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
- 2 Tbsp minced parsley (optional, for garnish)
Firecracker Sauce
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
- 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 not low sodium)
- 1/2 – 1 tsp red pepper flakes
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 is fully combined and thickened, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. If the sauce becomes too thick while cooling, add water one teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chives, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and lightly beaten eggs until well combined. Add ground chicken (or turkey), panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Preheat air fryer: Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat fully.
- Form meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the meat mixture into approximately 2-inch diameter meatballs. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray (preferably olive oil or avocado oil spray) and arrange the meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches depending on air fryer size.
- Cook meatballs: Lightly spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip each meatball, spray again with cooking spray, and air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes. Meatballs are fully cooked when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze meatballs: Remove the cooked meatballs from the air fryer and individually dip each into the cooled firecracker sauce. Place the dipped meatballs back into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 2 more minutes to set the glaze.
- Serve: Remove glazed meatballs and serve immediately. Garnish with minced parsley if desired and serve with remaining firecracker sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use ground chicken or ground turkey interchangeably based on preference.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to maintain tender meatballs.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your desired spice level.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking.
- Let the firecracker sauce cool before glazing the meatballs to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
