Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls: A Crispy, Garlicky Delight

Chicken Kiev, a classic dish of butter-filled chicken breast, is a culinary masterpiece. But let’s be honest, sometimes you crave that garlicky, buttery goodness in a more manageable, less fussy form. Enter: Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls! This recipe takes the beloved flavors of Chicken Kiev and transforms them into bite-sized, crispy spheres of pure deliciousness, cooked to perfection in your air fryer. This version is not only easier to make but also healthier thanks to the air fryer, which uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying.

## Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls

* **Easy to Make:** Forget the complicated process of butter chilling and careful folding. These balls are a breeze to assemble.
* **Healthier:** Air frying reduces the fat content significantly compared to traditional frying.
* **Perfectly Portioned:** Bite-sized and easy to control your servings.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** All the classic garlic and herb butter goodness in every bite.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love these! They’re fun to eat and packed with flavor.
* **Great for Parties:** These are a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings as appetizers.

## What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to create these delectable Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls:

**For the Chicken Balls:**

* **1.5 lbs Ground Chicken:** Opt for lean ground chicken to minimize the fat content. You can also use ground turkey if you prefer.
* **1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
* **1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese:** Adds a savory, cheesy note to the chicken mixture.
* **1 Large Egg:** Acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together.
* **1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard:** Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
* **1 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** Enhances the garlicky flavor throughout.
* **1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder:** Provides a subtle oniony background note.
* **1/4 teaspoon Salt:** Seasons the chicken mixture.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.

**For the Garlic Herb Butter:**

* **1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened:** Softened butter is crucial for easy mixing.
* **4 cloves Garlic, minced:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for that intense garlic flavor.
* **2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped:** Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
* **1 tablespoon Fresh Chives, chopped:** Provides a mild oniony flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Salt:** Seasons the butter mixture.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.

**For the Breadcrumb Coating:**

* **1 cup All-Purpose Flour:** Used for the first layer of coating.
* **2 Large Eggs, beaten:** Used as a binder for the breadcrumbs.
* **2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs:** For the crispy outer layer.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Seasons the breadcrumb coating.
* **1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Adds a touch of spice to the coating.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Air Fryer:** The star of the show! Any air fryer will work, but make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the chicken balls in a single layer.
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need several mixing bowls for the chicken mixture, garlic herb butter, and breadcrumb coating.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Baking Sheet:** For chilling the garlic herb butter balls.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
* **Plastic Wrap:** For wrapping the garlic herb butter log.
* **Cookie Scoop or Spoon:** For portioning the chicken mixture.
* **Toothpicks (optional):** To secure the chicken balls, especially if they seem loose.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the most delicious Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls you’ve ever tasted.

**Part 1: Preparing the Garlic Herb Butter**

The key to a truly authentic Chicken Kiev flavor lies in the garlic herb butter. This is where the magic happens, so let’s start by preparing it:

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined.
2. **Shape the Butter:** Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean surface. Spoon the garlic herb butter mixture onto the plastic wrap, forming it into a log shape approximately 1 inch in diameter. Use the plastic wrap to tightly roll and shape the butter into a cylinder. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to secure the log.
3. **Chill the Butter:** Place the butter log on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and transfer it to the freezer. Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until the butter is very firm. This is crucial for easy handling and prevents the butter from melting during cooking. The colder the better!
4. **Cut into Pieces:** Once the butter is frozen solid, remove it from the freezer and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the butter log into small, even-sized discs (approximately 1/2 inch thick). These will be the flavorful centers of our Chicken Kiev Balls. Place the butter discs back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and return them to the freezer while you prepare the chicken mixture.

**Part 2: Preparing the Chicken Mixture**

Next, we’ll create the chicken mixture that will encase the garlic herb butter:

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (or a spoon) to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken balls tough.
2. **Portion the Chicken Mixture:** Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the chicken mixture into equal-sized balls (about 1.5-2 inches in diameter). You should get approximately 12-15 chicken balls from this recipe.
3. **Flatten and Fill:** Gently flatten each chicken ball into a small patty. Place one frozen garlic herb butter disc in the center of each patty. Carefully wrap the chicken around the butter, ensuring that the butter is completely sealed inside the chicken. Gently reshape the chicken into a ball, making sure there are no cracks or openings. This is important to prevent the butter from leaking out during cooking. If you see any cracks, patch them with a little extra chicken mixture.
4. **Chill the Chicken Balls (Optional):** For best results, place the formed chicken balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape during cooking and prevent the butter from melting too quickly.

**Part 3: Breadcrumb Coating**

Now for the crispy coating that will make these Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls irresistible:

1. **Set Up the Breading Station:** Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
2. **Coat the Chicken Balls:** One at a time, gently roll each chicken ball in the flour, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
3. **Dip in Egg:** Dip the floured chicken ball into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
4. **Coat in Breadcrumbs:** Finally, roll the egg-coated chicken ball in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere evenly. Make sure the entire surface of the chicken ball is covered in breadcrumbs.
5. **Repeat:** Repeat the breading process for all the remaining chicken balls.

**Part 4: Air Frying the Chicken Kiev Balls**

Now for the moment we’ve all been waiting for – air frying!

1. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
2. **Arrange Chicken Balls in the Air Fryer Basket:** Place the breaded chicken balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. **Spray with Oil (Optional):** For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken balls with cooking oil spray (such as olive oil or avocado oil). This will help the breadcrumbs brown evenly.
4. **Air Fry:** Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken balls halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep a close eye on them.
5. **Check for Doneness:** Carefully remove one chicken ball from the air fryer and cut it in half to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the butter is melted. If the chicken is still pink or the butter is not melted, continue cooking for a few more minutes.

**Part 5: Serving and Enjoying**

These Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls are best served immediately, while they are still hot and crispy. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **As an Appetizer:** Serve them with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a garlic aioli.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
* **In a Sandwich or Wrap:** Slice them in half and use them as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

## Tips for Success

* **Freeze the Butter Thoroughly:** This is crucial for preventing the butter from melting during cooking. Make sure the butter is frozen solid before you start assembling the chicken balls.
* **Seal the Chicken Balls Tightly:** Ensure that the garlic herb butter is completely sealed inside the chicken to prevent leakage.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cook the chicken balls in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Try adding different herbs and spices to the garlic herb butter, such as dill, thyme, or rosemary.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just make sure to keep them well-covered.

## Variations

* **Spicy Chicken Kiev Balls:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture or garlic herb butter for a spicy kick.
* **Cheesy Chicken Kiev Balls:** Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for a cheesy flavor.
* **Pesto Chicken Kiev Balls:** Substitute the garlic herb butter with pesto for a different flavor profile.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the ground chicken with a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 12 servings)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Protein: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

These Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of Chicken Kiev without all the fuss. With their crispy exterior, flavorful garlic herb butter center, and healthier cooking method, they are sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your air fryer and get ready to experience a taste of culinary heaven! This recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or anytime you crave a comforting and flavorful bite. Enjoy!