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    Frizzled Leek » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Published: Oct 5, 2022 •Modified: Oct 7, 2022 by Mike Cleavenger • This post may contain affiliate links, which can earn us a commission • 2 Comments

    Air Fryer Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

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    ↓ Jump to Recipe

    These Air Fryer Chicken Zucchini Meatballs are crispy, juicy, and cook up in less than 15 minutes. Loaded with zucchini, feta, and basil, this recipe will be a weeknight staple.

    Air fryer chicken meatballs piled high inside of a round pasta bowl. this recipe

    I love using my air fryer (affiliate link) to cook these chicken meatballs because they turn out crispy and juicy every time!

    Every so often, you find a recipe that quickly becomes a weeknight favorite, and these chicken meatballs with feta, zucchini, and basil are exactly that.

    One of my chef’s secrets is adding fresh grated zucchini to keep the meatballs moist while adding healthy fiber.

    Serve with my Whole30 Marinara as a tasty appetizer, or pair with zucchini noodles or spaghetti for a light dinner. Craving zoodles? Try my zucchini and sausage pasta!

    A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil is the perfect finishing touch for these chicken meatballs—and trust me, it’s a must. Bonus: they reheat beautifully for easy, flavorful leftovers.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Recipe Variations
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Chef Tips
    • What to serve with chicken meatballs
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Air Fryer Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • Meal Prep Friendly. I always make a double batch of these chicken meatballs for quick, easy lunches throughout the week. Serve them over rice, pasta, or in a pita.
    • Easy to make. Just mix everything in one bowl, shape, and air fry for 15 minutes.
    • Great Macros! Serve 5 meatballs over spaghetti with marinara sauce for 550 calories and 41 grams of protein.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Here is a visual overview of the Air Fryer Chicken Meatball Ingredients. Scroll to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.

    Ground chicken, zucchini, basil, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes.

    • Ground Chicken - Feel free to use ground chicken or turkey. Both are lean, high-protein options.
    • Zucchini - Don't squeeze the grated zucchini; the moisture is what keeps the meatballs juicy.
    • Basil - Use fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley for added flavor!
    • Egg - Binds everything together.
    • Breadcrumbs - I used panko, but you can easily swap in almond flour for a gluten-free alternative.
    • Feta Cheese - Its salty flavor pairs great with zucchini and basil, but you can substitute it with parmesan if preferred.
    • Garlic - Use fresh garlic or 2 teaspoons of granulated garlic.
    • Seasonings - Salt, pepper, and red chili flakes.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Recipe Variations

    • Switch up the meat. Instead of ground chicken, opt for ground turkey, pork, or beef.
    • Make it gluten-free. Use a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative, oats, or almond flour.
    • Make it spicy. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of harissa paste will make delicious spicy meatballs.
    • Cooking Techniques. No Air Fryer? No problem. You can bake meatballs in the oven or sear them in a cast-iron pan.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Follow these cooking steps and let me show you how to make the best Chicken Meatballs.

    I use an air fryer to cook the meatballs in this recipe, and it's completely optional. If you want to know what air fryer I use, it's the Ninja Double-Stack Air Fryer (affiliate link).

    For more air fryer recipes, check out my Air Fryer Halibut and Air Fryer Swordfish.

    Unmixed chicken meatball mixture inside of a large glass bowl.

    Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients—ground chicken, grated zucchini, herbs, cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, and seasonings. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.

    Chicken meatball mixture inside of a large glass bowl.

    Step 2: Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients together. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Mix just until everything is well combined.

    Raw chicken meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet pan.

    Step 3: Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop to portion out 20 meatballs onto a parchment-lined sheet pan.

    Golden brown chicken meatballs inside of a parchment-lined air fryer basket.

    Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through to ensure even browning. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

    Air fried chicken meatball served with spaghetti and marinara sauce on a large round plate.

    Chef Tips

    • Make ahead. Shape the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before cooking.
    • Storage. You can store meatballs for up to 3 days in an airtight container (affiliate link).
    • Freezing Instructions. Place cooked meatballs on a small parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze until completely solid (1-2 hours). Transfer to a ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months.
    • Don't squeeze the grated zucchini. That extra moisture keeps the meatballs juicy and tender.
    • Prevent sticking. Lightly dampen your hands with water to keep the chicken mixture from sticking while shaping the meatballs.

    What to serve with chicken meatballs

    • Serve as an appetizer - Serve with a marinara sauce for the perfect appetizer.
    • On top of zoodles - One of my favorite dinners is chicken meatballs on top of zucchini noodles with marinara sauce.
    • Throw them in a salad - Add a bit of protein to any salad with these delicious meatballs.
    • Serve them in a savory sauce - Simmer in a creamy mushroom sauce.
    • Rice or cauliflower rice bowl - Place meatballs over rice with fresh veggies.
    Air fryer chicken meatballs serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce inside of a glass meal prep container.

    Recipe FAQ's

    How do you air fry frozen meatballs?

    Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Add frozen meatballs to the basket and cook for 10 minutes, or until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

    Can you overcook meatballs?

    Yes, you only want to cook them until they reach 165°F (74°C). There is nothing worse than a dry meatball.

    Are chicken meatballs healthy?

    Chicken meatballs are a healthy option. Ground chicken is lean, low in fat, and packed with protein.

    Can I use ground turkey for meatballs?

    Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken. Both types of meat are very lean and healthy.

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    Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @thefrizzledleek on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

    📖 Recipe

    Air fryer chicken meatballs piled high inside of a round pasta bowl.

    Air Fryer Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

    Mike Cleavenger
    These Air Fryer Chicken Zucchini Meatballs are crispy, juicy, and packed with fresh flavors. Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re perfect for quick, healthy meals.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 280 kcal

    Equipment

    • Portion Scoop
    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound ground chicken (454 grams)
    • 1 zucchini grated
    • 2 garlic cloves choppped
    • ⅔ cup feta cheese crumbled (100 grams)
    • ¼ cup basil leaves chopped
    • 1 egg
    • 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs (27 grams)
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
    • In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, grated zucchini, garlic, feta, basil, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Use your hands to mix all the ingredients together.
    • Form the chicken mixture into 20 meatballs using a 1-ounce cookie scoop.
    • Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, spacing them evenly, and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

    Notes

    • You can use ground chicken, turkey, pork, or beef. Lean meats work best for a healthier option.
    • Don't Squeeze the Zucchini: The moisture helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy!
    • Shaping Tip: Lightly dampen your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking while forming meatballs.
    • Serving Ideas: Pair with spaghetti and marinara, stuff into a pita with tzatziki, or serve with a simple salad for a light meal.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 723mg | Potassium: 772mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 322IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 2mg
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on instagram. Tag @thefrizzledleek and hashtag it #thefrizzledleek.

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    Comments

    1. Mike Cleavenger says

      June 12, 2025 at 8:33 pm

      5 stars
      These chicken meatballs are crispy, tender, and packed with protein!

      Reply
    2. Fran Farah says

      December 28, 2023 at 5:30 pm

      I used Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers crushed. And I think next time would increase nutritional yeast a little more. They’re also perfect for Italian Wedding soup

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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    Wearing a chef jacket standing with my arms crossed in front of floating shelves.

    I'm a chef, husband, and father of two beautiful girls. The Frizzled Leek is a blog about getting families back in the kitchen. Here you won't just follow recipes, you will be developing your cooking skills too!

    More about me →

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    Air fryer chicken meatballs inside of a round bowl.
    Air fried chicken meatball served with spaghetti and marinara sauce on a large round plate.
    Air fryer chicken meatballs serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce inside of a glass meal prep container.

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