Name: Air Fryer Lamb Kofta Meatballs
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb / 500 g ground lamb (or lamb mince (I used 20% fat)); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred); 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

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Air fryer lamb kofta meatballs are a tasty meal or snack made using ground lamb and common pantry ingredients. These meatballs are quick and healthy to make by using an air fryer and they taste really good!

Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

Kofta is spiced, ground meat that is usually served on a stick or skewer. Kofta can also be in the shape of a meatball which is much more convenient for fitting in an air fryer. I love making all sorts of meatballs in the air fryer because of how quick and easy it is to make them.

One of my favorite types of meatballs to make in the air fryer is a kofta style lamb meatball. These meatballs have heaps of flavor from the middle eastern spices. They are a real crowd pleaser and are ready in only 15 minutes.

What Goes In Lamb Kofta Meatballs

Most of the ingredients that I use for these meatballs are common pantry ingredients, which makes these meatballs really easy to make. Ground lamb is the main component of the meatballs and the only non pantry ingredient. The lamb is then mixed with a bunch of spices and some garlic to add lots of flavor. Breadcrumbs are used to help bind the meatballs and keep them moist, panko is preferred but any will work.

The spices that are in the lamb kofta meatballs are are: ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt and black pepper.

It is not in this recipe, but to change the flavor of the meatballs try adding in some finely chopped fresh herbs such as coriander, mint or parsley. These herbs can add more flavor to the meatballs and add some freshness and complexity to the flavors.

air fryer lamb meatballs dipped in yogurt sauce

Air Frying Meatballs

Air frying is a healthy, quick and convenient way to cook meatballs at home.

Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F/200°C. It is important to preheat the air fryer so that cooking temperature is consistent. While the air fryer is preheating, mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl, until well combined.

Form meatballs using 2 tbsp of mixture per meatball and make into a ball shape using your hands. Slightly wetting your hands with water before forming the meatballs can help prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands. 2 tablespoons provide a good size meatball and will ensure even sizes. This should make roughly 12 meatballs.

Line the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer, try not to crowd the air fryer (Cook in 2 batches if needed). Cook the meatballs for 10-15 minutes, until golden and cooked as desired.

These meatballs go great on their own, or you can serve them with a yogurt based sauce. Something like Tzatziki Dip works well, not the most authentic combination but I think it tastes good. Otherwise I like a cumin spiced yogurt dip

Storing And Reheating Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs

Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge can last up to 4 days. Alternatively keep the meatballs in the freezer to have them last much longer.

To reheat the meatballs in the air fryer from the fridge cook them for roughly 5 minutes at 350°F/180°C, until heated through. To reheat from frozen cook for around 10 minutes at 350°F/180°C.

You can also freeze the meatballs before cooking. You can either defrost them and cook them using the normal cooking times, otherwise you can cook them from frozen at 400°F/200°C for 15-20 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

For another air fryer meatball recipe try out Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs or check out some air fryer chicken wing recipes such as Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings and Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings.