Kibbeh

If you love meatloaf and Middle Eastern cuisine, this Air Fried Kibbeh is going to be one of your favorite new dishes. Enjoy a dish that is complex in flavor but not in technique.

I absolutely love the days where I get to experiment with making recipes. Especially when it involves my air fryer because that thing surprises me every time with what it’s capable of. One of the recipes I’m recently excited about is this Air Fryer Kibbeh recipe.

I thoroughly enjoy sharing some of the traditional recipes I’m used to and the air fryer did a marvelous job of creating the perfect consistency on this one.

Dare I say, it turned out better than I even expected it to. I mean, I knew it would be good once I honed the recipe with it but, it took little effort for this one to turn out perfect.

Why You’re Going To Love This Air Fried Kibbeh

• Fast. Cooks in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer .
• Easy. Cook the aromatics, prepare the lamb, layer the ingredients, and air fry.
• Low Carb . While this isn’t the lowest carb dish I’ve ever created, it is still under 20 net carbs per serving.
• Authentic Tasting. Get all of the flavors of your favorite fried kibbeh without all of the oil.

What Is Kibbeh?

The easiest way to explain the way I made this dish is to say that it’s a Middle Eastern style meatloaf.

Typically you’d make little kibbe separately. I’m #lazyefficient. So I wanted to see if I could make it like a meatloaf.

Guess what?

You can.

It’s made much in the same way the traditional meatloaf here in the US is made, just with quite a few different spices. Air Fried Kibbeh is traditionally made with bulgur, onion, and beef (or lamb, camel, etc.). I like to make mine with finely ground lamb meat which has a deliciously rich and satisfying flavor.

The word “kibbeh” can be spelled numerous ways and the spelling and pronunciation will vary depending on which country and region you’re in. Kibbeh itself is a very common dish in the middle east and has been around for a long time. Some have even been known to eat this dish raw. To me, it’s much more delicious cooked like this Air Fried Kibbeh.

I have seen kibbeh shaped into balls or patties before being cooked, however, with the air fryer, I like going to most traditional route and do it more loaf style. Kibbeh can often be a greasy or difficult dish, especially for those who are unfamiliar with middle eastern spices.

However, that’s exactly why I was so excited to share it because, this version is not only far less greasy but, it’s much easier to tackle. Air Fryer Kibbeh recipe takes very few ingredients to accomplish a delicious traditional dish.

What Is Kibbeh Made Of?

For the Filling

• Sliced Onions
• Oil
• pine nuts
• Kosher Salt

For the Lamb

• fine-grain bulgur
• Ground lamb
• Kosher Salt
• Lebanese 7-spice mix
• Ground Cumin

How To Make Air Fried Kibbeh

1. Rinse the bulgur and cover it with cold water.
2. Mix together sliced onions, pine nuts, oil, and salt.
3. Spray a heatproof pan with oil. Place the onion mixture into the pan. Cook the onions and toast the pine nuts in the air fryer. Stir halfway through.
4. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine soaked bulgur, lamb, salt, 7-spice mix, and cumin until you have a smooth, sticky mixture.
5. Remove the onions and nuts from the air fryer and place them into a bowl.
6. Begin layering the kibbe. Oil the sides of the 7 x 3 pan. Spread half the lamb mixture into the bottom of the pan. Add all the onions and nuts. Cover with the remaining lamb mixture.
7. Place the pan into the air fryer basket and cook.
8. Serve and enjoy!

What Is Lebanese 7-Spice Mix?

You will notice that I call for a 7-spice mix in this recipe. You can make your own Lebanese 7-spice mix using my recipe here . If you chose not to, I can recommend this brand of Lebanese 7-spice blend . But I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that homemade is MUCH BETTER than the store-bought, largely because you’re making it fresh.

If you’re curious about the differenmces between freshly ground and ready-made spices, you may want to take a look at my spice video as it will offer a ton of information that will be very helpful not only with this dish but many other of my dishes as well.

What To Serve with Kibbeh

• Add Tzatziki on the side, and you’re all set. With the extra Tahini , try making Air Fryer Cauliflower with Tahini for a side dish that complements this meal very well.
• You may also want to make Instant Pot Baba Ghanoush , or make Air Fryer Baba Ghanoush from my air fryer cookbook as a lovely side to this dish.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe and are looking for more delicious lamb recipes, check out my Tandoori Raan ! It’s a spicy lamb sirloin steak recipe that’s easily made in your air fryer!

