Air Fryer Buffalo Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside, juicy inside without deep-frying
• Packed with buffalo flavor—spicy, tangy, and savory
• Great for game day, parties, or quick weeknight dinners
• Easy to make and cooks in under 15 minutes
• Perfect served on their own, in sliders, or with dips

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground chicken, turkey, or beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Buffalo sauce
• Optional: blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
• Optional: crumbled blue cheese or chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the meatball mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the meatballs: Roll into 1 to 1½-inch balls. You should get about 16–20 meatballs depending on size.
4. Air-fry: Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Toss in buffalo sauce: Once cooked, place meatballs in a bowl and toss with warm buffalo sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve: Garnish with crumbled blue cheese or chopped herbs if desired. Serve immediately with toothpicks or over rice, pasta, or salad.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes 4 servings (about 16–20 meatballs)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10–12 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy center: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella or blue cheese
• Low-carb version: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds
• Extra spicy: Add cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the mix
• Sweet heat: Mix honey or maple syrup into the buffalo sauce for a sweet-spicy glaze
• Sauce switch: Use BBQ, teriyaki, or garlic parmesan for different flavor profiles

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or microwave until heated through
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in air fryer or oven

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?

Yes, any favorite buffalo sauce works perfectly. You can also make your own with hot sauce and melted butter.

2. What meat works best?

Ground chicken or turkey is classic, but beef or pork also works well. Use lean meat for less grease.

3. Do I need to pre-cook the meatballs before tossing in sauce?

Yes, cook them fully in the air fryer first, then toss in the warm sauce.

4. How do I keep the meatballs juicy?

Don’t overmix the meat and avoid overcooking. Using breadcrumbs and egg helps lock in moisture.

5. Are these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a certified gluten-free sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.

6. Can I bake instead of air fry?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, turning once halfway through.

7. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Cook and refrigerate or freeze, then reheat and toss in sauce just before serving.

8. What’s the best dipping sauce?

Blue cheese, ranch, garlic aioli, or creamy buffalo dip pair perfectly.

9. How spicy are they?

They’re medium-spicy with standard buffalo sauce. Adjust heat by using mild or extra-hot sauce.

10. Can I serve these as a meal?

Definitely—serve over rice, in wraps, or alongside roasted veggies for a full meal.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Buffalo Meatballs are a bold and crowd-pleasing dish that comes together fast with minimal cleanup. Crispy, juicy, and full of heat, they’re ideal for appetizers, game days, or easy dinners. Customize to your taste and enjoy a fiery, flavorful favorite any day of the week.

Air Fryer Buffalo Meatballs

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Air Fryer Buffalo Meatballs are juicy, spicy, and tangy meatballs cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, then tossed in buffalo sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, game day snack, or bold protein for dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 meatballs (4 servings)
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground chicken, turkey, or beef
2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
3. 1 egg
4. 1 tsp garlic powder
5. 1 tsp onion powder
6. Salt and black pepper, to taste
7. 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
8. Optional: blue cheese or ranch for dipping
9. Optional garnish: crumbled blue cheese, chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

1. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
2. Shape mixture into 1 to 1½-inch balls (about 16–20 meatballs).
3. Place in a single layer in air fryer basket and cook 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Warm buffalo sauce in a small pan or microwave. Toss cooked meatballs in sauce until coated.
5. Serve hot, garnished with blue cheese or parsley if desired.

Notes

1. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
2. Adjust spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce.
3. For juicier meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 90mg