Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Spicy Firecracker Sauce Recipe
These Air Fryer Meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic favorite, made with ground chicken or turkey and coated in a flavorful firecracker sauce. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they are easy to prepare using an air fryer for a quick and mess-free cooking experience. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they pack a punch with smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Firecracker Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Franks or Sriracha)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, beaten eggs, smoked paprika, chopped chives, and onion powder. Mix well until evenly blended.
- Add Ground Meat and Dry Ingredients: Add the ground chicken (or turkey), panko breadcrumbs, and shredded parmesan cheese to the mixture. Gently combine all ingredients without overmixing to prevent tough meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Using about 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture per meatball, shape them into balls. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket spaced closely but not squished, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. You may need to cook them in batches.
- First Air Fry: Spray the meatballs lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Air Frying: Turn the meatballs over, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Check one meatball for doneness to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Make Firecracker Sauce: While the meatballs cook, combine the hot sauce, light brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and salt in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky. Be careful not to over-thicken as it will thicken more when cooled. Adjust consistency with small amounts of water if needed.
- Add Spice to Sauce: Stir the red pepper flakes into the thickened sauce until evenly combined.
- Coat Meatballs with Sauce: Remove each cooked meatball and dip thoroughly into the firecracker sauce to coat all sides. Place the coated meatballs back in the air fryer basket.
- Final Fry: Air fry the coated meatballs for 2 more minutes to set the sauce.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately, with additional firecracker sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough, dry meatballs.
- Double the sauce recipe if you want extra for dipping or to drizzle over the meatballs.
- Meatballs can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cook just before serving.
- Spray the meatballs with nonstick spray both before the first air frying and again after flipping to ensure crispiness.
