Air Fryer Kibbeh Recipe 

Kibbeh, also known as Lebanese kibbeh balls, is a popular Middle Eastern mezze! The crispy golden shell that encases the perfectly spiced meat, combined with the crunch of toasted pine nuts and onions, all wrapped in a fun football shape, creates a truly comforting and delicious experience. Traditionally, kibbeh is deep-fried to achieve that perfect golden crust, but we have a secret weapon that allows us to enjoy this scrumptious delight with less oil and fewer calories using an air fryer!

In this blog post, I will share a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect kibbeh using your air fryer, which promises to deliver the same crispy, delightful experience as deep-fried kibbeh but without excessive oil.

Air Fryer Kibbeh Recipe

Ingredients

Shell

Meat Filling

Directions

Filling

1. Heat a splash of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare the kibbeh filling. Once heated, add chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook the beef until it's fully browned and no longer pink.

2. Next, add in a splash of coconut amino, toasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. Mix in the Middle Eastern spices, and continue to cook until the filling is fully cooked and fragrant.

3. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer it to a medium bowl. Allow the filling to cool before using it to stuff the kibbeh shells.

Meat Dough

1. Soak the bulgur wheat in hot or warm water for 15-30 minutes. Drain any excess water from the wheat after the time has elapsed.

2. To prepare the base meat mixture, add the soaked bulgur wheat and onion to a food processor, Vitamix, or handheld blender. Process the ingredients until they are almost pureed. Add the Middle Eastern kibbeh spices and ground beef, and process again until a smooth paste is formed.

3. To make the croquettes, set up a working station with the meat dough, filling, and air fryer basket. Using gloves or rubbing oil on your hands, grab a golf ball-sized amount of the meat dough and roll it into an egg-shaped ball. Use your index finger to poke a hole in the center, then press down and rotate your finger to create a thin wall. Pinch the narrow end together and seal it halfway to create a funnel.

4. Fill the hole with a spoonful of the filling and seal the remaining open area. Roll and shape the kibbeh ball into a football-like shape before placing it in the air fryer basket. Repeat the process until you've used all the ingredients, wetting your hands as needed.

5. Air fry the kibbeh at 375 F for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for another 10 minutes until deep golden brown. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the kibbeh in two batches.

6. Serve your freshly cooked kibbeh balls hot and enjoy the delicious Middle Eastern flavors and textures.

After enjoying these delicious kibbeh balls, be sure to clean the air fryer to keep it in pristine condition for your next cooking adventure.

What Is Kibbeh?

Kibbeh is a comfort Lebanese food similar to a croquette. The word kibbeh in Arabic translates as "ball" or "lump," which pretty much describes what it is. This classic dish has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, and its origins date back to the medieval era. Originally a dish of the Levant, kibbeh has since spread its influence throughout the Middle East, with each country putting its own unique spin on the recipe.

What exactly is kibbeh? A mixture of bulgur wheat, onion, and ground beef or lamb forms a shell stuffed with delicious ground beef, lamb, or a mixture of pine nuts and onion. The kibbeh croquettes can be deep-fried or baked, often paired with a dipping sauce and served as mezze or a side dish. From its simple yet satisfying ingredients to the intricate shaping techniques, kibbeh has stood the test of time and continues to captivate the taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide.

What You Will Need To Make Air Fryer Kibbeh

Kitchen Tool

To create the perfect kibbeh shell, you'll need a food processor, Vitamix, or handheld blender to blend and perfectly mix the bulgur wheat, meat, and other ingredients. These machines are essential for achieving the right texture and consistency.

When it comes to cooking your kibbeh, you have a few options. You can bake them in the oven, fry them in a pan, or use an air fryer for a healthier twist.

Bulgur Wheat

If you haven't yet tried bulgur wheat, you're in for a treat. This lemony Middle Eastern grain is a staple in dishes like tabbouleh and adds a unique, tangy flavor to any dish. Made from cracked wheat kernels, bulgur is one of the easiest and most versatile whole grains, making it a must-have ingredient in any kitchen.

Bulgur wheat can be easily found in the grain section of most grocery stores or international markets, particularly Middle Eastern stores.

To create the crispy outer shell of your air fryer kibbeh, you must use bulgur wheat to make a bulgur mixture. With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, bulgur adds the perfect touch to your kibbeh and takes this classic Middle Eastern dish to the next level.

Ground Meat

While many traditional kibbeh recipes in the Middle East combine ground lamb and beef, it's completely understandable if lamb isn't your preferred meat. This versatile dish can be made with various protein sources to suit your taste preferences. For this recipe, I only used lean ground beef. 

