Air Fryer Lamb Kofta with Tahini Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Air Fryer Lamb Kofta recipe brings Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen with a quick and easy method. Juicy lamb patties seasoned with fragrant spices and served with a creamy tahini sauce make a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup tahini paste
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2-3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 1 and ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
• 2 Tbsp finely ground bulgur wheat*
• 1 lb ground lamb
• ½ yellow onion, minced
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray or oil
• Pita bread for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: To make the tahini sauce, combine tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times to form a paste. With the motor running, slowly add ½ cup cold water and blend until smooth and pourable, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add up to ¼ cup more water if needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Step 2: Mix the bulgur wheat with 2 tablespoons of very hot water in a heatproof bowl. Let stand for 7 minutes until the water is absorbed, then fluff with a fork.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the softened bulgur, ground lamb, minced onion, 1 teaspoon salt, coriander, cumin, black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
4. Step 4: With damp hands, shape the lamb mixture into 8 equal, tightly packed oval patties. Place on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
5. Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF for 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, thread half of the patties onto metal skewers. Lightly spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Step 7: Cook the kofta in the air fryer until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway if your air fryer requires it. Repeat with remaining patties.
8. Step 8: Serve the lamb kofta hot with tahini sauce and warm pita bread.

Tips & Variations

• If you can’t find finely ground bulgur wheat, replace it with fine breadcrumbs or omit it for a denser kofta.
• For added freshness, serve with chopped parsley, sliced cucumbers, or tomato salad.
• Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes if metal skewers are not available.
• Adjust garlic and spices to taste for a milder or spicier flavor.

Storage

Store cooked lamb kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness. The tahini sauce can be refrigerated separately for up to 5 days. Assemble just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?

Yes, ground beef works well as a substitute, but lamb offers the most authentic flavor. You may want to adjust seasoning slightly to enhance the beef’s taste.

Do I need to soak the bulgur wheat beforehand?

Yes, soaking bulgur in hot water softens it and helps bind the kofta mixture. If you skip this step, the texture may be less tender.

Air Fryer Lamb Kofta with Tahini Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 93 reviews

This Air Fryer Lamb Kofta recipe features seasoned ground lamb mixed with bulgur wheat and aromatic spices, formed into oval patties and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Served with a creamy homemade tahini sauce and warm pita bread, this dish offers a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal that is both flavorful and easy to prepare.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 kofta patties (serves 4-6) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Tahini Sauce

• ¾ cup tahini paste
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2–3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ to ¾ cup cold water

For the Kofta

• 2 Tbsp finely ground bulgur wheat
• 2 Tbsp very hot water
• 1 lb ground lamb
• ½ yellow onion, minced
• 1½ tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Pita bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Tahini Sauce: Place tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt in a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until it forms a paste. While the motor runs, slowly add ½ cup cold water and blend until smooth and pourable, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add up to an additional ¼ cup cold water if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Soften Bulgur: Combine bulgur wheat with 2 tablespoons of very hot water in a heatproof bowl. Let it stand for 7 minutes until water is absorbed, then fluff with a fork.
3. Mix Kofta Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the softened bulgur, ground lamb, minced onion, 1 teaspoon salt, coriander, cumin, black pepper, and ground cinnamon using your hands.
4. Form Patties: With damp hands to prevent sticking, shape the lamb mixture into 8 tightly packed oval patties. Place them on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to firm up.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3 minutes.
6. Prepare for Cooking: Divide patties into two batches. Thread half the patties onto metal skewers. Lightly spray or brush them with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
7. Cook Kofta: Place skewered patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and browned on the outside. Repeat with remaining patties.
8. Serve: Serve the kofta hot with the tahini sauce and warm pita bread on the side.

Notes

• Finely ground bulgur wheat is used to help bind the kofta and add texture; if unavailable, substitute with fine breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the amount of water in the tahini sauce for desired consistency.
• To avoid overcrowding the air fryer, cook the kofta in batches.
• Metal skewers are recommended for air frying as they conduct heat well and cook the kofta evenly.
• Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape.

Keywords: air fryer lamb kofta, lamb kofta recipe, Middle Eastern kofta, air fryer recipes, tahini sauce, easy lamb recipes