Shami kebab is one of the most popular dishes on the Indian subcontinent. It’s savory, spicy, and so delicious! So why not make these delightful Shami Kebabs using an air fryer?

You’ll get restaurant-quality results with practically no effort! In this post, I’m going to show you how simple it is to make perfect pulpy shami kebabs in your kitchen using just an air fryer – let’s get started!

Air Fryer Shami Kebab
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Shami kebab is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from ground chicken, split chickpeas, and spices. This savory recipe has existed for centuries and developed into an absolute culinary delight. If you’ve never tasted it, you are in for a treat!

Now, thanks to air fryer technology, preparing shami kebabs can be simpler than ever – the perfect solution for hassle-free meal prep that still packs all the flavors. In this post, we’ll explain exactly how to make delicious shami kebabs using your air fryer in just a few simple steps!

Shami Kebab

Shami kebab is a popular dish in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. It originated centuries ago and has symbolized the region’s cultural heritage. The traditional version of Shami Kebab includes ground chicken, beef, or lamb that is marinated in spices such as bay leaves, cumin, cardamom, coriander, and turmeric. The mixture is then shaped into small patties and air fried until golden brown.

Shami kebab is an incredibly versatile dish. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish alongside rice, naan bread, or other accompaniments. It also makes an excellent appetizer or snack. The patties can be served with various sauces and chutneys, making them even more flavorful. Omelets or boiled eggs accompany the dish to add extra protein and texture.

Shami kebab is an easy dish to make and requires minimal ingredients. It’s also extremely delicious and can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick snack, Shami Kebab is the perfect dish. Give it a try – your taste buds won’t regret it!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Shami Kebab

Who doesn’t love a shami kebab? This mouth-watering delicacy is not only delicious but also super easy to make! But if you’re looking for an even quicker and healthier way to make your favorite dish, air-fried shami kebab might be the answer.

Let’s look at the ingredients needed for this crispy and tasty treat!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Shami Kebab

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  • Protein: Use minced chicken, minced ground beef, or minced lamb.
  • Chickpeas: Traditionally used Chana Dal, split chickpeas.
  • Onions: Use White Onion or Yellow Onions, sliced
  • Seasonings and Spices: Ground Cumin, Bay Leaf, Whole Red Chilli, Peppercorns, Cloves, Cardamom, Cinnamon Stick, Garlic Ginger Paste, Mint Coriander Leaves, Kosher Salt, Gaream Masal, Red Chili Powder, and Coriander Powder
  • Eggs: Binds the patties together.

How To Make Shami Kebab In Air Fryer

Today, I will show you how to make these delicious bites in your air fryer! Not only is it quicker than deep frying, but it is also healthier since no added oils are necessary. Plus, there’s less cleanup since the air fryer requires much less oil than conventional cooking methods – making this recipe perfect for busy weeknight meals! Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to master this classic dish in your very own kitchen.

How To Make Shami Kebab In Air Fryer

Step One: Saute The Ingredients

Heat oil in a pan and add cumin, red chilies, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, and cinnamon.

Next, add sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma disappears. Now add the soaked chana dal, minced chicken, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Mix everything properly, add water, cover, and cook until the water is evaporated and the chicken and chana dal are soft and tender. 

How To Make Shami Kebab In Air Fryer

Step Two: Prepare Your Paste

Let it cool for some time (remove the cooked bay leaf and cinnamon stick), then grind the remaining ingredients into a thick mixture.

Add chopped mint, coriander leaves, and one whisked egg to the mixture, and mix everything properly.

How To Make Shami Kebab In Air Fryer

Step Three: Form The Shami Kebab Patties

Using your palm, shape the mixture into flat round patties or any desired shape.

Step Four: Air Fryer Shami Kebab

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C. Brush some oil in the air fryer basket and arrange the kababs (you can also line the air fryer basket with parchment paper). Brush some oil on top of the kababs and cook for 8 minutes on one side. Turn over and set the cooking time for another 6-7 minutes on another side, until it’s light golden in color.

Step Five: Serving

Serve hot with mint chutney and lime wedges.

