Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs (No Breadcrumbs!) Recipe

ByMaya bella October 5, 2026October 5, 2026

Introduction

These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor from a simple herb and spice blend. Made without breadcrumbs and naturally gluten-free, they cook quickly in the air fryer for a delicious meal any night of the week.

The image shows a close-up of several meatballs in a thick red sauce. The top layer consists of meatballs with a shiny, slightly textured surface covered in sauce, scattered with small green herb pieces. One meatball is cut open in the center, revealing a light grayish-brown inside with fine green herb bits throughout. The meatballs rest on a white marbled surface, and the sauce appears smooth and rich, pooling around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (454 g) lean ground chicken
¼ cup fine blanched almond flour
1 large egg
⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
½ tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a large bowl and use a fork to gently mix until combined. Be careful not to over mix or the meatballs may become tough.
Step 2: Roll the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 tablespoons each.
Step 3: Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches.
Step 4: Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check halfway through and flip if they are browning too much on top.
Step 5: Serve immediately or refrigerate and enjoy within 3-4 days.

Tips & Variations

If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping the meatballs to help firm it up.
Your hands may get sticky while rolling the meatballs; keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe them clean as needed.
Using darker ground chicken helps keep the meatballs juicier, while white chicken cooks slightly faster.
Adjust cooking time depending on your air fryer model and size for best results.

Storage

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several meatballs in bright red sauce, all arranged closely together. One meatball is cut in half, showing a soft, moist inside with herbs mixed in. The meatballs have a slightly shiny, textured surface and are topped with small sprigs of green herbs. The bright red sauce has a smooth texture that glistens around the meatballs. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or beef, but cooking times and texture may vary slightly.

Do I have to use almond flour?

Almond flour helps keep these meatballs gluten-free, but you can try coconut flour or another gluten-free flour alternative if preferred, keeping in mind the texture may change.