Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Meatball Mixture

   In a large bowl, combine 500g minced chicken, 1 tsp each of fennel, sage, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, pink salt, and black pepper. Add 1 cup sourdough breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup pre-fried onion, 1 large egg, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly by hand for about 2 minutes until all ingredients are well combined.

2. 2.Form the Meatballs

   Using a plastic tablespoon as a measure, form the mixture into small meatballs, slightly smaller than a ping-pong ball. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

3. 3.Pan-Fry the Meatballs

   Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes until they develop a lovely golden brown crust.

4. 4.Finish Cooking in Air Fryer

   Once pan-fried, transfer the meatballs to an air fryer tray (lined with aluminum foil). Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through.

5. 5.Prepare the Gravy Base

   While the meatballs are air frying, start the gravy. In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and 1-2 finely diced bell peppers. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

6. 6.Add Spices and Broth to Gravy

   Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors. Pour in 500ml of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil for a couple of minutes.

7. 7.Incorporate Cream Cheese

   Reduce the heat to medium. Spoon in 200g of cream cheese. Whisk slowly and carefully until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the gravy is smooth. Bring it back to a gentle boil for about 1 minute.

8. 8.Combine Meatballs and Gravy

   Return the cooked meatballs from the air fryer to the pan with the creamy cheese gravy. Spoon the gravy over each meatball to coat them. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

9. 9.Serve

   The gravy should now have a nice, thin consistency. Serve the chicken and Parmesan meatballs with the creamy cheese gravy, garnished with fresh parsley.