These garlic herb air fryer chicken meatballs are golden on the outside, juicy inside and packed with garlic, parsley and Italian herbs. Served with colorful roasted vegetables and a creamy lemon garlic yogurt dip, they make an easy, high-protein dinner that is ready in about 40 minutes – with no frying pan and very little cleanup.
The recipe is based on one of the most popular dinner videos on the Airfryworld Facebook page. Below you will find the full recipe card with exact amounts, plus tips for juicy meatballs, meal prep ideas and easy variations.
Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs
Course: Main, DinnerCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes25
minutes350
kcal31
g18
g16
g3
g40
minutesJuicy air fryer chicken meatballs with garlic and fresh herbs, served with colorful roasted vegetables and a creamy lemon garlic yogurt dip – an easy high-protein dinner.
Ingredients
- For the chicken meatballs:
500 g (1.1 lb) ground chicken
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the roasted vegetables:
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the garlic herb dip:
¾ cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Make the dip
Stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic and chopped herbs. Season with a pinch of salt and chill until serving. - Mix the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. - Shape
With slightly wet hands, roll the mixture into about 16 meatballs, roughly 1½ inches (4 cm) in size. - Air fry the meatballs
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the meatballs in a single layer, spray lightly with oil and air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C inside). Keep warm. - Roast the vegetables
Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until tender and lightly charred. - Serve
Arrange the chicken meatballs and roasted vegetables on plates, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with the garlic herb dip and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture – gentle mixing keeps the chicken meatballs tender and juicy.
- Ground chicken is soft and sticky. Wet your hands with a little water while shaping, or chill the mixture for 15 minutes first.
- Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C). Check the center of the largest meatball with a thermometer.
- If you have a large air fryer, you can cook the vegetables and meatballs together at 390°F (195°C) for 12–14 minutes, shaking gently halfway.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Air fryer chicken meatballs brown beautifully without being turned in hot oil, and they stay tender and juicy inside. The garlic and fresh herbs give them lots of flavor, while the lemon yogurt dip keeps the whole meal light and fresh.
With lean ground chicken, vegetables and Greek yogurt, this dinner is naturally high in protein and great for meal prep. It is also family-friendly – kids love dipping the meatballs.
Tips for Juicy Chicken Meatballs
Mix gently. Overworking ground chicken makes the meatballs dense. Stir only until the ingredients are combined.
Keep them the same size. Evenly sized meatballs cook at the same speed, so none of them dry out.
Check the temperature. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). A quick check with a thermometer is the easiest way to get juicy meatballs – see the safe minimum internal temperatures from FoodSafety.gov.
Best Vegetables for the Air Fryer
Zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli and cherry tomatoes all roast quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and do not overcrowd the basket, so they get lightly charred instead of steamed. Red onion, mushrooms, cauliflower and green beans are great alternatives.
Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Tips
You can shape the chicken meatballs a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. The garlic herb dip also tastes even better after a few hours. For meal prep, divide the cooked meatballs and vegetables into containers with a little dip on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover air fryer chicken meatballs and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dip separately.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes. Cooked meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes. Ground turkey works the same way and has a very similar cooking time.
Can I make these chicken meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Use almond flour or rolled oats instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free or lower-carb version.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
They should be golden on the outside and reach 165°F (74°C) in the center. The juices should run clear.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating for 3–5 minutes helps the meatballs brown quickly and stay juicy, so we recommend it.
What to Serve with Chicken Meatballs
Serve your air fryer chicken meatballs with rice, couscous, quinoa or warm pita bread to make it a heartier meal. They are also delicious in wraps with the garlic yogurt dip and a crisp salad.
Easy Variations
Greek style: Add crumbled feta and a little dried oregano to the meatball mixture.
Spicy: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika and serve with a spicy yogurt dip.
Parmesan herb: Stir 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan into the meatballs for extra flavor.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for more easy air fryer dinners? Try our Air Fryer BBQ Glazed Roast Beef – Juicy & Tender or the Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins Crispy & Cheesy. Prefer a sweet and smoky version? Try our Air Fryer Sticky BBQ Turkey Meatballs with Parmesan Zucchini and Potatoes. For a creamy, cheesy chicken dinner, try our Air Fryer Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cucumber Salad.
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