Juicy, saucy, and full of smoky sweet flavor, these Air Fryer BBQ Bison Meatballs are the kind of recipe that makes gluten free comfort food feel effortless.
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I started making these after my first Whole30 in 2017, when I wanted something quick for dinner that still tasted like it came from a cozy weekend cookout. The air fryer gets the meatballs perfectly golden on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy, and the BBQ sauce ties it all together with that crave-worthy balance of sweet and tangy.
Made with lean, high-protein bison and simple, real ingredients, this recipe is proof that wholesome food doesn't have to be boring or complicated, just easy, flavorful, and so good you'll want them on repeat. Try serving them with my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges for the ultimate pairing, or check out my Bison Bolognese for another cozy, protein packed favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These BBQ Bison Meatballs are everything you want in a weeknight recipe, quick, juicy, and full of flavor, without all the grease. Bison gives them a rich, slightly sweet taste that feels special, and the air fryer makes them perfectly golden on the outside while staying tender inside.
They're gluten free, high in protein, and made with real ingredients, exactly what I love sharing here at Kaleena's Kitchen. Whether you're meal prepping or making an easy dinner, these bison meatballs prove that gluten free comfort food can be simple, crave worthy, and anything but boring.
Ingredients
Substitutions
Bison- You can also use ground beef, turkey, lamb, pork, or chicken.
Almond flour- Gluten free or regular breadcrumbs or panko would work.
BBQ sauce- You can use your favorite kind of BBQ sauce. I love using The New Primal Nobal Made's classic bbq sauce to keep this recipe Whole30, but I usually just use whatever I have on hand.
Can I make bison meatballs without an air fryer?
Yes! You can add them to a foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake at 400ยฐF for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160ยฐF.
How do I keep my meatballs from drying out?
Bison is leaner than beef, so the trick is not to overcook them. Mixing in an egg and a bit of almond flour helps keep them moist, and the BBQ sauce adds extra juiciness once they're done cooking. You'll know they're ready when they reach 160ยฐF inside, juicy, tender, and perfectly caramelized on the outside.
Step by step
- Add all the ingredients, except the bbq sauce, to a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together.
- Roll the mixture into equal sized balls, about 1 inch, and set them on a plate. Place the plate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, or longer, to firm up.
- Add the meatballs to the basket or tray of your air fryer in an even layer, and cook at 400 degrees for 9 minutes.
- Flip the meatballs, using tongs, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- While the meatballs are cooking, take the bbq sauce and add it to a medium sized saucepan, and cook on low till the meatballs are done.
- When the meatballs are done, add them to the pot with the BBQ sauce, coating them with the sauce. Let cook for up to 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite side.
Tips
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate for that golden, crisp texture. If your air fryer is smaller, cook them in two batches instead of piling them in.
- Want to keep it Whole30 or Paleo? Use a compliant BBQ sauce (like Noble Made) and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. You'll still get all the flavor without any gluten, dairy, or added sugars.
- Don't skip chilling the meatballs. Letting them rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before cooking helps them firm up and hold their shape in the air fryer, no crumbling or sticking.
Storing and reheating
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They make a killer lunch the next day or a quick grab-and-go snack.
Reheating: Toss them back in the air fryer at 400ยฐF for about 5 minutes until warm. If they look a little dry, just brush on a bit more BBQ sauce, it brings back that fresh, glossy finish.
Freezing: Let them cool completely, spread them out on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then toss them into a freezer bag. When the craving hits, reheat straight from frozen at 400ยฐF for 8-10 minutes, then toss with warm BBQ sauce. Tastes just like day one.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a star rating or drop a comment below. Your feedback means so much to me! And if you snap a photo, tag me on Instagram at @kaleenas.kitchen so I can see your version!
I hope these Air Fryer BBQ Bison Meatballs find a spot in your regular dinner rotation, they sure have in ours!
Recipe
Juicy Air Fryer Bison Meatballs with BBQ Sauce
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Medium Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground bison
- 1 egg
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- โ cup almond flour
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients, except the bbq sauce, to a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together.
- Roll the mixture into equal sized balls, about 1 inch, and set them on a plate. Place the plate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, or longer, to firm up.
- Add the meatballs to the basket or tray of your air fryer in an even layer, and cook at 400 degrees for 9 minutes. Flip the meatballs, using tongs, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- While the meatballs are cooking, take the bbq sauce and add it to a medium sized saucepan, and cook on low till the meatballs are done.
- When the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan with the BBQ sauce, coating them with the sauce. Let cook for up to 5 minutes then serve with your favorite side.
Notes
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate for that golden, crisp texture. If your air fryer is smaller, cook them in two batches instead of piling them in.
- Want to keep it Whole30 or Paleo? Use a compliant BBQ sauce (like Noble Made) and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. You'll still get all the flavor without any gluten, dairy, or added sugars.
- Don't skip chilling the meatballs. Letting them rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before cooking helps them firm up and hold their shape in the air fryer, no crumbling or sticking.
Nutrition
*nutrition information is an approximate
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Hi, I'm Kaleena!
I'm a 30-something wife and dog mom who shares mostly gluten-free, dairy-free, Whole30, and Paleo-friendly recipes. Since doing my first Whole30 in 2017, I have completely changed my way of cooking. I love to create recipes made from real, flavorful ingredients that the whole family will love!
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