These juicy and aromatic kofta kebabs are a delicious way to enjoy Middle Eastern flavors. Cooking them in the air fryer keeps them moist inside while achieving a nicely browned, slightly crisp exterior. Serve with pita, fresh veggies, and tzatziki or tahini sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
1 small onion, finely grated
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra moisture)
Instructions
Prepare the Kofta Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, allspice, black pepper, and salt).
Add olive oil if desired for extra moisture, then mix everything until well combined. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the kofta tough.
Shape the Kebabs:
With damp hands, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a long sausage-like shape around a skewer (if using), or simply roll them into logs if skewers won’t fit in your air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the kofta cook more evenly.
Cook the Kofta Kebabs:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the kofta kebabs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. You may need to cook in batches.
Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the kebabs are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef or lamb.
Serve:
Garnish with extra parsley or cilantro and serve with pita bread, fresh veggies, and your favorite sauce, such as tzatziki, tahini, or garlic sauce.
Tips
Moist Kofta: Adding grated onion and a little olive oil helps keep the kebabs juicy.
Fresh Herbs: Use fresh parsley and cilantro for the best flavor; dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
Skewer Alternative: If using skewers, make sure they fit in your air fryer. Bamboo skewers work well, but be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Variations
Spicy Kofta: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the mixture for a spicier kick.
Chicken Kofta: Substitute ground beef or lamb with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Note that poultry will need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Herb-Loaded Kofta: Add fresh mint or dill for a different herb profile, especially if serving with yogurt-based sauces.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 18g
