
Air Fryer Beef Kofta Kabobs with Homemade Tzatziki: A Flavorful & Healthy Delight
Craving a taste of the Mediterranean but short on time? Look no further than these incredibly easy and delicious Air Fryer Beef Kofta Kabobs with homemade Tzatziki sauce. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful kofta kabobs cooked to perfection in your air fryer, paired with a cool and refreshing tzatziki sauce that will transport your taste buds to Greece. Forget greasy takeout – this healthy and satisfying meal is ready in under 30 minutes!
## Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Kofta Kabob Recipe
* **Quick and Easy:** The air fryer cooks the kofta kabobs in a fraction of the time compared to traditional grilling or oven baking.
* **Healthy:** Using lean ground beef and cooking in the air fryer significantly reduces the fat content.
* **Flavorful:** A blend of aromatic spices creates incredibly flavorful kofta kabobs that are bursting with Mediterranean goodness.
* **Versatile:** Serve these kofta kabobs as an appetizer, a main course, or even in a pita bread sandwich.
* **Homemade Tzatziki:** This recipe includes a simple and refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce that perfectly complements the kofta kabobs.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Beef Kofta Kabobs:**
* 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 85% lean)
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
* Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (if using wooden skewers)
**For the Tzatziki Sauce:**
* 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
* 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Air Fryer
* Mixing Bowl
* Grater
* Cheesecloth or Paper Towels (for squeezing the cucumber)
* Skewers (wooden or metal)
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Air Fryer Beef Kofta Kabobs
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Air Fryer Beef Kofta Kabobs:
**Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
2. Add the lightly beaten egg, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the kofta tough.
**Step 2: Form the Kofta Kabobs**
1. Divide the kofta mixture into equal portions, about 2-3 tablespoons each. The exact number of portions will depend on the size of your skewers and desired kofta size.
2. Take one portion of the mixture and shape it into an oval or cylindrical shape. This makes it easier to thread onto the skewer.
3. Carefully thread the kofta onto a skewer. Press the meat firmly around the skewer to ensure it stays in place during cooking. Repeat with the remaining kofta mixture and skewers.
**Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer**
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps the kofta kabobs develop a nice crust.
**Step 4: Air Fry the Kofta Kabobs**
1. Lightly brush the kofta kabobs with olive oil. This will help them brown and prevent them from drying out.
2. Place the kofta kabobs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the kofta kabobs are cooked through and browned. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
**Step 5: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce**
1. While the kofta kabobs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber using a box grater.
2. Place the grated cucumber in a cheesecloth or a few layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This is crucial to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
5. Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. Once the kofta kabobs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer.
2. Serve the hot kofta kabobs immediately with the chilled tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra fresh dill or parsley, if desired.
3. Enjoy these delicious Air Fryer Beef Kofta Kabobs as an appetizer, a main course, or in a pita bread sandwich with your favorite toppings.
## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Kofta Kabobs
* **Don’t Overmix the Meat:** Overmixing the kofta mixture can result in tough kabobs. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Soak Wooden Skewers:** Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them will prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the kofta kabobs from cooking evenly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer. Check the internal temperature of the kofta kabobs to ensure they are cooked through.
* **Squeeze the Cucumber:** Squeezing the grated cucumber is essential to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery. Use a cheesecloth or several layers of paper towels to remove excess liquid.
* **Let the Tzatziki Rest:** Allowing the tzatziki sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes will allow the flavors to meld and improve the overall taste.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Lamb Kofta:** Substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a richer, more traditional flavor.
* **Chicken Kofta:** Use ground chicken as a lighter alternative to beef or lamb.
* **Vegetarian Kofta:** Replace the meat with a mixture of lentils, chickpeas, and vegetables for a vegetarian option. You may need to add a binder, such as breadcrumbs or a flax egg, to help the kofta hold its shape.
* **Spice Variations:** Experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika, chili powder, or za’atar, to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Herb Variations:** Use different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary, in the kofta mixture or tzatziki sauce.
* **Add-ins:** Incorporate chopped bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes into the kofta mixture for added flavor and texture.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the kofta mixture or tzatziki sauce for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Beef Kofta Kabobs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
* **Main Course:** Serve them as a main course with a side of rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
* **Pita Bread Sandwich:** Stuff them into pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
* **Salad:** Serve them over a Greek salad with feta cheese, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette.
* **Wrap:** Wrap them in lettuce leaves with tzatziki sauce and other toppings for a low-carb option.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
* **Kofta Mixture:** The kofta mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop even further.
* **Tzatziki Sauce:** The tzatziki sauce can also be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two.
* **Assembled Kabobs:** The assembled kofta kabobs can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
## Storage Instructions
* **Cooked Kofta Kabobs:** Leftover cooked kofta kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Tzatziki Sauce:** Leftover tzatziki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
## Reheating Instructions
* **Air Fryer:** Reheat the kofta kabobs in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Oven:** Reheat the kofta kabobs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the kofta kabobs in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 2-3g
(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
## Recipe Card
**Air Fryer Beef Kofta Kabobs with Tzatziki Sauce**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 12 minutes
**Total Time:** 27 minutes
**Servings:** 4
**Ingredients:**
**For the Beef Kofta Kabobs:**
* 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 85% lean)
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Wooden or metal skewers
**For the Tzatziki Sauce:**
* 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
* 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, egg, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
2. Divide the mixture and form into oval shapes around skewers.
3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Brush kofta kabobs with olive oil and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
6. While kofta kabobs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve the hot kofta kabobs with chilled tzatziki sauce.
**Notes:**
* Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using.
* Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
* Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber.
Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Beef Kofta Kabobs with homemade Tzatziki sauce!
## Conclusion
These Air Fryer Beef Kofta Kabobs with Tzatziki sauce are a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean. The air fryer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy kabobs, while the homemade tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing and flavorful touch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade kofta kabobs!