Today we’re making carnivore air fryer canned chicken meatballs. This recipe is perfect when you want something different from regular beef meatballs but still want to stay true to your carnivore way of eating.
Using canned chicken might sound unusual, but trust me, these meatballs turn out amazing. They are delicious!
The combination of two types of cheese – regular shredded cheese and Parmesan – gives these meatballs an incredible flavor and helps hold them together perfectly.
The bacon crumbles add an extra layer of taste that makes these meatballs stand out from regular chicken recipes.
One of the best things about this recipe is how quick it is to make. You don’t need to spend time cutting or preparing raw chicken – just open the can, mix everything together, and your air fryer will do the rest of the work.
These meatballs come out crispy on the outside but stay juicy on the inside thanks to the air fryer.
If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry – I’ll show you how to make them in a regular oven too.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to cooking or just starting the carnivore diet, this recipe is perfect.
There’s no complicated techniques involved – just mix, form balls, and cook. It’s almost impossible to mess up.
Good For Meal Prep: This recipe is great if you like to prepare meals ahead of time. You can make a big batch of meatballs and keep them in the fridge.
They’ll stay good for several days, so you can have quick and easy meals all week.
High In Protein: These meatballs are packed with protein. Protein is important for building muscle and keeping you feeling full. If you’re trying to eat more protein, this recipe is a good choice.
Two Cooking Methods: Whether you have an air fryer or not, you can make these meatballs. They work great in both the air fryer and regular oven.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 12.5 oz Canned Chicken
- 1 cup shredded Cheese (I recommend this one – amazon link)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Bacon Crumbles
- Black Pepper
- Optional: Smoked Paprika
I also garnished with coriander but this is totally optional.
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl.
Step 2
Mix well until everything is well combined.
Step 3
Use a scoop or your hands to form small-medium meatballs.
Step 4
Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C). Or – Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (204°C).
Step 5
Cook until the meatballs are crispy and golden brown. Enjoy your delicious carnivore meatballs!
💡Tips
1. Draining The Canned Chicken
Make sure to drain the canned chicken really thoroughly before mixing it with other ingredients.
The best way is to put it in a fine mesh strainer and press down with a spoon or your hands. If there’s too much liquid left, your meatballs will be too wet and might fall apart during cooking.
You can even pat the chicken dry with paper towels after draining for best results. This step might take an extra minute or two, but it makes a big difference in the final texture.
2. Prep Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer for at least 3 minutes before adding the meatballs. Also, spray the basket lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper (with holes punched in it for airflow).
This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. If using parchment, make sure to cut it to size so it doesn’t block air circulation.
Don’t overcrowd the basket – leave some space between each meatball for proper air circulation.
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FAQ
1. What kind of cheese works best?
For the shredded cheese, mozzarella or cheddar work great because they melt well and help bind the meatballs. You can also use a mix of both.
For the Parmesan, use finely grated Parmesan (the dry kind) rather than fresh grated – it helps absorb moisture and acts as a better binder.
2. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, these freeze really well! Let them cool completely first, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours until solid.
This prevents them from sticking together. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F.
Carnivore Air Fryer Canned Chicken Meatballs
Print RecipeIngredients
- 2 Eggs large
- 12.5 oz Canned Chicken
- 1 cup shredded Cheese (I recommend this one – amazon link)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Bacon Crumbles
- Black Pepper
- Optional: Smoked Paprika
- I also garnished with coriander but this is totally optional.
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl.
- Mix well until everything is well combined.
- Use a scoop or your hands to form small-medium meatballs.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C). Or – Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (204°C).