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Air Fryer Kibbeh, Crisp Bulgur Shells

The Levantine classic — crisp bulgur-and-mince shells with a spiced filling, baked golden in the air fryer.

Kibbeh are Levantine torpedo-shaped shells of bulgur and minced meat, stuffed with a spiced filling and fried crisp. The air fryer crisps them with just a spray of oil. Here's how.

Key takeaways

Q: How do you make kibbeh in an air fryer?

A: Shape a bulgur-and-mince shell around a spiced filling, spray with oil, and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, until crisp.

Q: What's the shell made of?

A: Fine bulgur wheat blended with minced lamb or beef and spices.

The method

Soak fine bulgur and blend with minced lamb, grated onion and spices into a smooth dough for the shells. Cook a filling of spiced mince with onion and pine nuts. Shape the shell dough around a little filling into a torpedo, sealing well, spray with oil, and air fry until crisp and deep golden.

The recipe

Air Fryer Kibbeh

40 minPrep
14 minCook
4Makes

Ingredients

  • Fine bulgur, lamb mince (shell)
  • Onion, spices
  • Mince, onion, pine nuts (filling)
  • Oil spray

Method

  1. Blend bulgur and mince into a shell dough.
  2. Cook the spiced filling.
  3. Shape shells around filling; seal.
  4. Spray with oil; air fry at 200°C 12–15 min.
260 kcal 16g protein 22g carbs 12g fat 1.0g salt

Tips

  • Wet your hands to shape the shells smoothly.
  • Seal well so they don't split.
  • Spray with oil for a crisp, golden shell.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make kibbeh in an air fryer?

Shape a bulgur-and-mince shell around a spiced mince filling into torpedoes, seal well, spray with oil, and air fry at 200°C for 12–15 minutes until crisp.

What is the kibbeh shell made of?

Fine bulgur wheat soaked and blended with minced lamb or beef, grated onion and spices into a smooth, mouldable dough.

How do you stop kibbeh splitting?

Keep your hands wet while shaping for a smooth shell, don't overfill, and seal the ends firmly before cooking.