All cards on the table—I don’t often use the air fryer. But in the heat of summer, it’s been a lifesaver for keeping the kitchen cool. My husband and I love meatballs and rice bowls, so creating a chicken meatball recipe for the air fryer felt natural. The pairing of rich, nutty parmesan with the warm kick of freshly ground black pepper is simple, comforting, and so satisfying.
What Temperature Should Chicken Meatballs Reach?
Chicken (including meatballs) should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (USDA recommended).
Air Fryer vs. Oven – Which Is Better?
It really comes down to preference. On hot days, the air fryer keeps the house cooler and gives a slight crisp to the edges before tossing them in a sauce. The oven works beautifully too—especially if you want to bake meatballs directly in a sauce. Either way, you’ll end up with moist, flavorful chicken meatballs.
Ingredients in Black Pepper Parmesan - Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Ground Chicken
Freshly Grated Parmesan
Breadcrumbs
Black Pepper
Kosher Salt
Equipment to Make Black Pepper Parmesan - Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Small ice cream scoop
(The equipment section may include affiliate links to products we genuinely use and recommend.)
How to Freeze Chicken Meatballs
Once cooked, let the meatballs cool. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months (label with date). To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and cook at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Flavor Variations
- Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Honey Garlic Meatballs
- Asian Chicken Meatballs
- BBQ Chicken Meatballs
