Air Fryer Ground Meat Skewers

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the kofta cook more evenly.
  4. 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.
  5. 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