Tiffany Haney
Kofta is a ground meat dish mixed with onion and spices, which is then shaped into patties or meatballs and cooked. It is a popular dish across the world, with different variations in the Middle East and India. You can cook kofta in an air fryer, which is a small countertop convection oven that cooks food by circulating hot air around it at a very high speed. This produces a crispy 'fried' layer with a very small amount of oil. You can make chicken, beef, or lamb kofta in an air fryer, and it is a simple and healthy recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Appetizer, snack or main dish |
| Ingredients | Ground beef, lamb, chicken, garlic, onion, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, coconut flour, paprika, beaten egg, chopped cilantro, Greek seasoning, sumac, olive oil |
| Preparation | Mix ingredients, form into oval-shaped patties, cook in air fryer |
| Skewers | Optional, but if used, insert after cooking to prevent burning |
| Temperature | 350-390F (177-200C) |
| Cooking time | 10-20 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Tzatziki, raita, hummus, vegetables, pita bread |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
What You'll Learn
How to make kofta in an air fryer
Koftas are ground meat mixed with onion and spices that are shaped into patties or meatballs and cooked. They are eaten in cuisines across the world, with different countries across the Middle East and India serving their own variations.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or lamb
- Onion
- Garlic
- Greek seasoning
- Sumac
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, mix ground beef, garlic, onions, Greek seasoning and sumac.
- Make 6 oval koftas by rolling the beef mixture. You can also make them into meatballs.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with some cooking spray. You can omit this step but it can help keep the koftas from sticking.
- Place the koftas in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 350F (177C) for 10 minutes. You can also cook at 375F (190C) for 18-20 minutes.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce or raita.
You can also add skewers to your koftas. If you are using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before adding the meat. However, skewers are not necessary and can be added after the koftas are cooked to prevent them from burning.
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The benefits of cooking kofta in an air fryer
Kofta is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ground meats, including beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey, along with various spices and herbs. Cooking kofta in an air fryer offers several benefits that make it a convenient and appealing option.
One of the main advantages of using an air fryer is the speed and convenience it offers. Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air at high speeds, resulting in faster cooking times compared to traditional ovens or stovetops. This makes air fryers ideal for busy individuals or families who want a quick and easy meal option. The cooking time for kofta in an air fryer is typically around 10 minutes, and the entire recipe can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and efficient meal option.
Another benefit of cooking kofta in an air fryer is the ability to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. The air fryer's convection mechanism creates a crispy, "fried" layer on the outside of the kofta without the need for excessive oil or grease. This results in a healthier cooking option that still delivers the desired texture and flavour.
Air fryers are also known for their ease of use and low maintenance. They come in various sizes and styles to accommodate different needs and kitchen spaces. Additionally, air fryers require minimal cleanup, as there are no pots or pans to scrub. The air fryer basket can be easily sprayed with cooking spray or brushed with oil to prevent sticking, making the overall cooking process more convenient and mess-free.
Cooking kofta in an air fryer also offers the benefit of versatility. The basic concept of kofta remains consistent across different regions, but the specific ingredients and spices can vary. Air fryer kofta recipes can be adapted to personal preferences or dietary restrictions, such as keto or paleo diets. The air fryer allows for easy experimentation with different types of ground meat, spices, and serving options, making it a versatile appliance for exploring various kofta recipes.
Lastly, air fryers provide the benefit of consistency and control over the cooking process. The temperature and timing settings on air fryers allow for precise cooking, ensuring that the kofta is cooked to the desired level of doneness. This level of control can be more challenging to achieve with traditional grilling or frying methods, where the heat source may be less consistent.
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Kofta air fryer cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for koftas in an air fryer will depend on the type of meat used, the size of the koftas, and the model of the air fryer. For instance, chicken koftas will require a higher temperature and longer cooking time than beef or lamb koftas.
For beef koftas, it is recommended to cook them in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes. However, if you are using frozen beef koftas, increase the temperature to 380-390°F (190-199°C) and cook for about 10 minutes or until the centre is fully cooked.
Chicken koftas, on the other hand, should be cooked at a higher temperature of 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the koftas. For larger koftas, it is recommended to cook them for a longer time, while smaller koftas may require less time. Additionally, if you are using wooden skewers for your koftas, it is important to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to 1 hour before adding the meat to prevent them from burning during cooking.
It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your koftas while they are cooking in the air fryer and adjust the time and temperature as needed to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
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The best types of meat for kofta in an air fryer
Koftas are savoury meatballs or patties that are prevalent in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. They are traditionally made from ground meat and a variety of spices, herbs, and vegetables. The best types of meat for kofta in an air fryer are:
Beef
Beef is a popular choice for making kofta, as it is easily accessible and affordable. It has a good amount of oil content, which helps to keep the kofta moist and juicy.
Lamb
Lamb is another commonly used meat for kofta. It is a popular choice in the Middle East and has a distinct flavour that pairs well with the spices typically used in kofta. Lamb is leaner than beef, so it may dry out more quickly during cooking.
Chicken
Ground chicken is a leaner option that can be used as a substitute for beef or lamb. It has a milder flavour and is a good choice for those who prefer white meat. Chicken kofta may require additional oil or fat to prevent drying out during cooking.
Turkey
Ground turkey is another lean protein option that can be used for kofta. It has a similar flavour profile to chicken and is a healthy alternative to red meat. Like chicken, turkey may benefit from the addition of extra oil or fat to ensure moist and juicy kofta.
Combination of Meats
You can also combine different types of ground meat, such as beef and lamb, to create a unique flavour profile for your kofta. This allows you to experiment with different textures and flavours to find your preferred combination.
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Kofta air fryer recipes
Kofta is a ground meat dish mixed with onion and spices, which is then shaped into patties or meatballs and cooked. It is a dish enjoyed across the world, with different variations in the Middle East and India.
Air Fryer Kofta Recipes
Beef Kofta
For a beef kofta, mix ground beef with garlic, onions, Greek seasoning, and sumac. Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties. You can add the skewers after cooking to avoid burning them. Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C) and cook the koftas for 10 minutes at 350 F (177 C).
Chicken Kofta
For a chicken kofta, mix ground chicken with grated onion, minced garlic, jalapeno or green chilies, coconut flour, paprika, coriander, salt, black pepper, cumin, beaten egg, and chopped cilantro. Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties. Lightly brush each kofta with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Cook at 375 F (190 C) for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Lamb Kofta
For a lamb kofta, replace the ground beef with ground lamb in the beef kofta recipe.
Tips
- You can freeze cooked kofta kebabs in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- If using skewers, it is recommended to soak bamboo or wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to 1 hour before adding the meat to prevent them from burning.
- You can add a variety of spices to your kofta, such as cinnamon, cumin, coriander, paprika, and black pepper.
- Kofta can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
- You can serve kofta with tzatziki, raita, hummus, vegetables, or pita bread.
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Frequently asked questions
Using skewers is optional. If you do use them, it is recommended to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to 1 hour before assembling the meat onto them to prevent burning. It is also harder to fit the sticks inside the air fryer, so some prefer to add the sticks after the koftas are cooked.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the koftas and your air fryer. For thawed koftas, cook for 10 minutes at 350°F (177°C) or 370°F (188°C). For frozen koftas, cook at 380-390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes or until the centre is fully cooked.
The koftas are done when they are crispy and golden brown on the outside, and cooked through with no pink on the inside. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (75°C).
Koftas can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main dish. They can be served with tzatziki, raita, hummus, vegetables, pita bread, fries, or ketchup.
