Buffalo chicken meatballs are a delicious and spicy twist on a classic meatball recipe. These savory little balls of deliciousness are packed with the flavors of buffalo sauce and tender, juicy chicken, making them the perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a game day party or just looking for a tasty dinner idea, these buffalo chicken meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Why You'll Love These Meatballs
- Fast. A delicious main course or appetizer that is ready in under 30 minutes.
- Easy. Mix up the meatballs, pop them in the air fryer, and make a simple two-ingredient sauce for a simple bite almost anyone can make.
- Low Carb. Only 5 net carbs per serving.
- Gluten Free. These air fryer meatballs use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for filler, so they are gluten allergy-friendly.
Ingredients You'll Need
With only a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can make a delicious buffalo chicken meatball recipe that will tantalize your tastebuds.
Here's what you'll need to grab before you get started:
- Ground chicken
- Almond flour
- Milk
- Egg
- Buffalo sauce
- Chopped green onions
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
This buffalo chicken meatball recipe is so simple to make, you'll want to add it to your weekly meal rotation.
Follow these simple steps for an air fryer meatball that turns out perfect every time!
- First, preheat your air fryer to 400F. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, buffalo sauce, green onions, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
- Next, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. You should be able to make about 20-25 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper and air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are cooking, make the buffalo sauce for dipping. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of buffalo sauce and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until it's hot and bubbly.
- When the meatballs are done, transfer them to a serving platter and serve with the warm buffalo sauce. You can also serve the meatballs with the buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
Variations
- Switch up the protein. Use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for another affordable dinner option with the same cooking and prep instructions.
- Find a new filler. If you're not counting carbs or concerned with gluten allergies, you can swap out the almond flour for breadcrumbs.
- Shake up the sauce. Make Buffalo Chicken Meatball Pasta by stirring your buffalo sauce mixture into your favorite marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Why Are My Chicken Meatballs Mushy?
There are a few possible reasons why your chicken meatballs might be coming out mushy:
- You might be overworking the mixture. When you mix the ground chicken with the other ingredients, be careful not to overmix it. Overworking the mixture can cause the meatballs to become dense and mushy.
- You might be using too much filler. While almond flour can help hold the meatballs together, using too much can make them dense and mushy.
- You might be cooking the meatballs at too high of a temperature. If the air fryer temperature is too high, the meatballs can cook too quickly on the outside while still being raw on the inside, resulting in a mushy texture.
- You might be undercooking the meatballs. Chicken meatballs need to be cooked all the way through until they reach an internal temperature of 165F to be safe to eat. If they're undercooked, they'll have a mushy texture.
Why Are My Chicken Meatballs Tough?
Many of the reasons your chicken meatballs are mushy might also be the reason that they're tough. Check out a few things you can change up if notice your meatballs are tough:
- You might be using too little filler. Using too little almond flour can make them fall apart or become tough.
- You might be overcooking the meatballs. Chicken meatballs should be cooked just until they're no longer pink in the middle, but be careful not to overcook them or they'll become tough.
What To Serve With Them
There are so many delicious options for what to serve with buffalo chicken meatballs! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing- These creamy, tangy sauces are a classic pairing for buffalo chicken meatballs. Serve them on the side for dipping or drizzle them over the top of the meatballs for a tasty twist.
- Baked potatoes- Buffalo chicken meatballs are delicious served over a bed of fluffy baked potatoes. Simply slice the potatoes in half, scoop out the insides, and fill the center with a few meatballs and a drizzle of buffalo sauce.
- Veggies and dip- Pair your buffalo chicken meatballs with a selection of crunchy vegetables, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Not only will it give added texture to your plate, but it will help cool and cleanse your palate between bites.
How Long Do They Last?
Buffalo chicken meatballs will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. To store the meatballs, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
You can also freeze buffalo chicken meatballs for longer storage. To freeze the meatballs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat refrigerated or frozen buffalo chicken meatballs, you can air fry them at 350F for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes.
It's always a good idea to label and date any leftovers or frozen foods to keep track of how long they have been stored. This will help you ensure that you're always eating fresh, safe, and delicious food.
More Meatball Recipes
Meatballs are incredibly family-friendly and can be incredibly versatile. To try some new and exciting meatball recipes your family is sure to love, check out the links below:
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Ingredients
For The Meatballs
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
- 1/4 cup Superfine Almond Flour
- 1/4 cup Whole Milk
- 1 Eggs
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup Green Onions
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
For The Sauce
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter
Instructions
To Cook The Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, buffalo sauce, green onions, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. You should be able to make about 20-25 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper and air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
To Make The Buffalo Sauce
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of buffalo sauce and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until it's hot and bubbly.
- When the meatballs are done, transfer them to a serving platter and serve them covered with the warm buffalo sauce. You can also serve the meatballs with buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
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And don't forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer, and Air Fryer Revolution.
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