Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite, combining juicy ground chicken with a zesty, creamy Bang Bang sauce.
These bite-sized delights are air-fried to golden perfection, making them a lighter alternative to traditional fried meatballs while still delivering a satisfying crunch.
The signature sauce, a blend of sweet chili, mayo, and sriracha, adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Ideal for appetizers, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner, these meatballs are easy to make and bursting with bold flavors.
Serve with rice, noodles, or fresh greens for a complete meal!
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs
Description
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are juicy, flavorful bites coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce.
Made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, these meatballs are air-fried to golden perfection, making them a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
The signature sauce, a blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, adds the perfect kick.
These meatballs are great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish served over rice or greens. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for weeknight meals or parties.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
Instructions
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Prepare the Meatballs:
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In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, panko, egg, mayo, sriracha, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
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Air Fry the Meatballs:
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
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Lightly grease the air fryer basket and place meatballs in a single layer.
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Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to 165°F (75°C) internal temp.
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha.
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Assemble & Serve:
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Toss the hot meatballs in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle over the top.
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Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Here’s a detailed guide with tips and tricks for making Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs, including serving suggestions and ways to enhance their flavor.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs
1. Choosing the Right Ground Chicken
- Use ground chicken with some fat content (not extra lean) to keep the meatballs moist.
- If using lean ground chicken, mix in a little olive oil or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for juiciness.
2. Binding Ingredients for a Perfect Texture
- A combination of breadcrumbs and egg helps hold the meatballs together.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
- For an extra flavor boost, add finely grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella to the mixture.
3. Enhancing Flavor in the Meatballs
- Season the chicken well with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add a small amount of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Chopped green onions and a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce enhance the umami.
4. Rolling & Shaping the Meatballs
- Lightly oil your hands or use a small scoop to make evenly sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.
5. Air Frying for Crispy Perfection
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes for even cooking.
- Place meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them for airflow.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 74°C internally).
6. Making the Bang Bang Sauce
- A perfect Bang Bang Sauce combines:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for balance
- Mix well and adjust the spice level to taste.
7. Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve meatballs drizzled or tossed in Bang Bang Sauce.
- Pair with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or green onions for extra flair.
8. Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for crispy texture.
- Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw before air frying.
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs are easy, delicious, and perfect for meal prep or parties!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight or cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
For a lighter option, enjoy them with a side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them as an appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
How do I make Bang Bang sauce less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha or use a sweet chili sauce with less heat. You can also add more mayo or honey to balance the spiciness while maintaining the creamy and tangy flavor of the sauce.
