Who doesn’t love a good meatball? Whether it’s as a quick appetizer, part of your game day spread, or even the star of a weekday dinner, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are guaranteed to steal the show. With a tender, juicy interior and a perfectly golden exterior, these meatballs are then tossed in a creamy, zesty Bang Bang sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Let me tell you, when I first tried this recipe, it was love at first bite. The best part? It’s made in the air fryer, so not only is it faster than traditional methods, but it’s also healthier. You won’t even miss the extra oil!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

These chicken meatballs are more than just delicious; they’re the perfect combination of easy, healthy, and downright addictive. If you’re hosting friends, these are bound to impress. And if you’re cooking for your family, don’t be surprised if they ask for seconds (or thirds!). The addition of crushed Ritz crackers gives these meatballs a buttery crunch, while the Bang Bang sauce adds a kick of sweetness and spice that’s just irresistible.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the first steps of this mouthwatering recipe!

Making the Meatball Mixture

Gather Your Ingredients

To create these flavor-packed meatballs, you’ll need:

• 1 lb of ground organic chicken
• 1 tbsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp seasoned pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
• ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
• Olive oil spray

The secret to these meatballs’ unforgettable flavor is the combination of the teriyaki sauce and Ritz crackers. Trust me, it’s the magic touch that takes them to the next level.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Break Down the Chicken: Grab a large mixing bowl and gently break apart the ground chicken with a fork. This helps you mix the seasonings evenly later.

2️⃣ Add Your Flavors: Sprinkle in the garlic salt, seasoned pepper, and parsley. Mix it just enough to combine; you don’t want to overwork the meat.

3️⃣ Incorporate the Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and egg. These ingredients help bind the meatballs together and give them a juicy texture.

4️⃣ Add the Crunch: Now for the fun part—mix in the crushed Ritz crackers. They add a subtle crunch and buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.

5️⃣ Sweet and Savory Finish: Pour in the teriyaki sauce and gently mix until everything is well combined. At this point, the mixture will be slightly sticky—that’s a good sign! It means your meatballs will hold together perfectly.

Now that we’ve prepped the perfect meatball mixture, it’s time to shape these tasty morsels and let the air fryer work its magic. The air fryer not only cooks them to golden perfection but also keeps them lighter and healthier than traditional frying. Let’s get rolling!

Shaping the Meatballs

Shaping meatballs might seem like a small step, but it’s where the magic begins. Here’s how to get it just right:

1️⃣ Roll It Right:

• Scoop up about 1½ tablespoons of the chicken mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a ball.
• The size matters! Keeping them about 1½ inches in diameter ensures even cooking and that perfect bite-sized appeal.

2️⃣ Even Spacing:

• Place the meatballs on a plate or tray. Make sure they’re not touching each other—this helps them cook evenly later.

Pro Tip: If the mixture is sticking to your hands, lightly dampen them with water. This little trick makes rolling smooth and mess-free!

Cooking the Meatballs in the Air Fryer

Here’s where the air fryer takes center stage. Say goodbye to standing over a hot stove and hello to hassle-free cooking!

Steps for Air Fryer Perfection:

1️⃣ Preheat Your Air Fryer:

• Set your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating ensures that the meatballs cook evenly from the get-go.

2️⃣ Arrange the Meatballs:

• Place the rolled meatballs in the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between each one so the hot air can circulate around them.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket! If needed, cook in batches.

3️⃣ Add a Golden Finish:

• Spray the meatballs generously with olive oil spray. This helps them achieve that irresistible golden-brown exterior.

4️⃣ Cook to Perfection:

• Set the timer for 12 minutes. At the halfway mark (6 minutes), open the air fryer, carefully turn the meatballs, and give them another spritz of olive oil.
• After 12 minutes, check the doneness. The meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through with no pink in the center. If they need more time, cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.

Pro Tip: To ensure your meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

While the meatballs cook, it’s the perfect time to whip up the signature Bang Bang sauce. This creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy sauce is what takes these meatballs to the next level.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• ⅛ cup parsley, finely chopped

Mix It Up:

1️⃣ Combine the Greek yogurt and sweet chili sauce in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well-blended. 2️⃣ Sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. 3️⃣ Taste-test (the best part!) and adjust as needed. If you want more spice, add a pinch of chili flakes.

Tossing and Serving

Once your meatballs are perfectly cooked and your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring it all together!

1️⃣ Toss in Sauce:

• Place the cooked meatballs in a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over them.
• Gently toss until each meatball is thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce.

2️⃣ Plate and Garnish:

• Arrange the saucy meatballs on a serving platter.
• Sprinkle with a little extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Congratulations—you’ve just created a show-stopping dish! Now let’s tackle some common questions and share a few parting tips to ensure your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs turn out flawless every time. Plus, I’ll wrap it all up with some serving ideas and inspiration to make this recipe your own.

FAQs About Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Alternatively, roll the meatballs, place them on a tray, and refrigerate until ready to cook. For longer storage, freeze the rolled meatballs and cook them straight from frozen (just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time).

2. Can I bake these meatballs instead of air frying them?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes. Turn them halfway through to ensure even browning. They won’t have the same crispness as air-fried meatballs, but they’ll still be delicious.

3. How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The Bang Bang sauce is mildly spicy, thanks to the sweet chili sauce. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. For a milder version, substitute a portion of the sweet chili sauce with honey or additional Greek yogurt.

4. Can I substitute the Ritz crackers?
Yes, you can! Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent alternative and will provide a similar texture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

5. What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, pair them with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal, or add them to a salad for a protein-packed twist.

6. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back some of their crispness.

7. Can I make a larger batch?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and cook the meatballs in batches. The Bang Bang sauce can also be doubled to ensure every meatball gets its fair share of saucy goodness.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Twists

These meatballs are a crowd-pleaser on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more versatile:

• Sliders: Sandwich them in mini buns with a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce for the ultimate party sliders.
• Asian-Inspired Tacos: Stuff the meatballs into soft tortillas with shredded cabbage and a dollop of sauce.
• Noodle Bowl: Serve the meatballs over a bed of rice noodles with a side of steamed broccoli.
• Game Day Dip: Add toothpicks for easy snacking, and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Recipe

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are everything you could want in a dish: quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping dinner for the family, or just looking for a new way to enjoy chicken, this recipe is a winner.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs

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• Author: David
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Description

Tender chicken meatballs cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb Ground organic chicken
• 1 tbsp Garlic salt
• 1 tsp Seasoned pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Minced garlic
• 2 tbsp Parsley, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup Crushed Ritz crackers
• ⅓ cup Teriyaki sauce
• Olive oil spray

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup Sweet chili sauce
• ⅛ cup Parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

In a large bowl, break apart the ground chicken with a fork.

Add garlic salt, seasoned pepper, and parsley. Mix well.

Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, and crushed Ritz crackers. Mix until evenly combined.

Add the teriyaki sauce and mix thoroughly.

2️⃣ Form and Air Fry the Meatballs:

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter.

Place the meatballs into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Spray generously with olive oil spray.

3️⃣ Cook the Meatballs:

Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 12 minutes.

After 6 minutes, turn the meatballs and spray again with olive oil for even browning.

Check for doneness: meatballs should be golden brown and fully cooked inside (no pink). If needed, cook for an additional 4 minutes.

4️⃣ Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt and sweet chili sauce until smooth and well blended.

5️⃣ Toss and Serve:

Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the bang bang sauce until fully coated.

Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for garnish.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha to the bang bang sauce.
• Serve with rice, noodles, or on their own as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4