Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs
Homemade meatballs have never been easier, thanks to the air fryer, which cooks up a batch of chipotle chicken meatballs in just 6 minutes. Flavored with cilantro, oregano, and a tablespoon of chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, the meatballs are packed with smoky, slightly spicy flavor. They're are snack-sized for a reason: Once you pop, you won’t be able to stop. But they’re just as good tucked inside a taco with avocado or smashed on a toasted bun.
This recipe is easily customizable. Swap in beef or pork for the chicken, or add some cayenne pepper for heat. For bigger meatballs, form the mixture into 2" balls and check around 10 to 12 minutes.
ground chicken (93% lean)
panko bread crumbs
chopped fresh cilantro
large egg, beaten
cloves garlic, minced
finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, plus 2 tsp. sauce
dried oregano
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil cooking spray
Salsa verde, for serving
- In a medium bowl, using your hands, mix ground chicken, panko, cilantro, egg, garlic, chipotle chiles and sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper until combined. Roll into 1" balls.
- Lightly coat an air-fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches, arrange meatballs in basket, spacing about 1/2" apart. Cook at 370°, turning a few times, until outsides of meatballs are golden brown and centers are cooked through, about 6 minutes.
- Arrange meatballs on a platter. Spoon salsa verde over top or serve alongside for dipping.
Nutrition (per serving): 311 calories, 34 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 13 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 906 mg sodium
