📝 About This Recipe
Succulent, aromatic, and deeply flavorful, these Middle Eastern spiced meatballs capture the essence of Levantine street food with a modern, healthy twist. By utilizing the air fryer, we achieve a perfectly charred, 'grilled' exterior while keeping the center incredibly tender and juicy without the need for excess oil. Infused with a warm blend of cumin, cinnamon, and fresh herbs, these koftas offer a sophisticated balance of earthy spices and bright, zesty notes.
🥗 Ingredients
Meatball Base
- 1 lb Ground Lamb (80/20 fat ratio for best flavor; can substitute with ground beef)
- 1/2 large Yellow Onion (grated and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced into a paste)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped, flat-leaf preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (helps bind and retain juices)
Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (adds an authentic warm undertone)
- 1/4 teaspoon Allspice
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Lemon Tahini Sauce
- 1/4 cup Tahini Paste (well-stirred)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2-3 tablespoons Ice Water (to reach desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sumac (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by grating the half onion using a box grater. Place the grated onion in a clean kitchen towel or fine-mesh sieve and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the koftas from falling apart.
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2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, the squeezed onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and mint.
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3
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper evenly over the meat mixture.
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4
Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in a tough, rubbery texture.
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5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the fat to firm up, making shaping easier.
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6
While the meat rests, prepare the tahini sauce by whisking tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add ice water one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce turns pale and reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
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7
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
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8
Divide the chilled meat mixture into 12-14 equal portions. Shape them into slightly elongated ovals (about 2-3 inches long) or round balls.
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9
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a high-smoke point oil spray (like avocado oil).
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10
Place the koftas in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in two batches.
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11
Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping the koftas halfway through the cooking time. They should be beautifully browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
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12
Remove the koftas from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always squeeze the liquid out of your onions; excess moisture is the enemy of a firm kofta. If the meat feels too sticky while shaping, lightly wet your hands with cold water. For a lighter version, use ground turkey but add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix to prevent dryness. Don't skip the resting time in the fridge; it is the secret to getting that authentic, bouncy texture. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as steam will build up and prevent that delicious brown crust from forming.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve inside warm, fluffy pita bread with a smear of hummus and pickled red onions. Pair with a bright Tabbouleh salad and a side of saffron-infused basmati rice. Drizzle generously with the prepared tahini sauce and a sprinkle of crimson sumac. Accompany with a cold glass of Arak or a refreshing mint lemonade (Limonana). Serve as an appetizer with a side of spicy Harissa for those who crave extra heat.