Keftedes are the quintessential Greek meatball, enjoyed by pretty much everyone, from kids to adults. They're made with a blend of ground lamb, onion, parsley, mint, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. The meatballs are formed into 1-inch balls and cooked in an air fryer until cooked through. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Keftedes have a long history in Greek cuisine, dating back to the Byzantine era. They were originally made with a mixture of ground beef, pork, and lamb, but over time, lamb became the preferred meat. Keftedes were often served as a main course, but they can also be served as an appetizer or snack.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 12 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound ground lamb
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped mint
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
Place meatballs in air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why It Works
The combination of lamb, onion, parsley, mint, oregano, and thyme gives keftedes their characteristic flavor.
The use of an air fryer ensures that the meatballs are cooked evenly and thoroughly.
Serving the meatballs warm with a dipping sauce enhances their flavor and makes them even more enjoyable.