Another delicious lamb dish is my Sichuan Cumin Lamb recipe. It’s rich with flavor and is done in no time thanks to your air fryer!

My favorite way to do this is with my air fryer because it always seems to make recipes healthier and so much easier to make. Also, I definitely recommend this recipe if you’re trying to practice using spices.

Kibbeh | Easy Air Fried Kibbeh Recipe

Equipment

• Ninja Air Fryer
• Silicone Tongs
• KITCHENAID STAND MIXER
• STAINLESS STEEL MEASURING CUPS
• OVAL MEASURING SPOONS

Ingredients

• ▢ Cooking Oil Spray

For the Filling

• ▢ 2 cups ( 320 g ) Sliced Onions
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Oil
• ▢ 1/2 cup ( 67.5 g ) pine nuts
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ( 0.5 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt

For the Lamb

• ▢ 1 cup ( 140 g ) fine-grain bulgur
• ▢ 1 pound ( 453.59 g ) ground lamb
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
• ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) Lebanese 7-spice mix
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Ground Cumin

Instructions

• Rinse the bulgur well and cover it with cold water while you get the rest of the ingredients together.

• In a small bowl, mix together sliced onions, pine nuts, oil and salt.

• Spray a 7 x 3 inch heatproof pan with oil. Place the onion mixture into the pan. Set the air fryer to 400°F for 8 minutes to cook the onions and toast the pine nuts. Stir halfway through.

• Meanwhile for the lamb: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine soaked bulgur, lamb, salt, 7-spice mix, and cumin until you have a smooth, sticky mixture.

• Remove the onions and nuts from the air fryer and place into a small bowl.

• You will now start layering the kibbe. Oil the sides of the 7 x 3 pan. Spread half the lamb mixture into the bottom of the pan. Add all the onions and nuts. Cover with the remaining lamb mixture.

• Place the pan into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 360°F for 20 minutes.

• If you do not have an [eafl id=“12513” name=“Gowise Air Fryer” text=“air fryer, you should totally get one”] haha! No seriously, if you don’t have one, you can still make this recipe.

• Sauté the onions and pine nuts with salt on the stovetop, or cook them in the microwave until the onions soften, about 2-3 minutes. Assemble the recipe in whatever shaped pan you have, and bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.

• To make a keto version of this dish, substitute [eafl id=“23336” name=“Hemp Hearts” text=“hemp hearts”] for the bulgur. You can also make Keto Tabouli with the rest of the hemp hearts.

• Add Tzatziki on the side, and you’re all set. With the extra [eafl id=“24960” name=“Tahini” text=“tahini”], try making Air Fryer Cauliflower with Tahini for a side dish that complements this meal very well.

• You may also want to make Instant Pot Baba Ghanoush , or make Air Fryer Baba Ghanoush from [eafl id=“23981” name=“Every Day Easy Air Fryer Cookbook” text=“my air fryer cookbook”] as a lovely side with this dish.

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Kibbeh | Easy Air Fried Kibbeh Recipe

Ingredients

• Cooking Oil Spray

For the Filling

• 2 cups Sliced Onions
• 2 tablespoons Oil
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

For the Lamb

• 1 cup fine-grain bulgur
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 tablespoon Lebanese 7-spice mix
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin

Instructions

• Rinse the bulgur well and cover it with cold water while you get the rest of the ingredients together.

• In a small bowl, mix together sliced onions, pine nuts, oil and salt.

• Spray a 7 x 3 inch heatproof pan with oil. Place the onion mixture into the pan. Set the air fryer to 400°F for 8 minutes to cook the onions and toast the pine nuts. Stir halfway through.

• Meanwhile for the lamb: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine soaked bulgur, lamb, salt, 7-spice mix, and cumin until you have a smooth, sticky mixture.

• Remove the onions and nuts from the air fryer and place into a small bowl.

• You will now start layering the kibbe. Oil the sides of the 7 x 3 pan. Spread half the lamb mixture into the bottom of the pan. Add all the onions and nuts. Cover with the remaining lamb mixture.

• Place the pan into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 360°F for 20 minutes.

• If you do not have an [eafl id=“12513” name=“Gowise Air Fryer” text=“air fryer, you should totally get one”] haha! No seriously, if you don’t have one, you can still make this recipe.

