Easy Apple Chicken Meatballs
Apple chicken meatballs are a quick, family-friendly protein you can bake or air fry in minutes. Grated apple keeps them tender and juicy with simple pantry ingredients and adds that perfect fall flavor.
Ingredients
- olive oil or cooking spray
- 1 lb. lean ground chicken 93% preferably
- 1 small apple shredded (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup shredded onion
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly mist the basket with olive oil or line it with perforated parchment.
- Mix ground chicken, grated apple, grated onion, panko, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl just until combined.
- Portion with a 2 tablespoon scoop, oil your hands, and roll smooth. Set the meatballs on a plate or tray.
- Chill the meatballs for 10 minutes so they firm up and hold their shape.
- Air fry in a single layer with about 1 inch between meatballs (work in batches) for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until golden and 165°F in the center.
- Serve warm as is or toss/brush with sauce, and add your favorite sides.
Notes
- Feel free to swap your protein source and use ground pork or turkey.
- Oven option: Bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes until centers reach 165°F; broil 1 to 2 minutes at the end for extra color.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until hot. From frozen, add at least 5 minutes and heat through (to 165°F if the meatballs were frozen raw).
Nutrition
Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 23gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 156mgPotassium: 660mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 98IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2mg
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