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Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and fun twist on traditional meatballs. These crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside meatballs are coated in a sweet, tangy, and spicy firecracker sauce. Made with ground chicken, these meatballs are perfect as an appetizer for parties, game days, or as a main course. The air fryer makes the cooking process easy, while the firecracker sauce adds just the right kick.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely minced (optional)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika may be substituted)
2 pounds ground chicken (can substitute with ground turkey, pork, or beef)
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley, optional for garnishing

For the Firecracker Sauce:

¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot, or any hot sauce you prefer)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce (lite or reduced-sodium is recommended)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more for extra heat)

Directions

Prepare Meatballs: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, olive oil, garlic, chives, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add ground chicken, panko, and Parmesan, mixing until just combined—do not overmix. Use a large cookie scoop to form meatballs about 3 tablespoons each.
Air Fry the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, lightly spray with oil, and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the meatballs and spray again with oil, then air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
Make Firecracker Sauce: While the meatballs cook, combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in red pepper flakes once cooled.
Coat Meatballs in Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, dip them in the firecracker sauce, making sure they are well coated. Place them back into the air fryer for 2 additional minutes to allow the sauce to stick and set.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. These meatballs are perfect with extra firecracker sauce for dipping, and you can serve them with carrot and celery sticks or ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrients

Calories: 137 per serving
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 267mg
Sugar: 6g

Why Choose Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Meatballs?

The beauty of these meatballs lies in the combination of flavors and textures. The air fryer ensures that they are perfectly crispy on the outside, providing that satisfying crunch, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The ground chicken keeps the meatballs light, and with the addition of Parmesan and panko, they are both flavorful and satisfying without being greasy.

The firecracker sauce, with its perfect blend of sweetness from the brown sugar, heat from the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, and a tangy kick from the apple cider vinegar, takes these meatballs to the next level. By making the sauce from scratch, you can control the level of spice and sweetness to suit your preferences, ensuring that every bite is exactly how you like it.

Another major benefit of this recipe is the use of the air fryer. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time and eliminates the need for excess oil, making this a healthier and more convenient way to prepare meatballs. The result is a crispy, delicious, and less greasy version of the classic appetizer.

The Key Ingredients for Flavorful Meatballs

The key to these meatballs’ great taste starts with the combination of fresh and pantry ingredients. Ground chicken provides a lean and mild base, which works well with the bold flavors of the firecracker sauce. The eggs help bind the ingredients together, while the olive oil adds moisture and richness. Garlic and onion powder bring savory depth, and the smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness to complement the heat from the firecracker sauce.

The panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese provide structure and a delicate cheesy flavor, ensuring that the meatballs have the right texture—crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. Fresh chives, though optional, add a fresh, mild onion flavor that enhances the overall flavor profile.

The Flavor-Packed Firecracker Sauce

The real star of these meatballs is the firecracker sauce. Made with just a few simple ingredients, the sauce has a delightful combination of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. The light brown sugar brings sweetness, while the hot sauce adds just the right amount of heat. Apple cider vinegar gives the sauce a tangy bite, and soy sauce adds depth and umami.

The red pepper flakes give the sauce that extra kick, allowing you to adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you like your meatballs mildly spicy or blazing hot, this sauce can be easily customized by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.

The sauce is simmered until it thickens, which makes it perfect for coating the meatballs. The final step of air frying the meatballs after they’re coated in the sauce allows the sauce to set and adhere to the meatballs, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Air Frying: The Secret to Crispy, Juicy Meatballs

Air frying is the perfect cooking method for these Firecracker Chicken Meatballs. The high, even heat of the air fryer helps to create a crispy exterior while locking in the moisture inside. Unlike traditional frying methods that can result in greasy meatballs, the air fryer allows you to cook these meatballs with less oil, making them a healthier option without compromising on flavor or texture.

To air fry the meatballs, first preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). The meatballs are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooked for 10 minutes. After flipping them and giving them a light spray with oil, they are air fried for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. This ensures they are golden brown and cooked through.

Once the meatballs are done, they are coated in the firecracker sauce and placed back into the air fryer for 2 more minutes to allow the sauce to set. This final step ensures that the sauce sticks to the meatballs, making every bite perfectly sauced.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They make an excellent appetizer, especially when served with extra firecracker sauce for dipping. Pair them with carrot and celery sticks to add some crunch and help balance out the spice. You can also serve them with ranch dressing, which adds a cool and creamy contrast to the heat.

If you’re serving these meatballs as a main dish, consider pairing them with a side of steamed rice or quinoa. You could also serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to create a well-rounded meal.

For a fun twist, you can serve the meatballs on slider buns, making them into mini sandwiches. Add some fresh greens or a dollop of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to complete the sandwich for an even more satisfying meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs are not only flavorful but also relatively healthy for a rich, indulgent appetizer. At about 137 calories per serving, they are a low-calorie option compared to traditional fried appetizers. Each meatball contains 11 grams of protein, making them a good source of lean protein from the ground chicken. With 10 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of fat, these meatballs are light enough to be a guilt-free treat while still providing a satisfying snack or meal.

The inclusion of ingredients like garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika also adds antioxidant properties and enhances the overall flavor without additional calories or fat. The sauce, while sweet and spicy, is balanced to avoid being overly rich or sugary, providing just the right level of heat and sweetness without going overboard.

Customizing Your Meatballs

While this recipe is fantastic as written, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. For a spicier version, increase the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more brown sugar or even a touch of honey.

For a unique twist, try adding finely chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the meatball mixture to add more texture and flavor. You could also experiment with different herbs, such as cilantro or basil, to give the meatballs a fresh and aromatic flair.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that packs a punch with every bite. The combination of crispy, juicy meatballs and a tangy, spicy firecracker sauce makes these meatballs irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a party, for game day, or as a main course, these meatballs are sure to impress. The air fryer ensures they are healthier and easier to make than traditional fried meatballs, while the firecracker sauce adds just the right kick. Customize them to suit your taste and serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a snack that everyone will love!

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