You are going to love this Air Fryer Chicken Balls recipe because they are easy to make, and way healthier than the original deep-fried version. Using ground chicken, and a panko bread crumb crust these chicken balls are juicy, slightly crisp, and delicious dipped in my homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce!
Chicken Balls are a traditional Chinese recipe that you can find at most Chinese restaurants. However, most foods, including chicken balls are not the healthiest due to their high MSG and deep-fried counterparts. That’s why I wanted to create a healthy version using my Air Fryer.
If you don’t have an Air Fryer then you are missing out on making the best crispy, yet still healthy food! I have the all-in-one Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker which includes an Air Frying cooking option.
Next time you get a hankering for Chinese food, skip the take-out and make these Chicken Balls at home. Dip them in my homemade Sweet and Sour sauce and serve with a side of Fried Rice for the full Chinese experience!
Air Fryer Chicken Balls Method
In a large bowl mix together 1 pound of ground chicken, with 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Shape the chicken into 12 balls. Place in fridge to keep cold while you make the breading.
Place 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour into a small bowl. Whisk two eggs in a small bowl. Place 1 cup of panko bread crumbs mixed with another 1/4 teaspoon of salt in another small bowl.
In an assembly line dip the chicken balls first into the flour, then eggs, then the panko breadcrumbs making sure the balls are fully coated in each. Set aside until ready to air fry.
Preheat air fryer to 360° F. Place chicken balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes. Shake the basket and spray a small amount of olive oil spray on top of the chicken balls. Increase the temperature to 400° F and cook for a further 4 minutes to crisp them up.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked at a temperature of 165°F/74°C. Serve with Sweet and Sour Sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Balls
Made with ground chicken and covered in a panko breadcrust. Easy to make, and way healthier than the original deep fried version.
Ingredients
- 1 lb gound chicken
- 1 tsp salt divided
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup flour all-purpose
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- olive oil spray
Instructions
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In a large bowl mix together 1 pound of ground chicken, with 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.* Shape the chicken into 12 balls. Place in fridge to keep cold while you make the breading.
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Place 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour into a small bowl. Whisk two eggs in a small bowl. Place 1 cup of panko bread crumbs mixed with another 1/4 teaspoon of salt in another small bowl.
-
In an assembly line dip the chicken balls first into the flour, then eggs, then the panko breadcrumbs making sure the balls are fully coated in each. Set aside until ready to air fry.
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Preheat air fryer to 360° F. Place chicken balls in a single layer in air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes. Shake the basket and spray a small amount of olive oil spray on top the chicken balls. Increase the temperature to 400° F and cook for a further 4 minutes to crisp them up and until an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Serve with Sweet and Sour Sauce.
Recipe Notes
*If the chicken mixture is too sticky, as some brands of ground chicken can be very “wet” just place the ground chicken mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Calories based off of one chicken ball, 1/12th of recipe.
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We made these air fryer chicken balls last night with the sweet and sour sauce and also made the rice. OMG they were amazing and a huge hit with the kids. When we asked them today what they wanted for dinner they #1 choice was the leftover Chicken balls and rice. Definitely going to make these again!!!!
That’s awesome! Thanks so much for trying my recipes and taking the time to comment/rate! Enjoy:)