Hey y'all! If you're on the lookout for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed appetizer or weeknight dinner, these Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs are about to become your new favorite. Bursting with smoky chipotle heat and juicy chicken goodness, they're a healthier, faster twist on traditional meatballs—no messy frying required! Whether you're meal prepping, hosting a party, or just craving something bold and satisfying, this recipe is your answer. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Bold Flavors: Smoky chipotle peppers give these meatballs a delicious kick.
- Healthier Choice: Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying methods.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal as appetizers, snacks, or part of a hearty meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store and reheat for a quick protein boost all week.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup grated onion
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)
How to Make Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, cilantro, grated onion, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the mixture for tender, juicy meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
With damp hands, scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. You should end up with roughly 18-20 meatballs.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Chipotle Chicken Meatballs in the Air Fryer
Arrange the meatballs in the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each for air circulation. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the meatballs cool for a minute or two, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, over rice, or in wraps.
Notes & Cooking Tips
- Don’t overmix your meatball mixture—gentle hands make the juiciest meatballs.
- For even cooking, make sure your meatballs are all the same size.
- Want to know more about air fryer benefits? Check out this Healthline article.
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs Variations
- Cheesy Meatballs: Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the mix.
- Spicy Jalapeño Meatballs: Stir in 1 finely diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs
- Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small scoop or spoon
- Cooking spray
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, arrange cooled meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes or until heated through. For more storage tips, see this guide from Simply Recipes.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs
- Serve as party appetizers with chipotle mayo or ranch dip.
- Pile on top of rice bowls with black beans and avocado for a hearty meal.
- Stuff into pita or tortillas with slaw for a zesty, portable lunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs
- Lightly oil your hands before forming meatballs for less sticking.
- Test one meatball for seasoning before cooking the whole batch.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed for even browning. Learn more about air fryer best practices at Bon Appétit.
FAQ: Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well—just make sure it’s not too lean to keep the meatballs juicy.
- How spicy are these meatballs?
- These have a pleasant smoky heat, but you can reduce the chipotle for milder flavor or add more for extra kick.
- Can I bake these instead of air frying?
- Yes! Bake on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-17 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chipotle peppers, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
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2Form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs using your hands or a small scoop.
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3Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each.
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4Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
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5Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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