Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
cranberry orange chicken meatballs
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Cranberry Orange Chicken Meatballs

These Cranberry Orange Chicken Meatballs are the perfect bite-sized dish for the holidays! Bright citrus from orange zest meets the tartness of cranberries, all rounded out with aromatic rosemary. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack, these meatballs are a flavorful, and cook quickly in the oven or air fryer!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Air Fryer, Appetizer, Chicken Recipes, Holiday Recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer meatballs with dried cranberries, chicken meatballs with cranberries, christmas appetizers, cranberry orange chicken meatballs, how to make cranberry orange chicken meatballs, keto chicken meatballs, orange cranberry chicken meatballs, paleo chicken meatballs, thanksgiving appetizers, whole30 chicken meatballs
Servings: 20 meatballs
Calories: 281kcal
Author: Valerie Skinner

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • air fryer
  • Tongs or Spatula
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 egg
  • ⅓ cup almond flour fine
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ½ cup dried cranberries chopped fine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, egg, almond flour, orange zest, cranberries, rosemary, and seasonings until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  • Shape the Meatballs: Roll into ½-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
  • Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Serve Warm: Enjoy immediately or keep warm for serving with toothpicks.

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Preheat: Set your air fryer to 375°F.
  • Prepare the Meatballs: Follow the same steps to mix and shape the meatballs.
  • Air Fry: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching.
  • Cook: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm as an appetizer or meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 626mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 81IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg