Lamb Koftas in the Air Fryer
Lamb kofta mixture can dry out or fall off the skewer on a barbecue grill. Lamb koftas air fryer style cook in 10 to 12 minutes at 190 °C and keep their shape, with a browned outside and a juicy middle. The recipe makes eight koftas with cumin, coriander and mint, plus a quick garlic yoghurt dip.
- Temperature
- 190°C
- Total time
- 57min
- Prep
- 15min
- Servings
- 4
- Core temp
- 75°C
- Per serving
- 320kcal
Why the air fryer works for lamb koftas
Lamb koftas air fryer baskets cook well because the hot air browns the outside of the mixture while the fat inside keeps the meat juicy. A barbecue or grill can scorch the spices and leave the middle raw, and a frying pan means turning each skewer. In the air fryer all sides are heated at once.
Koftas are made from minced lamb, so they are a different dish from a lamb steak or a roast. They are closer to meatballs in how they are mixed, but the long, flat shape gives more browned surface and cooks in about 12 minutes. Because the meat is minced, it must be cooked to 75 °C all the way through.
How to make lamb koftas in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Mix Combine the mince, onion, garlic, spices, herbs, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix with your hands for until the mixture feels sticky and holds together.
- Chill and shape Cover and chill for . Divide into 8 portions and press each one around a metal skewer (or a wooden skewer soaked in water for ) into a long, flat sausage about 2 cm thick.
- Preheat and oil Preheat the air fryer to 190 °C for . Brush the koftas lightly with the olive oil.
- Cook Lay the koftas in a single layer, not touching. Cook for , turning them over after , until browned all over.
- Check the temperature Lamb mince must be cooked right through. Push a thermometer into the centre of the thickest kofta. The FSA says food is safe at 75 °C for 30 seconds, and the juices should run clear with no pink meat.
- Make the dip Stir the yoghurt, grated garlic and lemon juice together with a pinch of salt. Serve with the hot koftas.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Lamb Koftas | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb koftas on skewersTurn halfway | 190 °C | 10–12 min |
| Kofta patties, no skewer | 190 °C | 9–10 min |
| Mini koftas for starters | 190 °C | 7–8 min |
| Frozen lamb koftasCheck the pack | 180 °C | 14–16 min |
| Reheating cooked koftasSteaming hot, 75 °C | 160 °C | 4–5 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 75 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Chill before shaping. Cold mixture holds on the skewer far better than warm.
- Press firmly along the skewer. Pressing out air pockets stops the kofta sliding off as it cooks.
- Leave a gap between koftas. If they touch, the sides steam and stay pale, so cook in two batches if your basket is small.
Serving
Serve the koftas in warm flatbreads with sliced red onion, tomato and the garlic yoghurt, or on a bed of rice with a crisp salad. Falafel and potato wedges make a good mezze-style spread. Lamb kebabs air fryer style also work well cut off the skewer and tucked into a wrap.
Storing and reheating
Cooked koftas keep for up to 2 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat them in the air fryer at 160 °C for 4–5 minutes, until steaming hot all the way through (75 °C in the centre). Uncooked koftas can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
- Minted lamb koftas: Double the fresh mint and add 1 tsp lemon zest to the mix for a fresher flavour.
- Harissa koftas: Stir 1 tbsp harissa paste into the mince in place of the paprika for more heat.
- Feta and spinach: Add 50 g crumbled feta and a handful of chopped spinach for a softer centre.
Troubleshooting
- The koftas fall apart
- The mixture is too wet or too warm. Squeeze the onion dry, chill for 30 minutes and wet your hands when shaping.
- The koftas are dry
- Lean mince dries out quickly. Use lamb mince with 15–20 per cent fat and take the koftas out as soon as they reach 75 °C.
- The outside is pale
- The basket was crowded or cold. Preheat the air fryer, space the koftas apart and brush them with a thin layer of oil.
Frequently asked questions
How long do lamb koftas take in an air fryer?
Fresh koftas 2 cm thick take 10–12 minutes at 190 °C, turned halfway. Thinner koftas may be ready in 8–9 minutes.
Can you cook frozen lamb koftas in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen koftas at 180 °C for 14–16 minutes, turning halfway, until they are steaming hot and 75 °C in the centre. Check the pack for brand-specific guidance.
Can you use wooden skewers in an air fryer?
Yes, if you soak them in water for 20 minutes first. Keep the ends clear of the heating element, or use short metal skewers instead.
What temperature should lamb koftas be cooked to?
Lamb mince should reach 75 °C in the centre, as the FSA advises for all minced meat. The meat should be brown throughout with clear juices.
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