Five Spice Meatballs
These Five Spice Meatballs are juicy, slightly sweet, and full of warm, aromatic flavor. Using an air fryer keeps them tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior, all without extra oil. They work great as an appetizer, over rice, or tucked into lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken or ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, garlic, five spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, honey, egg, breadcrumbs, and green onions. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix or the meatballs will turn dense.
- Scoop and roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Optional Glaze
- Mix 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp honey. Brush over hot meatballs and air fry for 1 more minute for a glossy finish.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or inside lettuce cups. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions for added flavor and crunch.