Juicy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: The Ultimate Easy & Healthy Recipe for Any Occasion

Get ready to elevate your snack game or simplify your weeknight dinners with these incredibly juicy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs! Crafted to perfection in your air fryer, they boast a delightfully tender interior and a subtly crisp exterior, all bursting with that unmistakable tangy buffalo zest. They’re the ideal appetizer for your next party or game day gathering, yet so quick and straightforward to prepare that they easily fit into a busy weeknight meal plan, leaving you with delicious leftovers for lunch.

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, I developed an undeniable love affair with all things Buffalo Chicken. It’s truly in my blood, a flavor profile I can happily “inhale” anytime, anywhere. This culinary heritage has always inspired me to find new and exciting ways to enjoy these classic flavors, and when paired with the convenience of my beloved air fryer, creating a batch of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs became an absolute necessity. Especially with a big game on the horizon, these buffalo meatballs are a must-have in your life!

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility and health benefits. Much like my popular chicken zucchini meatballs, these healthy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are not only naturally gluten-free but also perfectly compliant with keto and Whole30 dietary guidelines. This means you can indulge in their rich, spicy goodness without any guilt, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of eaters.

Why the Air Fryer is Your Best Friend for Meatballs

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, especially for dishes like meatballs. Its convection cooking method circulates hot air rapidly, ensuring that foods cook evenly and achieve a fantastic texture without needing excessive oil. For meatballs, this means a beautifully browned and slightly crispy exterior, while the inside remains incredibly tender and juicy. It’s faster than traditional oven baking and produces results that often rival deep frying, but with significantly less fat. This makes it the ideal tool for achieving perfectly cooked, healthy buffalo chicken meatballs every time.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Achieving moist and flavorful ground chicken meatballs, especially in an air fryer, requires a thoughtful combination of ingredients. Ground chicken is inherently lean, which means we need to introduce elements that enhance moisture and flavor without adding unnecessary calories or compromising dietary restrictions. Here’s a closer look at what makes these buffalo chicken meatballs so delicious:

• 1 lb Ground Chicken: The cornerstone of our recipe. Opt for good quality ground chicken, which provides a lean protein base for these healthy meatballs.
• 1/4 cup Crushed Pork Rinds: This is a key ingredient for both texture and moisture. Pork rinds not only act as an excellent binder, holding the meatballs together, but their fat content also helps prevent the lean ground chicken from drying out during cooking. They are also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and Whole30 compliant.
• 1 Large Egg: Essential for binding. The whisked egg helps to hold all the ingredients together, ensuring your meatballs don’t crumble while forming or cooking.
• 1/3 cup Celery, Finely Minced: Beyond adding a subtle crunch and fresh taste, celery is a classic pairing with buffalo flavors, contributing to the authentic taste profile and ensuring the meatballs remain moist.
• 1/3 cup Shallot, Finely Minced: Aromatic shallots provide a delicate oniony flavor that’s milder and slightly sweeter than regular onions, enhancing the overall depth of the meatballs without overpowering the buffalo kick.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: The pungent, savory notes of garlic are indispensable, adding a foundational layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple yet vital seasonings. These staples bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients. Don’t underestimate their importance in creating a well-rounded taste.
• Cooking Spray: For preparing your air fryer basket. Ensure it’s soy-free if adhering to Whole30 guidelines. This prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
• 1/3 cup Hot Sauce: The heart of the buffalo flavor! Frank’s RedHot is highly recommended for its classic taste and balanced heat.
• 1 tablespoon White Vinegar: A splash of white vinegar brightens the hot sauce, enhancing its tanginess and rounding out the iconic buffalo flavor profile.
• Optional Garnishes: Diced scallions (green onions) for freshness and a pop of color, and a side of Dairy-Free Ranch Dip or blue cheese dressing for cooling contrast.

Crafting Your Delicious Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Working with ground chicken can sometimes be tricky because of its low-fat content, which can lead to dry or bland results if not prepared correctly. The secret to these incredibly moist and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Meatballs lies in a few simple techniques and the right balance of binders and aromatics. These steps ensure your meatballs are tender on the inside and perfectly cooked every time.