For the perfect kibbeh, ground beef is needed to create both the shell and the stuffing. To keep it healthier, I recommend using 90% lean ground beef. For a leaner option, you can also use ground chicken or a mixture of ground meats.

Beyond Meat ground beef is an excellent substitute if you want to create a vegan or vegetarian version of kibbeh. While I haven't personally tried it, I'm confident that it would work well with this recipe, offering a meat-free alternative that's both delicious and satisfying.

Pine Nuts

Toasted pine nuts are a must-have ingredient for a delicious nutty crunch in your kibbeh. Unless, of course, you have nut allergies, you will need to omit this ingredient. To achieve the perfect texture, you can either toast them on their own or sauté them with your onions for an added depth of flavor.

Onion

To create this kibbeh recipe, you'll need two large onions or two small onions. Raw onion is required for the shell, while sautéed onion is used for the filling. Ensure enough onions are present to ensure your kibbeh has the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Spices

To make the perfect Middle Eastern spice blend, you'll need aromatic and earthy spices, including cumin, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Each of these spices is carefully selected to create a unique and complex flavor profile that will take your kibbeh to the next level.

Coconut Amino

For a touch of Asian influence in my kibbeh recipe, I add a coconut amino splash, a healthy soy sauce alternative. This ingredient offers a unique umami flavor that takes the dish to the next level. While it's completely optional, adding coconut amino is a great way to put your own spin on this classic Middle Eastern dish and join me in adding an Asian flare.

Pomegranate Molasses

Pomegranate molasses is a staple ingredient in Lebanese kibbeh recipes and many other dishes in Lebanese cuisine. This secret gem adds a unique and tangy flavor to the dish. There's no need to worry if you don't have pomegranate molasses at home. You can omit the ingredient altogether or substitute it with pomegranate or cranberry juice for a similar flavor profile.

Avocado Oil

To prepare the kibbeh filling, you must sauté the ingredients in a pan. While you can certainly use olive oil for sautéing, avocado oil is an excellent alternative with a higher smoking point, making it a better choice for this cooking method. Its mild flavor won't overpower the other ingredients, and it offers a healthier option that complements the Middle Eastern and Asian influences in this dish. Give avocado oil a try for the perfect sautéed filling in your kibbeh!

How To Cook Kibbeh

Traditional kibbeh is known for its golden, crispy exterior and moist, flavorful filling. While deep-fried kibbeh is undoubtedly the most popular cooking method, it's not the healthiest option due to the use of oil during frying. Baked kibbeh is also an option, but it often lacks the texture and flavor depth of the fried version.

Fortunately, with modern kitchen gadgets like the air fryer, you can achieve that same golden, crispy texture without the added oil. While it may not be a replica of the deep-fried version, it comes pretty close and offers a healthier alternative for those looking to indulge in this Middle Eastern classic.

Baking Method

If you prefer to bake your kibbeh instead of air frying, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and place the kibbeh in a greased baking dish or on parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the kibbeh is cooked through and golden brown outside.

Deep Frying

Heat a deep frying pan with oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350 degrees F. This should take approximately 5 minutes. Once the oil is heated, carefully place the kibbeh into the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides.

Air Frying

To air fry your kibbeh, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F and place the kibbeh in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then turn the kibbeh over and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to ensure it's cooked through and golden brown on all sides.

How To Store Leftover Kibbeh

Store any leftover cooked kibbeh in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to four days, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine throughout the week. Simply reheat the kibbeh in the microwave or oven and savor this classic dish's authentic taste and texture once again.

Freezing Instructions

If you'd like to keep your kibbeh for longer than a few days, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Whether you have cooked kibbeh or raw kibbeh, freezing is a great way to preserve their delicious flavors.

To freeze raw kibbeh, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about an hour until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and label them with the date for easy identification.

Leftover Kibbeh Dough Or Filling

Don't let any leftover raw kibbeh dough or filling go to waste! If you have some extra, simply cook it up and enjoy it separately. Serve it alongside rice for a complete meal, or get creative and turn it into a flavorful fried rice or noodle dish.

What To Serve With Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a beloved Middle Eastern mezze dish for sharing with friends and family. Traditionally served alongside other small plates, or mezze, it can be paired with various delicious sides and dipping sauces.

For a classic mezze experience, serve your kibbeh with hummus, pita bread, stuffed grape leaves, and chickpea salad. For a refreshing twist, add a watermelon arugula salad to the mix. For an extra burst of flavor, try dipping your kibbeh in tzatziki sauce, tahini sauce, or garlic yogurt sauce.