Keto Ginger Chicken Meatballs (That Don’t Taste Like Diet Food)

Sometimes you just want food that hits all the right spots, crispy, juicy, tasty, and not full of weird stuff. That’s where these Keto Ginger Chicken Meatballs come in. Whether you’re keeping it low carb for weight goals, managing blood sugar, or just feel better without bread and rice dragging you down, this recipe is going to be your new best friend.

But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t taste “healthy.” It just tastes good.

You can call them Chinese Chicken Balls, Keto Chicken Balls, or Homemade Chicken Meatballs, but no matter what you name them, this is a dish that makes both your stomach and your people happy.

Why These Keto Chicken Balls Work

These aren’t your dry, bland meatballs from a sad frozen pack. They’re juicy, with a hit of ginger and garlic, and they crisp up beautifully, especially in the air fryer. (If you’re still only using your air fryer for frozen fries… we need to talk.)

Here’s what makes this recipe special:

• Super simple ingredients
• Can be made with chicken, or mix in pork for extra flavor
• Great for low carb dinners, snacks, or even appetizers
• No breadcrumbs—just crushed pork rinds to keep things keto
• Cooks quick in the air fryer oven, but works fine on a pan too

Whether you’re doing keto, watching calories, or just need a protein-packed snack, these Keto Chicken Cheese Balls tick all the boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your basic shopping list:

• 1 lb ground chicken (or ½ chicken + ½ pork for extra flavor)
• ½ cup crushed pork rinds (these replace breadcrumbs and keep it low carb)
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce (go light for lower sodium)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever you like)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: dash of sesame oil or chili flakes if you’re feeling spicy

Pro tip: Crushed pork rinds sound weird, but they make Low Carb Chicken Meatballs super moist and hold them together perfectly without flour or breadcrumbs.

How to Make Chicken Balls (Keto Style)

Making these is so simple, you can pull it off on a weeknight even if you’re running on caffeine and fumes.

Step 1: Prep the Meat Mixture

• In a big bowl, toss in your ground chicken, or do a mix of ground chicken and pork if you like a richer taste.
• Add in crushed pork rinds, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and your shredded cheese.
• Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
• Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon. You want it well blended, but don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. This size makes them perfect for Appetizer Chicken bites, snack plates, or meal prep.

Put them on a tray or plate and let them sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better when cooking.

Cooking Options

These Chicken Meatballs Healthy cook up best in the air fryer, but you’ve got options.

Option 1: Air Fryer (Best for Speed and Crispiness)

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
• Lightly spray the basket or tray with cooking spray.
• Place the meatballs in a single layer. Don’t crowd them.
• Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and slightly crispy outside.

If you’re into Air Fry Recipes or looking for fresh Air Fryer Ideas, this is one to save. It also fits right into your Keto Air Fryer menu and works great in the air fryer oven too.

Option 2: Bake in Oven

No air fryer? No problem.

• Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Option 3: Pan Fry

This is a bit messier but gives a nice crust.

• Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook the balls in batches, turning often, until they’re browned and cooked inside (about 10–12 minutes total).

What To Serve With Keto Chicken Meatballs

These Low Carb Chicken Meatballs are so versatile, they can be eaten on their own or dressed up in a dozen ways.

• Dipping sauces: Try sugar-free sweet chili, spicy mayo, or low carb ranch.
• Meal prep bowls: Add them to zoodles, cauliflower rice, or a lettuce wrap.
• Party tray: Perfect for game day or as a healthy version of Buffalo Meatballs—just toss in hot sauce and butter.

They also go great with Asian-inspired slaws, cucumber salad, or simple stir-fried veggies.

Make Them Your Own

Want to shake things up? Here’s how you can twist the recipe:

Cheese Options

Use mozzarella for that melty, stringy texture. Go sharp cheddar for a salty kick. Or mix in parmesan for more depth. That’s what makes Chicken Cheese Meatballs so fun to play with.

More Kick

Add chili flakes or a bit of sriracha if you want a spicier version. This is great for game day snacks or if you’re replacing those greasy bar appetizers with Keto Chicken Meatballs Low Carb versions.

Keto Ginger Chicken Meatballs Variations

• Add to lettuce wraps with hoisin mayo for a takeout-style lunch
• Toss in stir fry sauce and serve over cauliflower rice for a Dinner Main Course
• Pack them up cold for easy lunch boxes (yes, they taste good cold too!)

Leftovers, Freezing, and Reheating

These reheat really well, which makes them a great meal prep option.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Keeps for 2–3 months.
• Reheat: Pop in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F, or microwave for a minute (though air fryer keeps them crisp).

Having a stash of these in your freezer is a game-changer if you’re doing keto and need fast protein meals.

Who Will Love These Meatballs?

Pretty much anyone who:

• Can’t eat gluten
• Is on a keto diet
• Needs bariatric-friendly meals
• Wants low calorie chicken meatballs
• Gets bored of plain chicken breast
• Likes tasty, easy dinners

Even picky eaters who say they “don’t like healthy food” usually end up eating half the tray.

If you’re making food for someone recovering from surgery or watching what they eat, this recipe is gold. Many people doing bariatric chicken meatballs love how light but filling these are. No sugar, no carbs, just good stuff.

Final Tips for Perfect Meatballs

• Don’t overwork the mix. Mix just enough to combine or you’ll get tough meatballs.
• Use fresh ginger—it really makes a difference.
• Chill the meatballs before cooking. Helps them stay round and not fall apart.
• Spray with a little oil before air frying. It helps them crisp.
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer tray. Give them room or they’ll steam instead of fry.

Conclusion (Because You’re Probably Hungry Now)

• These Chinese Chicken Balls Recipe are crispy, juicy, and keto-friendly
• Made with ground chicken and pork, ginger, cheese, and pork rinds
• Perfect for Keto Air Fryer meals or Air Fryer Oven Recipes
• Great for lunch, dinner, or appetizer chicken snacks
• Low carb, no sugar, gluten-free, and full of flavor

Whether you’re doing Meatballs With Pork Rinds for a new diet or just want better food that doesn’t taste like punishment, this Chicken Balls Recipe should be on your list.

Next time someone says “healthy food is boring,” just hand them a toothpick and point to these.

Hungry yet?

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