This simple and flavorful air fryer meal is a perfect blend of hearty ingredients, vibrant spices, and healthy options. The dish features cauliflower, onions, and homemade turkey kofta, all tossed in a quick spice mix and baked in the air fryer, resulting in a delicious one-basket meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. The combination of roasted vegetables and juicy, flavorful kofta patties makes this a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the week.
Turkey steaks can sometimes turn out dry when cooked in the air fryer, but by using turkey thigh mince to form little kofta patties, you’ll get the ideal texture. The turkey thigh mince is more moist and flavorful than turkey breast, which helps the kofta stay juicy while cooking in the air fryer. The added spice mix, which could include a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and turmeric, gives the kofta and vegetables a wonderful depth of flavor, making each bite deliciously aromatic.
Once everything is air-fried to perfection, the final touch is drizzling a generous amount of garlicky lemon hummus over the dish. The creamy hummus adds richness and a tangy kick that balances the spices and the roasted vegetables. For a fresh twist, you can even serve this dish alongside a fattoush-style salad, with crispy pita chips, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs for added crunch and freshness.
This air fryer turkey kofta dish is not only healthy but also incredibly versatile.
So you can find the recipe for this air fryer turkey kofta traybake with fried bread chips and hummus dressing on page 123 of The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: One Basket Meals.
PREP 20 minutes
COOK 35 minutes
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowls
Ingredients for air fryer turkey kofta
700g of turkey thigh mince (low fat)
3 large carrots, peeled and thickly sliced on the diagonal
3 fresh beetroots, peeled and each chopped into 8 to 10 wedges
1 small cauliflower, cut into florets (about 350g prepared weight)
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 red onion, sliced into wedges
Olive oil spray
2 Middle Eastern-style flatbreads
A handful of chopped fresh parsley
60g pomegranate seeds
For the spice mix:
2 teaspoon of ground cumin
2 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of paprika
½ teaspoon of ground allspice
2 teaspoons of dried mint
1 teaspoon of onion granules
1 teaspoon of garlic granules
2 teaspoons of flaky sea salt
A good grind of black pepper
For the hummus drizzle:
150g of hummus
1 tablespoons of olive oil
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, crushed
Sea salt and ground black pepper
Method
First combine all the spice mix ingredients in a bowl to make a kofta blend.
Then put the turkey mince in a bowl and add 2½ tablespoons of the spice mix. Mix well to combine, then divide into 16 equal portions and roll into balls. Then flatten each ball into a patty and set aside.
So put the carrot slices and beetroot wedges in a bowl and add 2 teaspoons of the spice mix and half the olive oil. Then tip into the air-fryer drawer and cook at 180C for 10 minutes to start them softening.
Then put the cauliflower and onion in the same bowl with the remaining olive oil and 2 teaspoons of the spice mix. You should now just have a tiny bit left for serving. Mix together well.
So once the 10 minutes are up, tip the cauliflower and onion into the basket. Then Add the kofta patties over the top and spray them with olive oil. Cook for 20 minutes, giving the basket a shake occasionally, so everything is well mixed and cooks together.
Meanwhile, mix up the hummus drizzle by combining all the ingredients in a bowl. Then taste and season with salt and pepper.
Then rip the flat breads into rough chunks and spray both sides with olive oil. So once the veggies and koftas have had their 20 minutes, check the meat koftas are fully cooked and the veggies are all tender. Tip the bread into the fryer and cook at 190C for 5 minutes, giving it some shakes during cooking, until the bread is crispy and golden.
Finally divide the contents between four plates and drizzle the hummus over the top of each. Scatter with the parsley and pomegranate seeds, adding a sprinkle of any remaining spice mix over the top.
Tips for Air Fryer Turkey Kofta
1. Use lean turkey mince
Koftas are best made with lean mince, as it keeps them juicy and tender without being too fatty. If you prefer a richer flavour, you can mix in a small amount of ground lamb or beef.
2. Season well
Turkey can be a bit bland on its own, so season your koftas generously. Add fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint, along with spices such as cumin, coriander, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon.
3. Add a binding agent
To keep the koftas moist and help them hold together, add a binding agent like breadcrumbs or egg. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or chickpea flour instead.
4. Shape evenly
Roll your koftas into evenly sized logs or patties so they cook uniformly. This ensures a crispy exterior and tender interior. If you want an authentic look, use your hands or skewers to shape the koftas.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air-fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes. This ensures the koftas start cooking immediately, getting a nice crispy exterior.
6. Brush with oil
Lightly brush the koftas with olive oil before cooking to help them crisp up and get golden brown. Alternatively, you can lightly spray them with cooking spray for a healthier option.
7. Air fry for 12-15 minutes
Place the koftas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly on all sides.
8. Check for doneness
Turkey koftas should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.
9. Serve with sides
Turkey koftas pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, couscous, or pita bread, and a drizzle of tzatziki or hummus.
Similar recipes
So if you love these air fryer turkey kofta, you might like my air fryer roast chicken recipe also from my One Basket Meals book, or this air fryer turkey crown and the air fryer turkey burger recipe.