These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, packed with delightful flavors. They get their name from a tasty, creamy sauce that gives a little kick!
Making these meatballs is a breeze! I love dipping them in extra sauce while watching a movie. They’re perfect for a snack or shining at your dinner table. Enjoy the crunch! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is key for tenderness. You can swap it with ground turkey or even a mix of ground pork and chicken for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using ground plant-based meat or mash chickpeas.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs light and crispy. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but they may create a denser texture. For gluten-free adjustments, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Green Onions: Add a mild onion flavor. Feel free to use chives or shallots if they’re on hand. You can omit them if you’re not a fan, or add more herbs like parsley for freshness.
Mayonnaise: It’s central to the Bang Bang sauce’s creaminess. If you’re avoiding mayo, use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or try vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
Sriracha: This gives the sauce its kick! You can adjust the heat level or swap for another hot sauce. For a milder sauce, use chili garlic sauce or simply reduce the amount of Sriracha.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Juicy Meatballs?
To make sure your meatballs are juicy and flavorful, follow these steps:
- Mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Just combine until evenly mixed.
- Keep your meatballs uniform in size for even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to form them.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Ensure there’s space around each meatball for hot air to circulate, cooking them evenly.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re safely cooked but still moist.
How to Make 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 finely chopped green onions (scallions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for mixing or garnish)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer basket
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for balance)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and approximately 12 minutes of cooking time. Including preheating the air fryer, you can have these tasty meatballs ready to serve in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
First, get your air fryer started! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for around 5 minutes. This step ensures your meatballs cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
2. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, place the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently until combined. Remember, don’t overmix; we want tender meatballs!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Now, take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can use your hands or a small scoop to make it easier. Line them up on a plate or tray as you go.
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. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring there’s some space between each one for even cooking.
5. Cook the Meatballs:
Cook the meatballs in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to shake or turn them halfway through for that perfect golden brown finish. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar (or lime juice) in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the spice level if needed!
7. Toss the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top and toss everything together so that the meatballs are evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Plate and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! Plate the coated meatballs on a serving dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a lovely touch.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the meatballs immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your crunchy, spicy-sweet Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs! They make a fantastic snack or party appetizer!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I Make the Meatballs in Advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the meatball ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply form the meatballs and air fry as instructed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. They can also be microwaved for a quick option!
What Can I Serve These Meatballs With?
These Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are delicious on their own or served with extra sauce for dipping. You can pair them with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also make great appetizers for parties!
