Go Back Email Link
Buffalo chicken meatballs simmering in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions in a black skillet.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Juicy, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for a party or game day snack. They can also be served as a main course over rice or with a side of vegetables. No matter how you serve them, these buffalo chicken meatballs are sure to be a hit!
5 from 11 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 dinner sized servings

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 Tablespoon Frank's Hot Sauce
  • 1 large colve of garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 10 Ritz Crackers, ground into crumbs

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 1⅓ cups heavy cream
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 3-4 tablespoons Frank's Hot Sauce
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly chopped dill or ¼ teaspoon dried
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For Serving

  • 2 scallions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 350℉. Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a perforated parchment liner designed for air fryers.
  • In a large bowl, combine one large egg, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (or 1 teaspoon dried), 1 Tablespoon Frank's Hot sauce, 1 clove minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until fully incorporated.
  • Add 1 pound ground chicken, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, and 10 crushed Ritz crackers. Mix with your hands until evenly combined.
  • Moisten your hands with water and then roll into 1 or 2-inch meatballs (depending on whether you are serving them as an appetizer or as a main course).
    Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.
    Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the meatballs halfway through, until they’re lightly golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165℉).

For the sauce

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine 1⅓ cups heavy cream and 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the butter has melted. Add 3 tablespoons of the hot sauce, ½ teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon fresh chopped dill (or ¼ teaspoon dried), ¼ teaspoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
  • Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until thickened to the consistency of a cream sauce. It should coat the back of your spoon.
  • Nestle the meatballs into the sauce and then simmer for about 5 more minutes so that all of the flavors can meld. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Add the remaining hot sauce if desired. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and serve over rice.
Keyword Buffalo Chicken, Meatballs