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- 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 These ingredients come together to create tasty buffalo chicken meatballs. Ground chicken is the main player here. It gives a moist and tender bite. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and add some texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the dish. Green onions bring a fresh crunch. They also add a nice pop of color. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth. Salt and pepper round out the taste. You’ll also need buffalo sauce. This adds heat and tang to the meatballs. The beaten egg works as a binder, helping your meatballs hold their shape. When you have these ingredients ready, you can create a dish that's not only easy but also bursting with flavor. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome! - First, gather your ingredients in a large bowl. You will need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped green onions. Don’t forget the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Mix all these ingredients well. Use your hands or a spatula to combine them. It may get a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun! - Now, pour in the beaten egg and buffalo sauce. Stir until everything is mixed together. This step helps bind the meatballs and keeps them moist. - Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the meatballs cook evenly and gives them a nice, golden color. - Next, take some of the mixture and form small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. You should make around 20 meatballs. - Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure to leave space between them. This allows for good air circulation. If your basket is too small, cook in batches. - Cook the meatballs at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, gently shake the basket. This ensures even cooking on all sides. - Once the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through, take them out of the air fryer. You can check their doneness with a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C). - For extra flavor, toss the hot meatballs in more buffalo sauce. - Serve your meatballs on a nice platter. Add a small dish of buffalo sauce for dipping on the side. - For a colorful touch, garnish the platter with fresh celery and carrot sticks. This adds crunch and looks great! To avoid dryness, use ground chicken with a little fat. This helps keep the meatballs juicy. Mixing the ingredients well is key. When you combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and spices, don’t rush. Use your hands to blend thoroughly. To ensure even cooking, make meatballs the same size. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This helps them cook at the same rate. In the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer. Leave space between each meatball for air to flow. If needed, cook in batches. Adjusting spice levels is simple. If you like it hot, add more buffalo sauce or even a pinch of cayenne. For milder meatballs, reduce the buffalo sauce. You can also change the flavor by trying different sauces. For example, barbecue sauce can give a sweet twist. Teriyaki sauce adds a nice Asian flair. Experiment to find your favorite! {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in this recipe. If you want a different taste, try using ground turkey or beef. Both options work well and keep the meatballs juicy. Ground turkey gives a lighter flavor, while beef adds richness. If you need gluten-free options, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed rice cereal or oats. These alternatives still help bind the meatballs without gluten. Meatball sliders are a fun way to serve these buffalo chicken meatballs. Just place a meatball in a small bun. Add some extra buffalo sauce and a slice of cheese. You can serve these sliders for parties or game nights. Another great option is buffalo chicken meatball subs. Use a hoagie roll and pile in several meatballs. Drizzle with buffalo sauce and top with cheese. This makes a hearty meal everyone will enjoy. To keep your buffalo chicken meatballs fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration guidelines: Place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container. They last up to four days in the fridge. Always let them cool before sealing. - Freezing instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. Just label the bag with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to enjoy your meatballs again, use these methods: - Best ways to reheat meatballs: The air fryer is great for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about six to eight minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them a bit soggy. - Ensuring moisture retention: To keep them moist, cover the meatballs with a damp paper towel in the microwave. This helps trap steam and keeps them juicy. If using the oven, add a splash of water in the pan before covering it with foil. To check if the meatballs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. The center must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. You can also look for signs of doneness. Cooked meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. When you cut one open, the inside should not be pink. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatball mixture and form the balls. Place them on a tray and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked meatballs. Lay them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. Buffalo chicken meatballs pair well with several sides. Here are some tasty options: - Fresh celery sticks - Carrot sticks - Blue cheese dip - Ranch dressing - Toasted slider buns These sides add crunch and help balance the spicy flavor of the meatballs. Enjoy! These buffalo chicken meatballs are easy and fun to make. We covered everything from the main ingredients to cooking tips. I shared ways to tweak flavors and serve these tasty bites. You can customize them with different meats or sauces to suit your taste. Remember to store any leftovers properly and reheat them to keep them moist. With these tips, you'll enjoy perfect meatballs each time. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Get ready to spice up your meal with these delicious Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in the Air Fryer! Juicy ground chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and savory seasonings come together in this easy recipe that’s perfect for entertaining or a weeknight dinner. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Click to discover the full recipe and indulge in this mouthwatering treat 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, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Using your hands or a spatula, mix the ingredients together thoroughly until well incorporated—don't be afraid to get a little messy!

    Pour in the beaten egg and buffalo sauce, and stir until all ingredients form a cohesive mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for the best flavor.

      Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and achieve a nice golden color.

        Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 20 meatballs, so aim for consistency in size to ensure even cooking.

          Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each meatball to allow for air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

            Cook the meatballs in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a gentle shake to ensure that the meatballs cook evenly on all sides.

              Once the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), carefully remove them from the air fryer. If you like an extra kick of flavor, toss the cooked meatballs in additional buffalo sauce before serving.

                Serve the hot buffalo chicken meatballs on a stylish platter, and include a small dish of buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, garnish the platter with fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks alongside the meatballs, creating a colorful and inviting spread that complements the buffalo flavor.