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.
Christopher S says
Air fryer is my new best friend in the kitchen. No need for a traditional oven anymore! Love it!
Maureen says
I do not have an air fryer but I would love to be able to cook without all the fat.
PJ says
I’ve never used an air fryer, but I want to try it.
Brittany Gilley says
I have not tried an air fryer yet
Gloria T says
No, but I’d love to.
Tandi Cortez says
No, I haven’t cooked with an air fryer. I’ve been looking to purchase one soon.
Julie R says
I haven’t tried cooking in an air fryer
Cassandra D says
I’ve cooked in an air fryer before.
james jenkins says
i would like to try using an air fryer; sounds much more healthful.
Ilana says
I’ve never used an air fryer but I’ve been curious to try one.
Thomas Gibson says
I have never used an air fryer.
Keri S says
I’m intrigued by this lamb recipe! I don’t make lamb often.
Briea Robertson says
I loved my air fryer. Before I had to sell it because I ran out of space lol. I miss it sometimes. These lamb koftas look amazing!
Carissa says
I’ve been wanting an air fryer and had no idea this Instant Pot accessory existed.
Carissa says
I follow you on Instagram…my computer autocorrected by screen name and it should be carissawv.
Richard Hicks says
I have not used one yet. I love watching the commercials about it though.
ELIZABETH C. says
Yes, I always cook in my air fryer & love it.
Robert Lichtenstein says
Would love to win this air fryer. Don’t have one! The recipe looks delicious.
Laurie Lichtensstein says
I have never tried this appliance but would love too. I hear it is fantastic. The recipe looks yummy too.
sandra williams says
haven’t used an airfryer but want to!
Deanne Wellington says
Yes I have used an air fryer. Love them. And love this lamb recipe – made it for dinner yesterday!
Colleen Boudreau says
Yes I have!