Are you ready for a flavor blast? Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Meatballs pack a spicy-sweet punch you’ll love. In this post, I’ll show you how to create juicy meatballs with a zesty honey sriracha sauce. I’ll share easy steps, tips, and variations to make these meatballs your new favorite dish. Get set to impress your taste buds and those of your friends! Let’s dive in!

Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Meatballs
– 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon ginger paste
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
These main ingredients create a great base for the meatballs. Ground chicken or turkey keeps them light. The panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Parmesan cheese gives a rich flavor. Green onions bring freshness. The egg helps bind everything together.
Ingredients for Honey Sriracha Sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
This honey Sriracha sauce packs a punch. Honey adds sweetness, balancing the heat from Sriracha. Rice vinegar adds tang, making it bright. Sesame oil gives a nutty depth. Together, these flavors create a tasty glaze that coats the meatballs perfectly.
Optional Garnishes
– Additional chopped green onions
– Sesame seeds
Garnishes elevate your dish. Chopped green onions add color and freshness. Sesame seeds provide a nice crunch. They make the dish visually appealing and enhance the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
To make the meatball mixture, start with a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Then, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Don’t forget to add your beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of ginger paste. Sprinkle in salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Use your hands or a spoon to mix. Make sure everything is well blended and forms a cohesive mixture.
Shaping and Air Frying the Meatballs
After the mixture is ready, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. This helps the meatballs cook evenly. With your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place each meatball in the air fryer basket, keeping them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow air to circulate. Air fry the meatballs for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Making the Honey Sriracha Sauce
While the meatballs cook, you can prepare the honey Sriracha sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix until it is smooth and well combined. Once the meatballs are done, carefully take them out of the air fryer. Place them in a large mixing bowl and gently toss them with the honey Sriracha sauce until they are well coated.
For an extra layer of flavor, put the sauced meatballs back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce. When ready, serve the meatballs hot, garnished with extra chopped green onions. You can also add sesame seeds for a nice touch. Enjoy your flavor explosion!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Cooked Meatballs
To make the best meatballs, use cold ingredients. Cold meat keeps the mixture firm. This helps your meatballs hold their shape. Mix the meat gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Shape them into 1-inch balls for even cooking.
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
Add herbs and spices for more flavor. Try fresh parsley or cilantro. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper for extra heat. Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for a brighter taste. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper. This simple step boosts the dish’s overall flavor.
Air Fryer Temperature and Time Adjustments
Cooking meatballs at 375°F works well for a crispy outside. If your meatballs are larger, cook them a bit longer. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. If you like a more caramelized sauce, air fry them for an extra 2-3 minutes after adding the glaze. Adjust the time based on your air fryer model, as they can vary.

Variations
Alternative Proteins for Meatballs
You can switch up the meat for these meatballs. Ground beef works well. It gives a rich taste. If you’re looking for leaner options, try ground turkey or chicken. Both keep the dish light. You can also use ground pork for a juicy flavor. For a plant-based take, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them and add your other ingredients.
Different Sauces for Flavor
While honey Sriracha is great, feel free to mix it up. A classic barbecue sauce adds a sweet and smoky taste. For a kick, try buffalo sauce. If you want something creamy, a ranch sauce is a fun choice. You can even use a teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory combo. Experiment with these sauces to find your favorite.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These meatballs shine on their own, but you can enhance your meal. Serve them over a bed of rice or noodles. They also pair well with a fresh salad. For a fun twist, put them in a sub sandwich and add cheese. You can also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks. Finally, don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce on top for added flavor.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Meatballs
After you enjoy the meatballs, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can place them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. Proper storage helps retain flavor and texture.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the meatballs, use your air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may become soft. Heat in short bursts for even warming.
Freezing Tips for Longer Storage
If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled meatballs on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken or turkey?
Yes, you can use ground beef. It adds a rich flavor. Just keep the same amount, one pound. Beef will make your meatballs a bit juicier. You might want to adjust the seasonings to match the beef’s taste.
How long to cook meatballs in the air fryer?
Cook the meatballs for 12-15 minutes at 375°F. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F inside. This ensures the meatballs are safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with rice or noodles. You can also serve them in a wrap or on a salad. Adding veggies like bell peppers or broccoli can balance the spice. For a fun twist, try them as sliders with a bun!
We explored how to make Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Meatballs. You learned about key ingredients and flavors. I shared steps to prepare, shape, and cook the meatballs, plus tips for the best results. We discussed variations for proteins, sauces, and sides to mix it up. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh and tasty. Use these ideas to create meals your family will love. Enjoy cooking and eating these meatballs!

