Light, juicy, and full of fresh flavor — a healthy, easy meal or appetizer made in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Mix gently until combined. Do not overmix, or meatballs may become tough.
- Shape Meatballs
- Roll mixture into small meatballs, about 1½ inches wide.
- You should get about 18–22 meatballs.
- Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Arrange meatballs in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10–14 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through.
- Cook until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Finish
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked meatballs.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Optional Lemon Herb Sauce
Mix:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Rice or quinoa
- Pasta with olive oil and herbs
- Salad bowls
- Roasted vegetables
- Pita bread and tzatziki-style sauce
