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.
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.
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.
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:
- Use lamb or beef, or even ground turkey, as you prefer. I love lamb, but I know not everyone agrees with me.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!
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.
Easy Lamb Kofta
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.
Pam says
I have an air fryer…would love to have an IP lid for a “one stop” solution for IP recipes enhanced by browning!
Ginny M. says
I would love to try an air fryer lid with my Instant Pot. The cool thing about your recipes is they can be adapted for food preferences… my family loves lamb, not my fave, but I could make skewer meatballs, ground pork Chinese dumplings (minus the skin), Thai chicken skewers, etc. Thanks, Carolyn!
Tryphania Mayfield says
This looks delicious, a must try!
Karen says
I have been wanting to try this air fryer lid. My husband worries that it could make a lot of smoke. The idea of not needing to add a whole other appliance is great since we full time RV.
Kelly D says
I have never tried cooking in an air fryer, but I would like to.
Connie says
Love lamb at our house, will be trying this soon!
Terri Bullard says
I’ve never tried an air dryer but really want to
Maggie Pogue says
I have never tried air frying before but my son just lent me his to try! I really need to get one, it’s so easy to use!!!
Sandra Marlow says
I love my air fryer! I’m still learning, but use it quite a bit.
I also love lamb, so I’m glad I read across your recipe. I will be trying it.
Thank you so much for the giveaway!
Kelly says
Yes we have tried using an air fryer ????I haven’t heard of the instant pot air fryer lid. Love that it makes use of another appliance I already own ???? I REALLY need to make a point to use my air fryer more often – #goals ????
sandi ohlrich says
we enjoy lamb, so this is a recipe i will try.
sure do enjoy your recipes
Mary says
I have never used an air fryer, but I would like to!
Sarah Ehinger says
Looking forward to adding another new flavor to our keto cooking go-to list.
katgirardot says
I would love to try the air fryer.
Bettie says
Carolyn – you always give such great meal suggestions. I have an instant pot, but not an air fryer. What a great tool to have.
Stacy says
Lamb Koftka was delicious! I have an Instantpot and would love to use as an air fryer!!
Dawn says
Looks amazing – thanks for always thinking of alternatives for your less adventurous or picky eater fans! Can’t wait to try
Geri says
No, but I really want one. I have an Instant Pot, so this would work great.
Stacy T. says
Yum!! This looks amazing! I love my insta pot and this air fryer lid looks so cool! Thank you for the wonderful recipes as always!❤️
Becah Hubbard says
I have an air fryer that was given to me used by my ex-husband. It’s ok, but I’m not crazy about it. I feel like the amount of food I can cook at one time is too small.
Make Kay says
I have never tried an air fryer, nope. We already own an instant pot, though, so now I’m intrigued!
Lynne K Wahnefried says
I have never used an air fryer but would love to!
Shirley League says
I just recently got an airfrier from a thirftshop and i fell in love with it. I also felt lucky that i got an instapot from that shop. I am so excited to try this recipe. Good job!
Jeannine Juhnke says
This lamb kofta sounds amazing. My husband loves lamb, so this is definitely going on the list.
Joy Chadwick says
I’ve tried my mother’s air fryer and I quite like it and would like one for myself.
Kara says
I love kofta! I’ve been wanting to get an air fryer lid for a while now!