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Tags and nutritional info are auto-generated and may be inaccurate. Always check the full ingredient list before cooking.
Blend chipotle chilis, adobo sauce, BBQ sauce, and garlic in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Combine the blended sauce with cottage cheese, Worcestershire, breadcrumbs, scallions, eggs, and ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Use a small melon baller or mini ice cream scoop to portion the mixture into about 50 bite-sized meatballs.
Preheat the air fryer to 400F. Lightly spray or dot each meatball with avocado oil. Arrange in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed. Cook for 6 minutes, shaking the basket at the 4-minute mark for even browning.
Serve warm, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
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Scoop the meatballs directly into the air fryer in batches. You may need to clean the air fryer after the 3rd or 4th batch.
Cottage cheese keeps the meatballs moist and adds protein without making them dense - do not skip it.
Oven method: bake at 400F for 12-14 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until cooked through.
Make ahead: mix and shape up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Substitutions: ground turkey for ground chicken (same cook time); ricotta for cottage cheese (creamier, slightly less protein); almond flour for breadcrumbs (gluten-free, softer texture); any BBQ sauce you love.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken with the same cooking time.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
What is the oven method for cooking these meatballs?
Bake at 400F for 12-14 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until cooked through.
How should I store the cooked meatballs?
Refrigerate cooked meatballs in an airtight container up to 4 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Use 1-2 chilis for less spice, or add more for an extra kick.
