Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp minced chives (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 lbs ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Firecracker Sauce
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Franks recommended)
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (use less if soy sauce is regular or not reduced sodium)
- 1/2 – 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Garnish
- 2 Tbsp minced parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Make firecracker sauce: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, light soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and ingredients are well combined, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, add water a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chives, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and beaten eggs until well combined. Add ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure tender meatballs.
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat fully before cooking.
- Form meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the meat mixture into approximately 2-inch diameter meatballs.
- Prepare air fryer basket: Spray the air fryer basket with a nonstick cooking spray such as olive oil or avocado oil spray. Place meatballs in a single layer inside the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry meatballs: Spray the top of the meatballs with nonstick spray. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Use tongs to carefully flip each meatball, spray again with oil, and continue air frying for an additional 5-7 minutes. Meatballs are done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F.
- Glaze meatballs: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer basket one at a time and dip each into the prepared firecracker sauce. Return the coated meatballs to the air fryer basket and repeat for all remaining meatballs.
- Final air fry: Air fry the sauce-coated meatballs at 400°F for 2 more minutes to set the glaze.
- Serve: Remove meatballs from the air fryer and transfer to a serving platter. Serve immediately with any remaining firecracker sauce on the side for dipping. Optionally, sprinkle with minced parsley for garnish.
Notes
- Using ground chicken or turkey will yield leaner meatballs; avoid overmixing for tender texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs help keep meatballs light and prevent them from being dense.
- Light soy sauce is recommended for a balanced saltiness; adjust salt in the sauce accordingly if using regular soy sauce.
- Air fryer baskets vary in size; cook meatballs in batches to ensure even cooking and proper airflow.
- Check meatballs with a thermometer to be sure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- The firecracker sauce will thicken more as it cools; thin it with a bit of water if needed.
- Optional chives and parsley add fresh flavor and vibrant color but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
