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Easy Lean Chicken Meatballs
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Easy Lean Chicken Meatballs (Air Fryer Recipe)

Easy Lean Chicken Meatballs can be used in a variety of dishes. These high protein lean meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or with your favorite marinara for spaghetti and meatballs. Make a large batch and freeze them for easy and delicious meals throughout your week.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Chicken meatballs, meatballs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 190kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Lean Ground Chicken
  • 1/2 cup Seasoned Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Peccorino Romano Cheese Grated
  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 2 tbsp. Dried Minced Onion You'll find this on the spice Aisle.

Instructions

  • Mix the chicken together with all the other ingredients. Do not overmix. You want tender meatballs.

Oven Instructions ( See below for Air Fryer cook time. All other instructions are the same.)

  • Line a sheet with parchment paper and preheat an oven to 425 degrees.
  • Drizzle the parchment with some olive oil.  Roll the meatballs into small one inch balls. I used a small cookie scoop to portion everything out. You'll get about 30 meatballs this way.
  • Place the meatballs on the cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. The meatballs should get nice and golden as shown.
  • If you're going to freeze these for a later use lay them out on a clean cookie sheet lined with parchment and freeze after cooking. Place them in a zip top bag and store in the freezer. The day before you want to cook them, put them in the fridge to thaw. The next day toss them with your favorite sauce or just enjoy them on their own.

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Lay meatballs in basket in a single layer. You may need to air fry in batches.
  • Air fry at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Because air fryers can vary, be sure to check the internal temperature of your meatballs before serving.

Notes

Recipe was adapted from Pinch of Yum.
Gluten Free: You could sub in gluten free quick cooking oats or almond flour for the bread crumbs. If you do this add in 1/2 tsp. each of dried basil and oregano. The seasoned breadcrumbs help flavor the meatballs and since the almond flour isn't seasoned, you won't have that benefit.
Other Protein Options: You could use lean ground beef or turkey for these if you prefer it. We just personally love ground chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g