• Sauté the onions and pine nuts with salt on the stovetop, or cook them in the microwave until the onions soften, about 2-3 minutes. Assemble the recipe in whatever shaped pan you have, and bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.

• To make a keto version of this dish, substitute [eafl id=“23336” name=“Hemp Hearts” text=“hemp hearts”] for the bulgur. You can also make Keto Tabouli with the rest of the hemp hearts.

• Add Tzatziki on the side, and you’re all set. With the extra [eafl id=“24960” name=“Tahini” text=“tahini”], try making Air Fryer Cauliflower with Tahini for a side dish that complements this meal very well.

• You may also want to make Instant Pot Baba Ghanoush , or make Air Fryer Baba Ghanoush from [eafl id=“23981” name=“Every Day Easy Air Fryer Cookbook” text=“my air fryer cookbook”] as a lovely side with this dish.

Kibbeh | Easy Air Fried Kibbeh Recipe https://twosleevers.com/air-fryer-kibbe/

I love cooking different things with a flank steak, and this Air Fryer Flank Steak with Zhoug is on the top of the list of things I like to make with it.

I used to struggle with cooking flank steak because it’s not one of the best cuts of steak to work with. It can be easy to turn a flank steak into a flat, lifeless, tasteless piece of meat.

However, if cooked correctly, flank steak can be made fast and tender. If you follow this recipe for Flank Steak with Zhoug, you will see flank steak in a whole new light.

Can Flank Steak Be Cooked In The Air Fryer?

You might be thinking, “Steak in the air fryer???” Yes, you read that right, steak in the air fryer. You may be concerned with the dryness of the steak or if it will get done on the outside before the middle has barely had time to heat up.

If you follow my directions, you will make a delicious Flank Steak with Zhoug for dinner with little effort involved.

What is Zhoug?

If you’ve never heard of Zhoug before, you’re not alone. It’s not common, especially in the States It’s a delicious Middle Eastern sauce that’s spicy and made with herbs.

There are a few ways to make it but, cilantro is usually the main ingredient or herb. It’s super easy to make and has a very delicious, bold taste.

I find this endlessly versatile, ultra keto friendly, easy to make, and tasty. It also keeps well for at least a week in the refrigerator.

It’s actually one of the main ways in which I use up cilantro that’s languishing in my vegetable drawer.

How Long Does A Flank Steak Take To Cook In The Air Fryer?

Due to the thin cut of this steak, you can cook it in as few as 8 minutes with the help of your air fryer.

So, if you’re wanting to get dinner on the table quickly, this is the protein you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

While this ingredient list may seem daunting, if you have a well-stocked pantry and spice rack, you shouldn’t need to grab too many extra ingredients to make this tasty Air Fried Flank Steak.

For the Marinade

• Dark beer or orange juice
• Lemon Juice
• Olive Oil
• Sriracha Sauce
• Brown Sugar
• Ground Cumin
• Smoked Paprika
• Kosher Salt
• Ground Black Pepper
• Garlic Cloves
• Flank steak

For the Zhoug

• Cilantro leaves
• Garlic Cloves
• Serrano peppers
• Ground Cumin
• Ground Coriander
• Kosher Salt
• Olive Oil

How To Cook Flank Steak In The Air Fryer

Prepare The Marinade

1. Whisk together the beer, lemon juice, oil, sriracha, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic.
2. Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak and seal the bag. Turn the steak to coat both sides.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour or up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally.

Make The Zhoug

1. In a food processor, combine the cilantro, garlic, jalapenos, cumin, coriander, and salt. Process until finely chopped.
2. Add oil and pulse to form a loose paste.
3. Transfer the zhoug to a glass container. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Air Fry The Flank Steak

1. Remove the steak from the marinade and place it in the air-fryer. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
2. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest. Slice the steak across the grain. Serve with zhoug.

Tips And Tricks For Cooking Flank Steak

Three things to remember with flank steak.

1. Marinate the steak in an acidic mixture (vinegar, juice, etc.) to tenderize it. You’re going to cook it fast, so the more tender the meat before you start, the better off you are.
2. Cook it fast, and do not overcook. Flank steak can get dry and stringy if overcooked. So err on the side of undercooking. Instead, let it rest so that it continues to cook with residual heat. This also gives the meat a chance to pick up all the juices.
3. Slice against the grain. This is surprisingly important with flank steam. I like to cut it on the bias to get a lot of “middle” meat on each slice rather than just top and bottom browned pieces if that makes sense.

