Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, providing a tender and juicy base for the balls.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the filling, creating a deliciously creamy center.

Garlic: Enhances the flavor of the butter filling with a fragrant, savory note.

Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy outer layer, essential for the texture of the chicken balls.

All-purpose flour: Helps the egg adhere to the chicken, ensuring an even coating of breadcrumbs.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent, allowing the breadcrumbs to stick to the chicken.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the seasoning.

When flattening the chicken breasts, use a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper to cover the meat before using the meat mallet. This prevents the chicken from tearing and ensures an even thickness, which helps the butter-garlic mixture stay inside the chicken balls during cooking.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative.

• softened butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can mimic the creamy texture and richness of butter.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar flavor, though it is less intense.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crunchy texture similar to breadcrumbs.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a slightly nuttier flavor and added nutrition.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a binding agent similar to eggs.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty flavor along with a bit of umami.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the chicken Kiev balls to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled chicken Kiev balls in an airtight container. If stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For freezing, arrange the cooled chicken Kiev balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other.
• Freeze the chicken Kiev balls on the baking sheet for 1-2 hours or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Transfer the frozen chicken Kiev balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the leftover chicken Kiev balls in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 5-7 minutes or until they are hot and crispy.

• If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the chicken Kiev balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a quick microwave option, place the chicken Kiev balls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• To reheat on the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the chicken Kiev balls in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 180°C (350°F). Place the chicken Kiev balls on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once to ensure they are evenly reheated.

• Air fryer: This is essential for cooking the chicken Kiev balls to a golden brown and crispy perfection without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the softened butter and minced garlic, creating the flavorful filling for the chicken balls.

• Meat mallet: This tool helps in flattening the chicken pieces, making them easier to roll into balls with the butter-garlic mixture inside.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces safely.

• Knife: For cutting the chicken breasts into the appropriate sizes.

• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure out the salt and black pepper.

• Measuring cups: These are used to measure the breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour.

• Small bowl: Ideal for beating the eggs before dipping the chicken balls.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the chicken balls when coating them in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and for placing them in the air fryer basket.

• Air fryer basket: The component of the air fryer where the chicken balls will be placed for cooking.

• Plate: To hold the coated chicken balls before they go into the air fryer.

• Serving dish: For presenting the hot and delicious chicken Kiev balls once they are cooked.

Prepare the butter mixture in advance: Mix the softened butter and minced garlic ahead of time and refrigerate. This will save you a step when assembling the chicken Kiev balls.

Use pre-flattened chicken: Purchase pre-flattened chicken breasts or ask your butcher to flatten them for you. This will save you the effort of pounding the chicken yourself.

Set up a breading station: Arrange your flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in an assembly line. This will streamline the coating process and reduce mess.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple chicken balls at once in the air fryer. This will save time compared to cooking them in smaller batches.