I’m at the point in quarantine where if it’s not easy, I’m not making it. I have cooked almost everyday and while I’m thankful to be able to do so, I’m slowly losing steam so before I check out completely I figured it was time to pull out my air fryer and keep it simple. These Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs have been a game changer because aside from being loaded with flavor, they have pretty much been my dinner and snack! Packed with flavor, juicy, and the teriyaki sauce give the meatballs a smooth velvety finish.
The flavors in the meat balls consist of fresh onion, Worcestershire, garlic, salt & pepper, creole seasoning (for a little kick), cinnamon-YES cinnamon, oregano, and parsley. For the sauce I kept the flavors traditional by using brown sugar and soy sauce, however I added in 3 other ingredients that you might not find in a traditional teriyaki sauce.
- Chicken broth to develop the flavor and cut the saltiness of the soy sauce
- Ground ginger to develop flavor and add a floral element
- Spicy chili crisp to add some spice and umami flavor to the sauce
Cooking these meat balls in the air fryer really helps with locking in the flavors while making a tender and juicy meatball. If you do not have an air fryer, that’s okay you can make these right in the oven at 400° for about 20 minutes. I suggest baking them covered in foil for 10-12 minutes and them continue cooking uncovered.
How to make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Step 1
Start by mixing the ground chicken, egg, chopped onion, Worcestershire, garlic paste, salt, pepper, creole seasoning, cinnamon, oregano, and parsley together. Mix everything together very well until the egg is fully mixed and the seasonings are distributed. Form 12 balls and let them chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Step 2
Preheat the air fryer on 360° for 4 minutes. Spray the basket with cooking spray and place half of the meatballs in the basket and cook for 10 minutes. Repeat with the second batch of meatballs.
Step 3
For the sauce: mix the brown sugar, chili crisps, chicken broth, ground ginger, and soy sauce in a small pot over medium high heat. Once the sauce comes to a boil mix the cornstarch and cold water together and pour it into the sauce and stir well. Once the sauce thickens remove the pot from the heat. Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs and enjoy!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: 45 Minute Dishes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy chicken meatballs cooked in the air fryer and glazed in a brown sugar, soy sauce, chili crisps, and ginger sauce.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1 egg
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
2 teaspoons garlic paste or minced garlic
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Sauce
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili crisps
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix the ground chicken, egg, chopped onion, Worcestershire, garlic paste, salt, pepper, creole seasoning, cinnamon, oregano, and parsley together. Mix everything together very well until the egg is fully mixed and the seasonings are distributed. Form 12 balls and let them chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer on 360° for 4 minutes. Spray the basket with cooking spray and place half of the meatballs in the basket and cook for 10 minutes. Repeat with the second batch of meatballs.
- For the sauce: mix the brown sugar, chili crisps, chicken broth ginger, and soy sauce in a small pot over medium high heat. Once the sauce comes to a boil mix the cornstarch and cold water together and pour it into the sauce and stir well. Once the sauce thickens remove the pot from the heat. Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs and enjoy!
Notes
To cook these in the oven, bake at 400° for 20 minutes. The internal temperature should be 165°.
Keywords: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, Air fryer Meatballs, How to make chicken meatballs
I am excited to try this! Ummm what are chili crisps tho ☺️?
Awesome!! Chili crisp is an infused chili oil condiment with crunchy bits, made by simmering chili peppers, onion, garlic and seasonings in oil. You can find it online and some grocery stores 🙂