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?
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 own kitchen using just an air fryer – let’s get started!

Shami kebab is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from ground chicken, split chickpeas, and spices. This savory recipe has been around for centuries and developed into an absolute culinary delight. If you’ve never tasted it before, you are in for a treat!
Now, thanks to air fryer technology, preparing shami kebabs can be simpler than ever before – the perfect solution for hassle-free meal prep that still packs all of the flavors. In this post, we’ll explain exactly how to make delicious shami kebabs using your own air fryer in just a few simple steps!
Shami Kebab
Shami kebab is a popular dish in countries like Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. It originated centuries ago and has become a symbol of 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 a variety of sauces and chutneys, making them even more flavorful. Additionally, the dish is usually accompanied by omelets or boiled eggs 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 you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick snack, Shami Kebab is the perfect dish to whip up. 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 just delicious but also super easy to make! But if you’re looking for an even quicker and healthier way of making your favorite dish then air fryer shami kebab might be the answer.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients needed for this crispy and tasty treat!

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, and Garlic Ginger Paste, Mint Leaves, 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’m going to show you how to make these delicious bites in your air fryer! Not only is it quicker than deep frying, but also healthier since no added oils are necessary. Plus, there’s less cleanup since the air fryer requires much less oil than conventional methods of cooking – 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.

Step One: Saute The Ingredients
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 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 is soft and tender.

Step Two: Prepare Your Paste
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.

Step Three: Form The Shami Kebab Patties
Using your palm shape the mixture into flat round shape 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 it 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.

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 even 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 kebab from getting crispy and golden brown. Make sure to leave enough space between each piece for optimal air circulation.
- Spray or brush with oil – To ensure that your shami kebab gets golden brown and crispy, it’s important to spray or brush them with oil before air frying.

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 type of soft, flatbread is perfect for scooping up the delicious flavors of the shami kebabs. It’s also great 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.

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
Description
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
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