Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Meatballs are a deliciously spicy and sweet appetizer or main dish made with ground chicken, seasoned with aromatic spices, and baked to perfection in an air fryer. Coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy firecracker sauce, they deliver a perfect balance of heat and flavor in every bite. This quick and easy recipe yields tender meatballs with a crispy exterior, ideal for a crowd-pleasing snack or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp minced chives (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 lbs ground chicken or ground turkey
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp minced parsley (optional – for garnish)
Firecracker Sauce
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Franks)
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (use less if soy sauce is regular or not reduced sodium)
- 1/2 – 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make firecracker sauce: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is combined and thickened, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. If the sauce becomes too thick as it cools, add water a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chives (if using), kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and beaten eggs until well combined. Add the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Use your hands to gently combine the ingredients, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure even cooking and crispy exteriors.
- Form meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into roughly 2-inch diameter meatballs. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray such as olive oil or avocado oil spray.
- Cook meatballs in air fryer: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Spray meatballs lightly with nonstick spray. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each meatball using tongs, spray again with oil, and air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes. The meatballs are done when an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze meatballs: Remove cooked meatballs and dip each one individually into the prepared firecracker sauce. Return the coated meatballs to the air fryer basket and air fry for 2 more minutes to set the glaze.
- Serve: Remove glazed meatballs from the air fryer and serve immediately with any remaining firecracker sauce. Garnish with minced parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in the firecracker sauce to control heat level.
- Use a light soy sauce for less sodium.
- For gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature of 165°F for poultry.
- Spraying the air fryer basket and meatballs with oil helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Keywords: air fryer meatballs, spicy chicken meatballs, firecracker sauce, easy appetizer, game day recipe, sweet and spicy meatballs, healthy chicken meatballs
