Description

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on classic meatballs, combining ground chicken with traditional buffalo sauce spices. Perfectly cooked either in an air fryer or oven, they are paired with a creamy blue cheese yogurt dip that balances the spicy kick for a delicious appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup celery (minced)
¼ cup carrot (shredded)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce (or more to taste)

Blu Cheese Yogurt Dip

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 ounces blue cheese (crumbled)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped)
1 clove garlic (grated)
½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)

Instructions

Mix ingredients: Combine all dip ingredients and seasoning (except ground chicken) in a bowl and mix until well combined. Gently add the ground chicken, mixing carefully to avoid overworking the meat.
Form meatballs: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the meat mixture onto a cookie sheet. Then, with wet hands, shape them into approximately 24 small meatballs.
Air Fryer cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Cook the meatballs in batches for 5-7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are cooked through.
Baking option: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the meatballs on a greased baking sheet spaced about ½ inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they are fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F.
Prepare dip: Combine the yogurt, blue cheese, lemon juice, chives, grated garlic, and kosher salt, mixing thoroughly to create the blue cheese yogurt dip.
Serve: Enjoy the buffalo chicken meatballs as an appetizer or serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.

Notes

To prevent meatballs from drying out, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
Adjust the amount of Frank’s Hot Sauce according to your preferred heat level.
Use wet hands when shaping meatballs to prevent sticking.
Ensure meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
The dip can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buffalo chicken meatballs, spicy meatballs, air fryer meatballs, blue cheese dip, buffalo sauce appetizer