These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are super tasty and easy to make! They’re packed with flavor, thanks to a spicy sauce that adds a zesty kick to every bite!
They’re great for lunch or dinner, and you can share them at parties too. I always make extra because they disappear fast—no regrets there! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This keeps the meatballs light and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based ground meat or finely chopped veggies mixed with beans.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add crispiness to the meatballs. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, though they may not give that same crunch. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Soy Sauce: It adds umami flavor! Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute, or try coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Adjust the amount based on your salt preference.
Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is key to the dish’s flavor. You can switch out mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado for a lighter twist. Use lime juice instead of rice vinegar for a zesty kick!
How Do I Keep My Meatballs Tender and Juicy?
Achieving tender meatballs is all about the mixing and cooking technique. Follow these tips for great results:
- Mix gently. Overmixing can make meatballs tough. Just combine the ingredients until they’re mixed.
- Using a small scoop helps keep them uniform, which helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; this allows hot air to circulate, giving you that crispy exterior while keeping the insides nice and juicy.
- Check your meatballs with a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked without drying out.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
For Garnish:
- Additional chopped green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll have your tasty Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs ready in around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps cook the meatballs evenly and gives them that nice crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and the chopped white parts of the green onions. If you’re using cilantro, add that too! Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Form the Meatballs:
Using a small scoop or tablespoon, create meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in size. Place them on a plate or tray, ensuring they are not touching each other.
4. Arrange in Air Fryer:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a little oil on it. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring there’s space between them for air circulation. This helps them cook evenly!
5. Cook the Meatballs:
Air fry the meatballs at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket or flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking time. They are done when they are golden brown and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar (or lime juice) in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste it and adjust the spice if you like!
7. Serve:
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the meatballs or serve it on the side for dipping. This adds an extra kick of flavor!
8. Garnish:
Top your meatballs with the green parts of the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy:
Dig into your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs! They make a great snack, party appetizer, or main dish—enjoy them right away!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before mixing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better texture.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Spicier?
To amp up the spice, you can add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce or mix in some red pepper flakes directly into the meatball mixture. Adjust to your heat preference and taste as you go!
What Should I Do with Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring they stay crispy.
Can I Bake These Meatballs Instead of Air Frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer baking, place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip them halfway through for even cooking.