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Crisp & Lean

Air Fryer Lamb Kofta in Chunky Tomato Sauce

Authentic Middle Eastern lamb kofta with a chunky tomato and onion sauce, cooked in the air fryer for crispy edges and a juicy centre. High-protein, aromatic, and ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Kofta
  • 500 g ground minced lamb
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion blended to a paste with the garlic and ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 small piece fresh ginger
  • 1 small handful fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1-2 green chillies finely chopped (optional)
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
For the chunky tomato & onion sauce
  • 2 large white onions roughly chopped
  • 2 x 400g tins peeled plum tomatoes
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
  • chilli flakes to taste (optional)

Method
 

  1. Blend the onion, garlic and ginger into a paste. Add to the lamb with the parsley, green chillies, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, nutmeg and oregano. Mix very well until it comes together.
  2. Shape into small tapered koftas, about 2 to 2.5 inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick (makes roughly 16). Chill for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up.
  3. Air fry the kofta in a single layer at 180C for 12 to 14 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and cooked through (70 to 75C internal). Cook in batches so they aren't crowded.
  4. Meanwhile, make the sauce: fry the onions on high heat until translucent and lightly caramelised. Add the tinned tomatoes, breaking them into chunky pieces as they cook.
  5. Stir in the salt, pepper, whole cumin and chilli flakes. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until thickened but still chunky.
  6. Nestle the air-fried kofta into the warm sauce for 5 minutes to soak up the flavour. Serve over rice with a fresh salad.

Notes

Doubles easily to serve 8 (as a family batch) - just cook the kofta in more batches. Kofta and sauce both freeze well. Approx. per serving: 420 kcal, 30g protein, 28g fat, 12g carbs.