Air Fryer Meatballs

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 Tablespoon chives, chopped
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
2 Tablespoons parsley, chopped

Firecracker Sauce:
1/2 cup hot sauce
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Meatballs:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, beaten eggs, smoked paprika, chives and onion powder and mix well.

Add the ground chicken, panko and Parmesan cheese, and combine but do NOT over mix.

Make meatballs using 3 tablespoons per meatball. Place in the air fryer basket. The meatballs can be put pretty close, but not squished in. They will shrink slightly when cooked.

Spray the meatballs with nonstick cooking spray and place the basket into the air fryer.

Set the air fryer for 400° for 10 minutes. Turn the meatballs and spray again. Fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Check one for doneness.

Remove one meatball at a time and dip in the Firecracker sauce, making sure to coat all sides well. Place back in the basket. Repeat until all have been coated. Fry for 2 more minutes.

Remove and serve with the sauce.

Firecracker Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and salt.

Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until sauce thickens and gets sticky.

The sauce will thicken more as it cools, so don’t over thicken.

If sauce gets too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time till the right consistency.

Add the red pepper flakes when sauce has thickened and stir in to combine.