If you’re looking for a super easy and quick dinner that makes you feel like a fancy chef, this Flank Steak with Zhoug recipe will definitely take you there.

The zhoug gives the steak a perfect burst of flavor and spice which is the perfect kick. One of my favorite things to do is pair it with potatoes because steak and potatoes are the perfect pair if you ask me.

Plus, it makes for a hearty dinner and full bellies which results in a happy family.

How Long Does It Last?

Since Flank Steak is such a thin cut of meat, it doesn’t reheat as well as some other cuts of beef. That being said, you CAN save your leftovers for 2-3 days after preparing them.

For the most ideal reheating, keep the time and temperature you are warming the steak to a minimum. If overcooked, flank steak can become rather chewy.

What Do You Serve With Flank Steak?

The reason I love this recipe so much is that it’s so easy to pair with side dishes.

Some meals really only allow for one or two side dishes to go with them because the flavors are so specific. Not this dish; Flank Steak with Zhoug goes well with just about any side dish you can think of.

Here are some of my favorite things to pair with this Air Fryer Flank Steak:

• Air Fryer Roasted Ratatouille
• Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
• Creamed Spinach

Other Recipes To Check Out

• If you’re looking for a good side dish to this recipe, check out my Rosemary Roasted Potatoes . They’re a great use for extra potatoes in your pantry and are easy to make in your air fryer.
• Another great air fryer recipe is my Spicy Lamb Sirloin Steak . It’s crazy delicious and cooks in no time!
• If you’re looking for more great flanks steak recipes, check out my Air Fried Beef Satay .
• Have some leftover flank steak? Use it to make these delicious Flank Steak Fajitas !
• If you’re looking for a great side dish to pair with this, check out my Barley Pilaf With Mushrooms !

Flank Steak with Zhoug | Low Carb Air Fryer Recipe

Equipment

• PHILLIPS AIR FRYER
• Silicone Whisk
• CUISINART FOOD PROCESSOR
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• ▢ 1/2 cup ( 118 g ) dark beer , or orange juice
• ▢ 14 cup ( 3.42 kg ) Lemon Juice
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Olive Oil
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Sriracha Sauce
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Brown Sugar , or 1 tablespoon Truvia for low carb
• ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Ground Cumin
• ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Smoked Paprika
• ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) Kosher Salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Ground Black Pepper
• ▢ 3 ( 3 ) Garlic Cloves , minced
• ▢ 1.5 pounds ( 680.39 g ) flank steak , trimmed and cut into 3 pieces

For the Zhoug

• ▢ 1 cup ( 16 g ) packed cilantro leaves
• ▢ 2 ( 2 ) Garlic Cloves
• ▢ 2 ( 2 ) Serrano peppers , stemmed and coarsely chopped
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ( 0.5 teaspoon ) Ground Cumin
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon ( 0.25 teaspoon ) Ground Coriander
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon ( 0.25 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
• ▢ 2-4 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Olive Oil

Instructions

For the Marinade

• In a small bowl, whisk together the beer, lemon juice, oil, sriracha, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic.
• Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak and seal the bag. Turn the steak to coat both sides.
• Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour or up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally.

Meanwhile, for the zhoug

• In a food processor, combine the cilantro, garlic, jalapenos, cumin, coriander, and salt. Process until finely chopped.
• Add 2 tablespoons oil and pulse to form a loose paste, adding up to 2 tablespoons more oil if needed.
• Transfer the zhoug to a glass container. Cover and store in the refrigerator until 30 minutes before serving if marinating more than 1 hour.

Cooking the Steak

• Remove the steak from the marinade and place in the air-fryer; discarding the marinade. Set the air-fryer to 400°F for 8-10 minutes for medium, 145°F when tested with a meat thermometer.

• Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice the steak across the grain. Serve with zhoug.

• Since much of the caloric marinade isn’t consumed, actual calorie and macros are probably lower than what is listed here.

• If you’re in a rush, you could also just salt and pepper the steak and make it plain, since the zhoug has a lot of flavor.

• By the same token, you could have the steak without much of a dipping sauce if you wanted to cut out a step. They go well together, but each is flavorful enough to stand on its own..

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Don’t forget to check out myAir Fryer Cookbook!