How To Make Shami Kebab In Air Fryer

Tips For Air Frying Shami Kebab

Air frying is a great way to enjoy shami kebab without the extra calories and fat associated with deep frying. To achieve the best results when air frying shami kebab, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:

  • Use high-quality ingredients – Shami kebab is traditionally made with ground beef, but you can also use lamb, chicken, or turkey. Whatever you choose, make sure it is high-quality and fresh.
  • Preheat the air fryer – Preheating your air fryer before cooking is essential for a crispier shami kebab. Most air fryers should be preheated to 350°F before adding the kebab.
  • Avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding your air fryer can prevent shami kebabs from getting crispy and golden brown. Make sure to leave enough space between each piece for optimal air circulation.
  • Spray or brush with oil—Before air-frying, it’s important to spray or brush your shami kebab with oil to ensure that it turns golden brown and crispy.
Air Fryer Shami Kebab

What To Serve With Shami Kebab

Shami kebab is a traditional dish from the Indian subcontinent, typically made with ground beef or lamb and various spices. Traditionally, it is served with rice and chutney as part of a larger meal. However, there are many other sides that can be served alongside shami kebab to add flavor and texture to the dish. Here are some suggestions:

  • Raita – This refreshing yogurt-based side dish is a great accompaniment to shami kebab and can be made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, or other vegetables of your choice.
  • Air Fryer Samosa – These fried snacks make an excellent starter or side dish for shami kebab. You can buy them pre-made or make your own using a variety of vegetables and your favorite spices.
  • Air-fryer naan: This soft flatbread is perfect for scooping up the delicious flavors of the shami kebabs and for mopping.

How To Store

Storing the delicious Shami Kebab is a must if you want to enjoy it for days to come. Here are some tips on how to store Shami Kebab for optimal results:

  • Allow the kebabs to cool completely after cooking before putting them into storage. This will ensure that they stay at their best.
  • Place each kebab into separate airtight containers or wrap them in plastic wrap or foil to preserve their moisture and flavor for as long as possible.
  • Store the kebabs in the refrigerator at a temperature of about 40°F (4°C) for up to five days, or in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for up to three months.
Plate of Appetizers From India

How To Reheat Shami Kebab

If you have any leftovers that you want to reheat, place them on a parchment paper lined air fryer basket and set the cooking time for 5-9 minutes, in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F, using air fyrer setting.

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Air Fryer Shami Kebab

Air Fryer Shami Kebab

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Shami kebab is one of the most popular dishes on the Indian subcontinent. It's savory, spicy, and so delicious! So why not make these delicious Shami Kebabs using an air fryer?

Ingredients 

  • 1.1 pounds chicken, minced
  • 1 cup Chana Dal, soaked in water for 1-2 hours
  • 2 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 whole red chili
  • 10 peppercorns
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 2 whole cardamoms
  • 1/4 whole cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1 cup onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves, diced
  • 1/2 cup coriander leaves, diced
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder.
  • 1 large egg, whisked
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • In a pan heat oil, and add cumin along with red chilies, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, and cinnamon.
  • Next, add sliced onions and fry until the onion becomes golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma goes away. Now add the soaked chana dal, minced chicken, red chilli powder, garam masala, coriander powder and salt, mix everything properly, add water, cover and cook until the water is evaporated and chicken and chana dal are soft and tender. 
  • Let it cool for some time (take out the cooked bay leaf and cinnamon stick) then grind the remaining everything into a thick mixture.
  • To the mixture add chopped mint and coriander leaves along with one whisked egg, and mix everything properly.
  • Using your palm shape the mixture into flat round shape patties or any desired shape.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C.
  • Brush some oil in the air fryer basket and arrange the kababs (you can also line the air fryer basket with parchment paper), brush some oil on top of kababs and cook it for 8 minutes on one side, turn over and cook for another 6-7 minutes on another side. Until it’s light golden in color.
  • Serve hot with mint chutney and lime wedges.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cooking Spray

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 876mgPotassium: 1068mgFiber: 11gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1626IUVitamin C: 117mgCalcium: 341mgIron: 11mg

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