Description
This Beef Kofta Meatballs recipe features flavorful, spiced ground beef mixed with fresh herbs and spices, then cooked to perfection using either an air fryer or oven. These juicy, aromatic meatballs make a perfect appetizer or main dish, combining the warmth of garam masala with the freshness of cilantro and mint for a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium grated white onion
- 1 chopped jalapeño (seeded for less spice)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped mint
- 1 Tablespoon garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, grated white onion, chopped jalapeño, egg, bread crumbs, cilantro, mint, garam masala powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a spoon to mix all ingredients together until fully incorporated, ensuring the spices and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture.
- Shape Meatballs: Using a small ice cream scoop or by hand, shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 2 tablespoons each in size, making sure they are uniform for even cooking.
- Prepare Cooking Surface: Lightly grease or spray the air fryer basket or a baking sheet if using the oven to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch for even cooking.
- Air Fry Method: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed, until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Oven Bake Method: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
- Serve: Remove meatballs from the air fryer or oven and serve hot as an appetizer or as part of your favorite meal.
Notes
- For less heat, remove seeds from jalapeño before chopping.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Can serve with yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes air frying or 14 minutes baking
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Beef Kofta, meatballs, air fryer meatballs, garam masala, Middle Eastern recipe, spicy beef
