easy healthy recipes

Cheesy Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs in a Velvety, Cheesy Cream Sauce

Creamy and cheesy chicken meatballs served in a rich Alfredo sauce, garnished with fresh basil.

Looking for a protein-packed, comforting, and flavourful dinner that’s easy to whip up in under 30 minutes? These Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs in a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce are juicy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners!

Whether you’re trying to eat lighter or just love cheesy, saucy comfort food, this recipe delivers all the flavour without deep frying, thanks to the air fryer!

⭐️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fryer = no mess, less oil

Juicy chicken meatballs packed with Parmesan and herbs

Luxuriously creamy garlic Alfredo sauce

Quick, wholesome, and satisfying

Servings: 2-3
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Meatballs

250g (approx. 1/2 lb) chicken breast, minced in a food processor
Tip: If you don’t have ground chicken, simply pulse boneless chicken breast in a food processor until finely minced.

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg yolk

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp salt

Olive oil

Oil spray (for the air fryer basket)

For the Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce

1 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup double cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup baby spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, to garnish

🍽️ How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Sauce
Step 1: Mince the Chicken (If Not Using Ground Chicken)

If you’re starting with chicken breast, simply pulse in a food processor or a strong blender until finely ground. Be careful to avoid over-processing.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the minced chicken, breadcrumbs, egg yolk, Parmesan, thyme, paprika, pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Shape & Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).

Shape the mixture into small meatballs.

Arrange the meatballs in the airfryer basket in a single layer carefully not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches if you have to.

Lightly spray the meatballs with oil and air fry for 10 – 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce

In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Pour in the double cream and bring to a simmer.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cook until the cheese melts and spinach wilts.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Add the cooked chicken meatballs to the sauce, toss gently to coat, and let them simmer in the sauce for 1- 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm!

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