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
- 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