Name: Air Fryer Beef Kofta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (Use lean beef for best results.); 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 4 pita breads pita bread; 1 cup tzatziki sauce

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If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that packs a flavor punch, you’ve got to try this Air Fryer Beef Kofta! These juicy meat skewers are seasoned to perfection with warm spices like cumin and paprika, and they come together in no time. Seriously, I can whip this up in just 25 minutes! The best part? They’re cooked in the air fryer, so you get that lovely crispy exterior without any fuss. I love serving them in warm pita bread with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. It’s a family favorite at my house, and it’s so easy that even my kids can help out – if I can get them to put down their tablets, that is! Trust me, once you try these kofta, they’ll become a regular on your dinner table.

Ingredients List

To make the most mouthwatering Air Fryer Beef Kofta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (use lean beef for best results)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For serving, grab:

4 pita breads
1 cup tzatziki sauce

Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped herbs like parsley to the beef mixture for an extra flavor boost. The combination of spices and the creamy tzatziki will have you coming back for seconds!

How to Prepare Instructions

Making Air Fryer Beef Kofta is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and add the ground beef. Then, sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Now, it’s time to get your hands in there! Mix everything together until well combined. You want to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the beef for maximum flavor. It’s a bit messy, but it’s also a lot of fun – just think of it as a mini workout!

Step 2: Form the Kofta

Once your mixture is nicely blended, it’s time to shape your kofta. Take a handful of the mixture and form it into oval-shaped patties or mold them onto skewers for that classic look. Aim for about 2-3 inches long – not too thick, or they might not cook through properly. I like to keep them a bit compact so they hold together nicely during cooking. Trust me, a little care here pays off in flavor and texture!

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important! It helps the kofta cook evenly and get that lovely crispy texture on the outside, while staying juicy on the inside. Just set the timer for about 5 minutes, and while that’s happening, you can get everything else ready.

Step 4: Cook the Kofta

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the kofta in the basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s a little space between them so they can cook evenly. Cook for 10 minutes, but don’t forget to flip them halfway through! This way, both sides get that beautiful golden brown color. You’ll want to keep an eye on them towards the end, just to ensure they’re not overcooking.

Step 5: Serve the Kofta

When the kofta is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve! I love putting them in warm pita bread and drizzling with tzatziki sauce. You can add some fresh veggies like cucumbers or tomatoes inside for extra crunch and freshness. It’s such a wonderful combo that brings all those flavors together. Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Beef Kofta – trust me, they’ll be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Rich Flavors: The combination of spices like cumin and paprika creates a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Healthy Option: Using lean ground beef and serving with fresh veggies and tzatziki makes this a nutritious choice for your family.
Easy Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess than traditional grilling, making cleanup a breeze!
Kid-Friendly: It’s a fun meal that kids can help with, plus they’ll love wrapping the kofta in pita and adding their favorite toppings.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Air Fryer Beef Kofta turns out perfectly every single time, here are some of my best tips:

Choose the Right Beef: Opt for lean ground beef, ideally around 80/20. It keeps the kofta juicy without being too greasy. You can even mix in some ground lamb for a richer flavor!
Don’t Skip the Herbs: Adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint can elevate the flavor profile. Just a handful mixed into the beef makes a world of difference!
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning! Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or swap out paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Watch the Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your kofta as they cook. If you like them a bit crispier, add an extra minute or two, but be careful not to overdo it!
Let Them Rest: Once the kofta are done cooking, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite more flavorful.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be serving up perfectly cooked Air Fryer Beef Kofta that everyone will love!

Variations

One of the best things about Air Fryer Beef Kofta is how versatile it is! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, try adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also experiment with different spice blends like za’atar or harissa for a unique twist.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can really brighten up the flavor. Consider adding chopped cilantro, dill, or mint to the beef mixture for a fresh burst.
Different Proteins: Don’t feel limited to beef! You can use ground lamb, chicken, or turkey as a substitute. Each will bring its own delicious flavor to the kofta.
Serving Styles: While pita is a classic choice, try serving kofta over a bed of couscous or quinoa, topped with a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
Dip Variety: Change up your dipping sauces! Instead of tzatziki, try a spicy harissa yogurt or a tangy tahini sauce for a different flavor profile.

With these variations, you can create a new experience every time you make these kofta!

Nutritional Information Section

When it comes to enjoying delicious Air Fryer Beef Kofta, it’s nice to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (which serves about 4 people):

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Potassium: 500mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 100 IU
Vitamin C: 5mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 2mg

Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any variations you make. But overall, these kofta offer a wholesome option for a satisfying meal!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making Air Fryer Beef Kofta? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some common queries!

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for kofta?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef for rich flavor, you can definitely switch it up and use ground lamb, chicken, or turkey. Each will bring its own delicious twist to the dish!

Q2: What can I serve with the kofta?
There are plenty of options! I love serving my kofta in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, but they also pair wonderfully with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. You can even enjoy them on their own as a tasty appetizer!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that great texture back!

Q4: Can I freeze the kofta?
Definitely! You can freeze the uncooked kofta before air frying. Just shape them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, no need to thaw – just pop them in the air fryer and add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q5: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can grill or bake the kofta in the oven. If grilling, cook them on medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. For baking, place them on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping once.

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