extra buffalo sauce for dipping. This makes the dish even more fun! {{image_2}} You can spice up these meatballs with different sauces. Instead of buffalo sauce, try BBQ sauce for a sweet twist. You could also use teriyaki sauce for a tasty Asian flair. For a creamy option, ranch dressing works great. Each sauce gives a unique flavor to the meatballs. Experiment and find your favorite! You can change the meatball mix to suit your taste. Use ground turkey or lean beef instead of chicken. For a healthier option, mix in finely chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. If you love cheese, add mozzarella or feta for extra creaminess. These simple swaps let you make your own special meatballs. These meatballs fit any event. For game day, serve them with extra buffalo sauce and toothpicks. You can also use them as sliders on mini buns for a fun twist. Pair the meatballs with a salad for a light meal or serve them over pasta for a hearty dinner. No matter the occasion, these meatballs will impress your guests! To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place the meatballs in a clean, airtight container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps them fresh and ready for snacks or meals. Reheat the meatballs in the air fryer for a quick and easy fix. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also microwave them. Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1 to 2 minutes, checking to avoid overcooking. To freeze meatballs, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs into a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, air fry them at 380°F (193°C) for about 15-18 minutes. I cook buffalo chicken meatballs in an air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes. Set the temperature to 380°F (193°C). The meatballs should look golden brown and feel firm when done. I recommend shaking the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Yes, you can use other meats! Ground turkey or pork works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may change. You can also try using plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time if needed based on the meat you choose. Buffalo chicken meatballs pair great with several sides. You can serve them with celery sticks and carrot sticks for crunch. They also go well with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip. Try them on a sub roll for a tasty meatball sandwich. Enjoy them during game day or at parties! In this post, we explored how to make tasty air fryer buffalo chicken meatballs. You learned about the main and optional ingredients, the cooking gear you need, and the step-by-step process. I also shared tips to help perfect the meatballs and variations to keep things exciting. Don't forget how to store leftovers for quick meals later. By following these tips, you can make delicious meatballs that suit any occasion. Enjoy creating this easy and flavorful dish!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Spice up your dinner with these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs that are bursting with flavor! Made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and zesty buffalo sauce, these meatballs are easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a crispy, delicious dish that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to make these mouthwatering meatballs today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground chicken

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/3 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for serving)

1 egg, beaten

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

    Add the beaten egg and buffalo sauce to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

      Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in size. This should yield around 20 meatballs.

          Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded (you may need to do this in batches).

            Cook the meatballs in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

              Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs from the air fryer and toss them in additional buffalo sauce if desired for extra flavor.

                Serve warm on a platter with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4