If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly balances smoky, juicy meat with fresh, creamy, and tangy accompaniments, then you must try this Grilled and Air-Fried Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe. This dish brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors with beautifully spiced ground meat, cool and refreshing tzatziki, and a crunchy, colorful Greek salad. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, these kebabs deliver a satisfying, wholesome experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Grilled and Air-Fried Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe is carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and aroma. From herbs that add bright freshness to spices that deepen the flavor profile, every element plays a vital role in making this dish pop.
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground lamb: Choose fresh meat with some fat for juicy, flavorful kebabs.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or shredded: Adds moisture and sweetness to the mix.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides pungent, savory notes that elevate the meat.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Offers bright, herbal freshness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped: Brings a cooling, aromatic touch perfect for Mediterranean dishes.
- 1 tablespoon sumac: A tangy, lemony spice that enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Infuses warm, slightly sweet notes.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Contributes earthiness and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts subtle smokiness to the kebabs.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness that balances the spices.
- Tzatziki sauce: Creamy cucumber-yogurt dip that refreshes the palate.
- Hummus: Smooth chickpea spread for extra richness.
- Greek salad: Crisp mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions for crunch and acidity.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, it ties all the flavors together.
- Warm pita bread: Soft and pillowy, perfect for wrapping up all the goodness.
How to Make Grilled and Air-Fried Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
Combine ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, mint, and all the carefully measured spices in a large bowl. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures that every bite bursts with a balanced blend of herbs and warmth. Once combined, cover and chill the mixture to let the flavors meld beautifully, which is a game changer for depth in the finished kebabs.
Step 2: Shape the Kebabs
With damp hands, shape the chilled meat mixture into oblong cylinders around skewers. This shape allows the meat to cook evenly and retains juiciness. Don’t rush this step; firm shaping helps the kebabs hold together whether they’re on the grill or in the air fryer.
Step 3: Grill the Kofta Kebabs
Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the kebabs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are beautifully browned and slightly charred. This grilling gives the kebabs a smoky, caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Air-Fry for Perfect Finish
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Place a few kebabs inside the basket without overcrowding to let hot air circulate evenly. Air fry for about 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to brown them uniformly. This step crisps the outside while keeping the interior juicy—an excellent companion to grilling.
How to Serve Grilled and Air-Fried Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top your kebabs with crumbled feta cheese for a salty, creamy contrast that complements the smoky meat beautifully. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of sumac can add stunning color and an aromatic lift, making your plate inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Serve these kebabs alongside a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions tossed in a light vinaigrette. Warm pita bread and a dollop of hummus make for perfect companions, absorbing all the delicious juices and offering a lovely mix of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a mezze platter by arranging the kofta kebabs with small bowls of tzatziki, hummus, Greek salad, and pita wedges. Alternatively, wrap the kebabs in pita with tzatziki and salad for a handheld, street-food vibe that’s perfect for casual get-togethers or picnics. Play with presentation to suit your mood and occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cooked kofta kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the tzatziki and salad separately to prevent sogginess and maintain the freshness of each component.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked kofta kebabs by arranging them in a single layer on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. Frozen uncooked kebabs keep well for up to 3 months and can be cooked straight from the freezer with a slightly longer cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat cooked kofta kebabs gently in the oven or air fryer to maintain their juicy texture without drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crispy exterior. Pair with fresh tzatziki and salad for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be used for a lighter version, but since these are leaner meats, consider adding a bit of olive oil or using a mix with some ground lamb or beef to keep the kebabs moist and flavorful.
How do I prevent the kebabs from falling apart while grilling or air-frying?
Make sure your hands are damp when shaping the kebabs and pack the meat mixture firmly around the skewers. Also, chilling the mixture before shaping helps it hold together better during cooking.
Is it necessary to both grill and air-fry the kebabs?
While you can cook them using just one method, combining grilling and air-frying gives the best results: the grill adds smoky char while the air fryer crisps the outside perfectly without drying out the meat.
Can I prepare the kofta mixture in advance?
Yes! Preparing the kofta mixture a day ahead and refrigerating it allows the spices to meld, intensifying the flavor. Just shape and cook the following day for best results.
What can I substitute for sumac if I don’t have it?
If sumac isn’t available, a little lemon zest mixed with a pinch of salt can mimic its tangy brightness. It won’t be exactly the same but will still add a refreshing lemony note.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled and Air-Fried Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe is a true delight that brings together such lively flavors and textures. It’s versatile, approachable, and perfect for making your meals vibrant and memorable. I encourage you to dive in, gather these wonderful ingredients, and enjoy the process and delicious payoff of this crowd-pleasing Mediterranean classic.
Print
Grilled and Air-Fried Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 kebabs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This flavorful Kofta recipe features spiced ground beef or lamb shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices like sumac, cumin, and smoked paprika, these juicy kebabs are served with traditional Mediterranean accompaniments such as tzatziki sauce, hummus, Greek salad, crumbled feta, and warm pita bread for an authentic and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Accompaniments
- Tzatziki sauce
- Hummus
- Greek salad
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Warm pita bread
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, sumac, black pepper, salt, allspice, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Chill mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or up to overnight for more depth.
- Shape kofta: With damp hands, take approximately ½ cup of the mixture and form it into a cylinder shape around each skewer. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Prepare grill: Oil the grill grates lightly and preheat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure the koftas do not stick and cook evenly.
- Grill kofta: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides and ensure even cooking throughout.
- Preheat air fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) and allow it to preheat while grilling or after, based on preference.
- Air fry kofta: Arrange a few kofta kebabs in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Serve: Serve the hot kofta kebabs on warm pita bread accompanied by tzatziki sauce, hummus, fresh Greek salad, and crumbled feta cheese for a traditional Mediterranean feast.
Notes
- Using a mix of ground beef and lamb enhances flavor and texture.
- Chilling the kofta mixture helps bind the ingredients together and improves flavor melding.
- Dampening hands before shaping prevents the mixture from sticking.
- Ensure the grill grates are well oiled to prevent koftas from sticking.
- Air frying is a healthier alternative and offers a crispy exterior without excess oil.
- Adjust spices to taste for mild or more robust flavor profiles.
- Leftover kofta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
