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    Home » Keto Dinner Ideas » Keto Lamb Kofta (and an air fryer giveaway!)

    Published: Sep 6, 2020 · Modified: Apr 25, 2021 by Carolyn

    Keto Lamb Kofta (and an air fryer giveaway!)

    This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    895 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A delicious keto lamb kofta recipe, made extra easy in your air fryer. Great Middle Eastern flavor for a simple low carb dinner in minutes.

    Titled image of Keto Lamb Kofta in a white oval dish with feta and cilantro

    If you’re looking for more easy, flavorful keto dinners, look no further than this lamb kofta recipe.

    I made mine in the air fryer, which made it quickly and with minimal clean up. But this is a versatile recipe and it can be done on a grill, a grill pan, or even baked in the oven.

    And if you don’t happen to be a lamb fan, then you can make it with beef instead, in exactly the same way. Whatever you do, make it. Because this keto kofta recipe is juicy and delicious, with that unique combination of Middle Eastern spices.

    Cinnamon, coriander, and cumin, oh my!

    Inspiration for Air Fryer Lamb Kofta

    I will admit that the inspiration for this keto recipe was my desire to play with my new toy, the Air Fryer Lid from Instant Pot.

    Yes, you read that correctly. There is now a new lid that turns your Instant Pot into an air fryer, and these keto lamb kofta are proof that it works astonishingly well.

    So if you already have an Instant Pot and you just don’t want another small kitchen appliance cluttering up your space, this might be something to consider.

    Not only is it something to consider but I am actually giving one away! Scroll down to check out the giveaway.

    Top down photo of lamb kofta patties in an air fryer

    Is kofta keto-friendly?

    Whether or not kofta can be considered keto depends a great deal on what you add to it.

    I researched a number of recipes and I came across that contained bread crumbs or milk-soaked bread, and some that contained copious amounts of onion. Neither of these options are particularly keto friendly.

    I also saw a few that were mostly ground meat and spices, with a little garlic or grated onion. These easily could fit into a keto diet.

    I decided to skip both the bread and the onion, to make a truly keto lamb kofta. Each serving has only 1.8 total carbs, and is as full of flavor as anything you might get for takeout.

    A black bowl with air fryer lamb kofta and cauliflower rice. A dish of more kofta sits behind on a striped napkin

    How to make keto lamb kofta

    Kofta is really quite similar to meatballs or hamburger patties, so it’s very simple to make. It can be served on skewers, which is fun but not necessary. And it can be grilled, pan-fried, or baked.

    And of course you can easily cook it in an air-fryer too. Here are my best tips for making keto lamb kofta:

    1. Use lamb or beef, or even ground turkey, as you prefer. I love lamb, but I know not everyone agrees with me.
    2. Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl by hand. Yes, this means getting your hands dirty, but your mixture will be much more cohesive if you do it with your hands. Plus you need to form them by hand anyway!
    3. Make sure your spices are fresh so the best flavor comes through. Conventional wisdom says that you should only keep ground spices around for 6 months but I extend that to about 1 year.
    4. Kofta can be formed into patties, balls, or longer oval shaped logs. I like the oval logs for their more traditional shape, but it all tastes the same!
    5. Bamboo skewers are fun, but they don’t necessarily fit into every air fryer so you can skip them if you want. I did a few in my bigger Cuisinart air fryer with the skewers. Remember to soak them in advance if you do use them!
    Lamb kofta in a black bowl with cauliflower rice, tomatoes, and cucumber

    What to serve with keto lamb kofta?

    Traditional kofta is served with pita bread, yogurt sauce, and sometimes rice. But for keto, we need to skip the bread and the rice.

    I decided to serve mine very simply, with some cauliflower rice, fresh vegetables, and a little feta. It makes a wonderful keto dinner. And the leftovers make a great lunch the next day, too.

    The Giveaway

    One lucky winner will receive an Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and a copy of Easy Keto Dinners!

    This is open to US residents only (sorry, but the cost of shipping to other locales is simply too much), who are 18 years of age or older.

    Before entering, please be sure to check out the air fryer lid first, to make sure it will fit your Instant Pot: 6 Quart Air Fryer Lid from Instant Pot.

    If you happen to own an 8 Quart instant pot, I am happy to send you that lid instead… but again, please make sure it fits your Instant Pot.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Titled image of Keto Lamb Kofta in a white oval dish with feta and cilantro

    Easy Lamb Kofta

    A delicious keto lamb kofta recipe, made extra easy in your air fryer. Great Middle Eastern flavor for a simple low carb dinner in minutes.
    5 from 21 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Main Course
    Keyword: air fryer kofta, lamb kofta
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Total Time: 27 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 437kcal

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs ground lamb (can sub beef)
    • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
    • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
    • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ tsp black pepper

    Instructions

    • If you plan to use bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 1 hour.
    • In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and use your hands to mix well. Form into 12 oval shaped logs about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. If using skewers, thread the logs onto the skewers.
    • Air fry at 400F for 10 to 12 minutes, until nicely browned and the center of the kofta reaches at least 135F for medium. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
    • You can also grill the kofta over medium heat, turning to brown all over, or bake at 375F.
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Lamb Kofta
    Amount Per Serving (2 kofta)
    Calories 437 Calories from Fat 247
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 27.4g42%
    Carbohydrates 1.8g1%
    Fiber 0.8g3%
    Protein 37.9g76%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    895 shares

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    Nutritional Disclaimer

    Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

    Reader Interactions

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Simone says

      September 25, 2020 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      I made this last night and it was really yummy.Had a side salad and tzatziki sauce with it. Now my hubby wants me to make bifteki. This is definitely going to be made again and again and again ;-))

      Reply
    2. Judy says

      September 13, 2020 at 2:03 pm

      This looks amazing! Never thought I could low carb and air fry!

      Reply
    3. Kim says

      September 12, 2020 at 11:32 pm

      This looks wonderful! Thanks!

      Reply
    4. Joy Venters says

      September 12, 2020 at 10:54 pm

      just got an air fryer so I am just learning how to use it

      Reply
    5. Connie Tucker says

      September 12, 2020 at 10:52 pm

      No, I’ve never tried cooking in an air fryer.

      Reply
    6. Louis A Davila says

      September 12, 2020 at 10:46 pm

      I’ve tried my mother’s air fryer and I quite like it and would like one for myself.

      Reply
    7. Yamini Kalidindi says

      September 12, 2020 at 10:45 pm

      Can’t wait to make this recipe. Looks amazing!

      Reply
    8. Sandy says

      September 12, 2020 at 10:32 pm

      5 stars
      I didn’t know there was such a thing as an airfryer lid. I have an air fryer and enjoy using it but this would take up less kitchen space. I love your recipes. Thank you for sharing them and for offering this giveaway.

      Reply
    9. Leann W says

      September 12, 2020 at 10:30 pm

      Fingers crossed! Would love to win something in this crazy 2020 year!!

      Reply
    10. Jennifer D. says

      September 12, 2020 at 10:26 pm

      I have hard boiled eggs and a runny crack chicken dinner. ????

      Reply
      • Christa says

        September 12, 2020 at 10:31 pm

        Loved using an air fryer, until mine broke! Perfect for wings, and all the meats and veggies!

        Reply
    11. Deanah Soto says

      September 12, 2020 at 10:15 pm

      I have not tried an air fryer but would love to. I had an Instapot but gave it to my son who is in dental school. He has long hours in the clinic and needed it more than me. If I win the air fryer, I’ll give it to him so he can cook meals fast and healthy! Love your recipes!

      Reply
    12. Mel A says

      September 12, 2020 at 10:13 pm

      This looks amazing!! Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
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