Craving something spicy, savory, and keto-friendly? Let me introduce you to Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs—a perfect blend of bold flavors and low-carb goodness. These meatballs are a healthier twist on classic buffalo wings, minus the mess and carbs. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping, or just looking for a quick snack, these meatballs are bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients List
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean or higher fat content for juicier meatballs)
- 2 tbsp almond flour (superfine and blanched)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup full-fat mayonnaise
Buffalo Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot (or any buffalo wing sauce of your choice)
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
Optional Garnishes
- Diced green onions
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Celery sticks (for serving)
Required Kitchen Tools
To make these keto buffalo chicken meatballs effortlessly, you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Air Fryer or Oven: To cook the meatballs to golden perfection.
- Meatball Scooper: Ensures uniform-sized meatballs.
- Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix the ingredients smoothly.
With these tools at hand, you’re all set to whip up a batch of these delicious meatballs.
Preparing the Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Making these meatballs is a breeze, and the result is a juicy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to prepare your keto buffalo chicken meatballs.
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, full-fat mayonnaise, and the egg. Whisk or use a fork to combine these ingredients until they form a paste-like consistency. This mixture will act as the binding agent for your meatballs.
- Add the ground chicken to the bowl. Using a rubber spatula or your hands (wear gloves if preferred), gently mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
- Using a meatball scooper or a tablespoon, scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball. Roll them gently between your palms to form smooth, even balls.
- You should end up with approximately 14 meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper while you prepare for cooking.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
- Spray the meatballs generously with oil spray to help them brown evenly.
- Cook in the air fryer for 6 minutes at 400°F. After 6 minutes, spray them again with oil spray and cook for another 6 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish or bowl.
Making the Buffalo Sauce and Serving Suggestions
Now that your meatballs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to coat them in a deliciously spicy buffalo sauce and prepare them for serving. This step takes the flavor to the next level and gives the meatballs their signature kick.
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of Frank’s Red Hot sauce (or buffalo wing sauce of your choice) with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
- Whisk the ingredients together until fully blended. The butter adds richness to the sauce, balancing the heat from the hot sauce.
Step 2: Coat the Meatballs
- Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the cooked meatballs in your serving dish or bowl.
- Gently toss the meatballs using a spoon or spatula to ensure they’re evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- For an extra burst of flavor and presentation, top your buffalo chicken meatballs with diced green onions and blue cheese crumbles. These garnishes complement the spicy sauce beautifully.
- Serve with celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side for a classic buffalo-style pairing. You can also add a small bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Perfect Occasions for Serving
- Game Day Snack: These meatballs are a crowd-pleaser for any sports gathering.
- Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and store them in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Party Appetizer: Serve these as finger food at parties, paired with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
These keto buffalo chicken meatballs are not only flavorful but also versatile, fitting perfectly into various occasions while keeping things low-carb and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Q: Can I bake these meatballs instead of air frying them?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the meatballs on it, and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Can I use another type of ground meat?
A: Yes! While ground chicken is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with ground turkey or even ground beef. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave before serving. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat when needed.
Q: Are these meatballs spicy?
A: The level of spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of hot sauce in the recipe.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes! To make the recipe dairy-free, replace Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative and skip the blue cheese crumbles for garnish.
Conclusion
Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Packed with protein and bursting with bold flavors, these meatballs are perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet—or simply anyone who loves delicious food! With their spicy buffalo sauce coating and juicy interior, they’re sure to be a hit at parties, game days, or even as part of your weekly meal prep routine.
By following this easy recipe, you’ll have a dish that’s not only quick to make but also versatile enough to suit various dietary needs. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a main course, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!