These Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are, sweet, savory, garlicky, and totally satisfying, everything you want in a game day recipe. The sauce is glossy and packed with flavor, and the meatballs come out juicy every time whether you air fry or bake them.
You’ll love how quick these are to put together. The meatballs are mixed, rolled, and cooked in the air fryer in just 8 minutes. The sauce comes together quickly in a skillet then they are tossed together.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat – Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the meatballs tender, not dense.
- Use an air fryer for speed – Air frying takes just 8 minutes and gives the meatballs a lightly crisp exterior.
- Double the sauce – If you like things extra saucy (or want leftovers), double the sauce ingredients and save some for drizzling over rice.
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Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce less sodium
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently just just combined. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs can turn tough.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t touching. Cook them at 380° F for 8 minutes or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Shake the basket half way.
- In a skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sticky sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion for garnish.
Notes
- Oven directions: Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.
Nutrition
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.