Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are ideal for parties, game days, or a speedy dinner. They offer a deliciously easy, air-fried option with a tangy buffalo wing sauce.

They are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Packed with protein from ground chicken, these scrumptious air-fried buffalo meatballs make for a great appetizer or main course.

If you love easy meatball recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Beyond Meatballs, Vegan Chickpea Meatballs, Air Fryer Porcupine Meatballs, or Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe Using Air Fryer

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs made in the air fryer are a game-changer for your next gathering or quick weeknight meal.

With their perfectly crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, they offer a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. Coated in zesty buffalo wing sauce, each bite delivers a burst of spicy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with a cooling dip or a side of veggies. The air fryer ensures they cook quickly and evenly, making them a convenient option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or a simple dinner, these meatballs are sure to impress with their bold flavor and satisfying crunch.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

​Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• Ground Chicken: Provides a lean and tender base for the meatballs, absorbing flavors well.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs together for a consistent bite.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together and give them a nice, cohesive texture.
• Buffalo Sauce: Infuses the meatballs with a spicy, tangy kick that makes them irresistibly flavorful.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the meatballs with a subtle, savory depth of flavor.
• Onion Powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to complement the buffalo sauce.
• Salt: Elevates all the flavors, ensuring the meatballs are seasoned perfectly.
• Black Pepper: Provides a touch of heat and additional seasoning to balance the flavors.

How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Step-by-Step instructions, how to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature.
• Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
• Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or tray.
• Cook the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Add Buffalo Sauce: Carefully remove the meatballs from the air fryer and toss them in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

Serve: Return the sauced meatballs to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes if you like them extra crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a meal.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe Tips

• Use Lean Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken to keep the meatballs moist without excess fat. If using a fattier cut, be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for the best results. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange meatballs in a single layer with space between them to allow for even air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Toss the meatballs in buffalo sauce to your preferred level of spiciness. You can adjust the amount of sauce or add a bit of butter for a milder flavor.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors to meld and makes them easier to handle.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe Faqs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for chicken. It will still produce tasty meatballs, though the texture might be slightly different.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook. They can also be frozen before cooking and air-fried directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have buffalo sauce? If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can use any hot sauce or barbecue sauce as an alternative. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Can I make these meatballs without an air fryer? Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Bison Meatballs
• Air Fryer Meatballs
• Easy Air Fryer Italian Sausage
• Air Fryer Meatball Sub
• Air Fryer Italian Meatballs

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