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To make Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs, gather the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) You can swap some ingredients if you need to. Here are a few ideas: - Use turkey instead of ground chicken for a leaner option. - Replace breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or gluten-free bread for a gluten-free choice. - Try different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a unique flavor twist. - If you lack Parmesan, grated Pecorino Romano works well too. Garnishes can make your dish look great. Consider adding: - Fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - Extra grated Parmesan on top for added richness. - A drizzle of marinara sauce for a tasty dip. - Crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. These simple additions can elevate your meal! To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Finally, crack an egg and beat it before adding it to the bowl. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until it forms a smooth mixture. Now, let’s form the meatballs. First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Prepare a small bowl of water. Wet your hands to avoid stickiness. Take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened chicken. Carefully mold the chicken around the cheese to form a ball. Repeat this process until you’ve used all the mixture. Once your meatballs are ready, lightly brush or spray them with olive oil. This helps them get crispy. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch each other. Air fry the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After cooking, carefully remove them from the fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes. They will be very hot! If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch before serving. To keep the cheese inside the meatball, make sure to seal it well. After you flatten the chicken mixture, place the cheese in the center. Gently fold the edges over the cheese. Pinch the seams tightly to prevent any leaks. A little extra effort here pays off with gooey, melted cheese inside. Use a meat thermometer to check the meatballs. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat. If you want a crispier outside, spray a little olive oil before cooking. This will help achieve that golden-brown finish we all love. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This helps the meatballs cook evenly. Do not overcrowd the basket; give them space to cook well. Cook in batches if needed. Turn the meatballs halfway through cooking for even browning. Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese settle and keeps it melty inside. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in your meatballs for new flavors. Try using cheddar, gouda, or provolone. Each cheese brings a different taste. You can mix cheeses too! For a spicy kick, add pepper jack cheese. This adds a fun twist to your dish. The seasoning in this recipe is key. But feel free to get creative! Instead of Italian seasoning, try taco seasoning for a bold taste. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. If you love heat, add red pepper flakes. Adjust the salt and pepper based on the seasoning you use. Adding veggies or herbs can boost nutrition and flavor. Finely chop spinach or zucchini and mix them in. This adds moisture and makes the meatballs healthier. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh taste. These small changes can make a big impact on your meatballs! After making your air fryer mozzarella stuffed chicken meatballs, you'll likely have some leftovers. To store them, let the meatballs cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry, but the air fryer gives better results. If you want to save some meatballs for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cooked meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To reheat, cook them straight from the freezer in your air fryer. Yes, you can! Ground turkey or pork works well too. Each type brings its own flavor. Ground beef is another option, but it may be fattier. Choose what you like best. Just keep the cooking time similar, so they cook evenly. I recommend a basket-style air fryer for this recipe. They are easy to use and clean. Look for one with adjustable temperature settings and good capacity. A model with at least 3.5 quarts can cook these meatballs well. Brands like Ninja and Philips are popular choices. To make gluten-free meatballs, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed rice crackers or almond flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free. Double-check labels on seasonings and cheese to avoid hidden gluten. Enjoy without worry! You learned about making tasty meatballs in this article. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step directions, and tips for success. You can swap ingredients and try fun variations. Follow storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. For any questions, I provided helpful answers. Now you can cook delicious meatballs with ease. Enjoy your meals, share them with friends, and experiment with flavors. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs! This easy recipe combines ground chicken, melty mozzarella, and Italian herbs, creating tender, flavorful meatballs perfect for any meal. With just 30 minutes of prep, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family with these mouthwatering meatballs that are sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground chicken

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

    Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).

      Prepare a small bowl of water. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, and take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Flatten it in your palm.

        Place a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center and mold the chicken mixture around it to form a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken mixture.

          Lightly brush or spray the meatballs with olive oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.

            Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

              Carefully remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. They will be very hot out of the fryer!

                Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs on a platter with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh basil for a colorful finish.