Air Fryer Lamb Kebab

These air fryer lamb kebabs are one of my favorite things to make for a quick dinner. They come out juicy on the inside with a nice browned outside, and the whole thing takes about 15 minutes.

The spice blend here is simple but so flavorful. Think warm cumin, coriander, and a touch of cinnamon – all mixed right into the lamb.

I also included a cool yogurt sauce with mint and lemon that goes perfectly on top. It balances out the richness of the lamb really well.

Serve them with some pita bread and a fresh salad and you have a complete meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Spice Blend – The mix of cumin and coriander and cinnamon gives these kebabs a warm and aromatic flavor that is seriously addictive.

Crispy Outside and Juicy Inside – The air fryer gives you a beautifully browned crust while keeping the lamb perfectly moist and tender on the inside.

The Yogurt Sauce Is Everything – The cool and tangy mint yogurt sauce pairs perfectly with the rich spiced lamb and ties the whole dish together.

Ingredients

For the Kebabs

• 1 1/2 lb Ground Lamb
• 1/4 cup Yellow Onion, very finely grated
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Ground Coriander
• 1 tsp Sweet Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• Olive Oil Spray

For the Yogurt Sauce

• 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Fresh Mint, chopped
• 1 Small Clove Garlic, grated
• Pinch of Salt

How To Make

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Squeeze the grated onion to remove excess liquid before adding it. Mix with your hands until the spices are evenly distributed, but do not overwork the meat.

Step 2

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each one into an oval log about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. If using wooden skewers, soak them for 20 minutes first, then mold the meat around the skewers. Alternatively, shape them as free-form logs without skewers.

Step 3

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.

Step 4

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange the kebabs in a single layer with space between each one. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.

Step 5

Air fry at 400 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning the kebabs once halfway through, until they are nicely browned on the outside and cooked through with no pink remaining in the center.

Step 6

While the kebabs cook, prepare the yogurt sauce. Stir together the greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped mint, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

Step 7

Serve the lamb kebabs hot with the yogurt sauce drizzled over the top or on the side. They pair beautifully with warm pita bread and a simple cucumber-tomato salad.

Tips

Squeeze the Onion Dry

After you grate the onion, put it in your hand and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. You can also wrap it in a paper towel and wring it out.

If you skip this step, the extra moisture will make the meat mixture too wet and sticky. Your kebabs won’t hold their shape on the skewer and they might fall apart in the air fryer.

You want the onion flavor in there, just not the water.

Chill the Kebabs Before Cooking

After you shape the kebabs, pop them on a plate or tray and put them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. Cold meat firms up and holds its shape way better once it hits the heat.

This is especially important if you’re using skewers, because warm soft meat tends to slide off or crack apart when you flip them halfway through cooking.

Keep Your Hands Wet When Shaping

Ground lamb is sticky and fatty, so it loves to cling to your hands and make shaping a mess. Wet your hands with cold water before you shape each kebab and it will be so much easier.

You’ll get smoother, more even logs that cook uniformly. Re-wet your hands between each one – it only takes a second and makes a big difference.

Related Recipes

• Air Fryer Beef Kabobs
• Air Fryer Chicken Gyro Bowl
• Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
• Air Fryer Crispy Falafel
• Air Fryer Greek Potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of ground lamb?

Yes, you can swap in ground beef if you prefer or if lamb is hard to find. Ground beef with a slightly higher fat content, like 80/20, works best because it keeps the kebabs juicy and flavorful in the air fryer.

Just keep in mind that lamb has a distinct, rich flavor that really makes this recipe special, so the taste will be different. You can also do a 50/50 mix of lamb and beef for a nice middle ground.