These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are both tasty and easy to make! Juicy chicken meatballs are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
Who doesn’t love a bit of crunch? The air fryer gives these meatballs a perfect crisp! I usually serve them with rice or noodles for a super satisfying meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: The base of the meatballs. Ground turkey or even lean ground beef can be good substitutes if you want a different flavor or leaner option.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These help keep the meatballs light and crispy. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but they might be a bit denser.
Green Onions: Add a nice onion flavor. If you need a substitute, chives or finely chopped onions can work well. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is key but can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Adjust Sriracha for your spice level—love it spicy? Add more!
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs are Juicy and Delicious?
Making the perfect meatballs involves mixing and shaping techniques. Here are a few tips:
- Combine your ingredients gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough meatballs!
- Form meatballs using a scoop for uniform size, creating even cooking.
- Keep them spaced in the air fryer basket. This helps them crisp up nicely.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer: it should reach 165°F (74°C). This way, you’ll have delicious, juicy meatballs every time!
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer basket
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust for spiciness preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the meatballs and an additional 12 minutes to cook them in the air fryer. Plus, allow a few more minutes to mix the bang bang sauce, making the total time around 30 minutes. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, ginger, egg, cilantro (if using), salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently mix everything together using your hands or a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps cook the meatballs evenly.
3. Form the Meatballs:
With wet hands or an ice cream scoop, shape the chicken mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place them on a plate as you work.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking. This helps achieve that lovely crispy texture!
5. Cook the Meatballs:
Carefully place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The meatballs should be golden brown and have a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Mix the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the meatballs are in the air fryer, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (or sugar), and rice vinegar (or lime juice) in a bowl until the sauce is smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust the spiciness or sweetness if needed.
7. Combine and Serve:
Once the meatballs are done cooking, transfer them to a serving bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the meatballs and gently toss them until they are evenly coated.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some extra chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately—and enjoy your delicious, crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground chicken and will give you slightly leaner meatballs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey can sometimes need a minute or two longer.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bang bang sauce a day in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before drizzling over the meatballs!
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs?
These flavorful meatballs pair perfectly with rice, noodles, or even on top of a fresh salad. You can also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for dipping into the bang bang sauce!
