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A vibrant close-up shot of several Buffalo Chicken Meatballs coated in a rich red sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, and artfully arranged in a rustic serving bowl.

Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These flavorful Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are juicy on the inside, crispy from the air fryer, and coated in a tangy, spicy homemade buffalo sauce. They make a perfect appetizer or a fun main dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground chicken lean
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely diced celery about 1 small stalk
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese optional, but recommended
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce such as Frank's RedHot, plus more for buffalo sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Buffalo Sauce
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce such as Frank's RedHot
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
For Serving
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
  • 2 celery stalks cut into sticks

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Air Fryer
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Shallow Bowl or Dish

Method
 

Prepare the Meatballs
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, finely diced celery, crumbled blue cheese (if using), 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  3. Form the mixture into approximately 20-24 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook them in batches.
  3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  4. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and set aside.
Make the Buffalo Sauce
  1. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in the 1/2 cup hot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Keep warm.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Place the cooked meatballs into a shallow bowl or dish. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the meatballs and gently toss until they are evenly coated.
  2. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing and fresh celery sticks on the side. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Meatballs!

Notes

For oven baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until cooked through.
Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or air fryer.