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Air Fryer Chicken Kofta served on a plate

Air Fryer Chicken Kofta

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Air Fryer Chicken Kofta delivers Middle Eastern flavors with crispy edges and juicy centers using fresh ground chicken and warm spices. This easy recipe skips marinating and pan-searing, perfect for flavorful weeknight dinners or meal prep that reheats well.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken use fresh ground from the butcher counter for moisture
  • 0.5 medium onion finely minced for even moisture distribution
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped and squeezed to remove excess moisture
  • 1.5 teaspoon ground cumin essential for authentic kofta flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt season well before shaping
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, helps browning
  • oil spray spray basket and kofta to prevent sticking and improve crust

Equipment

  • Air fryer Used to cook the kofta with circulating hot air for crispiness

Method
 

  1. Combine ground chicken, minced onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix until uniformly distributed without overmixing. Let rest for 10 minutes to meld spices and firm texture.
    1 lb ground chicken, 0.5 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic, 0.25 cup fresh parsley, 1.5 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper
  2. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions (~2 oz each) and roll each into a 4-inch long, 1.5-inch thick log. For skewers, thread and form oval around the stick. Maintain consistent thickness for even cooking.
    1 lb ground chicken
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
    oil spray
  4. Lightly spray each kofta with oil on all sides. Place in the basket with 1-inch gaps. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until golden-brown with slight char marks. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    1 Tbsp olive oil, oil spray
  5. Transfer kofta to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices and firm texture before serving.

Notes

  • Preheat air fryer for best browning and to prevent sticking.
  • Leave 1-inch gaps between kofta pieces to avoid steaming.
  • Rest cooked kofta to retain juiciness and prevent crumbling when cut.

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