Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (plus extra for serving); Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving (optional); Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

They’re fast: prep and cook time together is under 20 minutes.
The texture is balanced: crispy exterior from the air fryer, soft and moist inside.
Versatile serving options — great as a snack, appetizer, main dish, or sandwich filling.
You can easily scale up the recipe for meal prep or parties.
They pair wonderfully with buffalo or ranch sauce, and go well with sides like celery, carrots, rice, or mac and cheese.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lean ground chicken
large egg
shredded cheddar cheese
Panko breadcrumbs
buffalo sauce
grated carrot
ranch seasoning

Directions

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients — ground chicken, egg, cheddar cheese, Panko crumbs, buffalo sauce, grated carrot, and ranch seasoning — and mix thoroughly with a spoon.
Use a medium cookie scoop or similar to portion the mixture into about 25 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball with your hands.
Lightly oil your air fryer basket or line it with perforated parchment paper. Place the meatballs in a single layer (you may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size).
Air fry at 400 °F (≈ 200 °C) for about 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (≈ 74 °C).
Remove cooked meatballs and transfer to a plate; if cooking in batches, cover earlier batches with foil to keep warm. Let rest about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping; optionally garnish with chives or green onions, and add sides like celery or carrot sticks.

Servings and timing

Makes about 25 meatballs (serving suggestion: 5 meatballs per person).
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~8 minutes
Total time: ~18 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor and leaner meat.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella, or try finely crumbled blue cheese for a stronger, tangier taste.
Adjust heat by using a milder or spicier buffalo sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne in the meat mixture for extra kick.
Make them into sliders by placing cooked meatballs in a sub roll with melted cheese and sauce.
Serve over rice, pasta, or mac and cheese for a fuller meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat, use an air fryer or microwave; they can also be eaten cold straight from the fridge. For long-term storage, you may freeze them (up to a couple of months) — thaw and reheat when ready to eat.

FAQs

How long will leftover meatballs keep in the fridge?

Leftover meatballs stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs for up to a couple of months. Thaw before reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat them?

Reheating in an air fryer is ideal to keep the outside crispy, but you can also use a microwave if preferred.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes — ground turkey works well and yields a similar result if ground chicken isn’t available.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead and refrigerate for a day or two before air frying.

How do I know when they are cooked properly?

The internal temperature should reach 165 °F (≈ 74 °C) — a meat thermometer is the best tool to check.

Can I use different cheese than cheddar?

Yes — mozzarella or finely crumbled blue cheese are both good alternatives, though cheddar offers the best balance of flavor and melt.

Can I adjust the spiciness?

Definitely. Use milder buffalo sauce for less heat or add extra hot sauce or spices if you like more kick.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They go well with buffalo sauce or ranch dip, celery or carrot sticks, rice, mac and cheese, or inside sandwiches/sliders.

Are these meatballs good for meal prep?

Yes — they reheat well and can be made ahead in batches, making them a convenient meal‑prep option.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish — whether as a snack, appetizer, main course, or sandwich filling — these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs deliver. With minimal prep, a short cook time, and bold buffalo flavor, they’re ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Give them a try, and enjoy a delicious, crispy‑outside, juicy‑inside treat.