Lamb koftas are a Mediterranean favourite, and the air fryer crisps the edges while keeping the middle juicy — no grill or barbecue needed. Mint, cumin and garlic do the heavy lifting. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do lamb koftas take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry lamb koftas at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through.
Q: Do you need skewers?
A: No — shape them into sausages or balls and cook straight in the basket. Skewers are optional for presentation.
Times & temperatures
| Shape | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Koftas / logs | 200°C / 400°F | 10–12 min |
| Meatballs | 200°C / 400°F | 9–11 min |
| From frozen | 190°C / 375°F | 14–16 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Greek Lamb Koftas
Ingredients
- 500g lamb mince
- 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp dried mint
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ small onion, grated
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Mix everything and shape into koftas.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Air fry 10–12 minutes, turning once.
- Rest 2 minutes and serve.
Ways to serve
- Mezze with baked feta and flatbread.
- In wraps with salad and tzatziki.
- With veg — alongside Mediterranean vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook lamb koftas in an air fryer?
Yes — shape the spiced mince into koftas and air fry at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through.
Do lamb koftas need skewers in the air fryer?
No — they cook fine shaped as logs or balls straight in the basket. Use skewers only for presentation, and check they fit.
Can you freeze and reheat koftas?
Yes — they freeze well raw or cooked. Cook from frozen at 190°C for 14–16 minutes, checking they're hot through.