Step-by-Step Meatball Preparation:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken with the crushed pork rinds, whisked egg, finely minced celery, shallot, garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s crucial to mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so handle the mixture with a light hand.
2. Address Stickiness: The chicken mixture will naturally be quite sticky. To make forming the meatballs easier, I highly recommend lightly wetting your hands with water or coating them with a touch of olive oil before you begin. If the mixture becomes excessively sticky, you can briefly refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to firm it up, then continue rolling.
3. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Aim for consistency in size to ensure even cooking. This recipe typically yields about 20 meatballs.

The Role of Binders: To counteract the leanness of ground chicken and achieve a juicy texture, we rely on specific binders. I use 1/4 cup of crushed pork rinds. Yes, pork rinds! They contribute enough fat to keep the meatballs from drying out and provide excellent binding alongside the whisked egg. Plus, they keep the recipe dairy-free and Whole30 compliant. While some similar recipes might suggest almond meal as a binder, I find it can sometimes dry out lean meats. However, if you prefer, 1/4 cup of almond meal can be used as a substitute for pork rinds.

Dairy Alternative: If you’re not following a Whole30 or dairy-free diet, a fantastic alternative is to use 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese instead of pork rinds. I’ve prepared this meatball recipe many times with Parmesan, and they are always equally delicious and flavorful!

Cooking Methods: Air Fryer & Oven

Air Frying Your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

The air fryer is truly the star for this recipe, delivering perfectly cooked meatballs with minimal fuss. Once your meatballs are formed, spray your air fryer basket generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 7-9 minutes. Halfway through, use tongs to gently flip the meatballs to ensure even browning. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook in batches to maintain proper air circulation.

Baking Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in the Oven

No air fryer? No problem! You can absolutely still enjoy a batch of these incredible Buffalo Chicken Meatballs by baking them in a conventional oven. Simply follow all the ingredient preparation and mixing instructions as outlined above. Instead of air frying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For detailed baking instructions and a visual reference, you can consult my chicken zucchini meatballs recipe.

The Perfect Buffalo Coating

Once your chicken meatballs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to give them their signature buffalo glaze. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is highly recommended for that authentic flavor) and white vinegar. This simple combination creates the classic tangy and spicy buffalo sauce. Immediately after cooking, transfer the hot meatballs into the hot sauce mixture. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the meatballs until they are thoroughly coated. This ensures every bite is infused with that irresistible buffalo flavor. Serve them warm, garnished with fresh diced scallions and a drizzle of homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing, if desired, for an extra layer of deliciousness.

What to Serve with Your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These versatile Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, making them perfect for any meal or gathering.

• Crispy Fries: A classic and satisfying accompaniment! Serve a generous side of sweet potato fries for a healthier twist or traditional French fries to soak up all that tangy buffalo sauce.
• Mini Sliders: Transform these meatballs into delightful sliders. Simply place a few meatballs onto toasted mini buns or slider rolls, perhaps with a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and a small piece of lettuce or coleslaw. They make for a hearty appetizer or a fun lunch.
• Game Day Platter: For the ultimate game day spread, serve your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs alongside other crowd-pleasing bites. They’d be fantastic with Jalapeno Poppers or savory Sausage Ricotta Naan Pizzas, creating an unforgettable party feast.
• Cooling Dipping Sauce: The spicy kick of buffalo calls for a cool counterpoint. My Dairy-free Ranch Dip is the absolute perfect accompaniment, offering a creamy, herby balance to the heat. Blue cheese dressing is another traditional and equally delicious option.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Convenience

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are fantastic for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:

• To Store: Allow any leftover meatballs to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight storage container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: For best results, gently reheat the meatballs in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain their texture. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for quicker results, though they may not be as crisp.
• To Freeze: Cooked and cooled meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe storage container or a heavy-duty ziptop bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Explore

If you love the ease and delicious results of air frying as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite air fryer recipes:

• Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• Whole30 Teriyaki Chicken Wings
• Gyro Meatballs
• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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