Harissa-Spiced Lamb Meatballs

Middle Eastern-inspired Lamb Meatballs with Harissa

Discover the delicious amalgamation of flavours from the Middle East with our lamb meatballs seasoned liberally with harissa. Cooking them in an air fryer ensures they're delightfully crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside.

Lamb meatballs prepared with harissa

Ingredients

  • 500g minced lamb
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 50g breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A few sprigs of fresh coriander, chopped
Ingredients for lamb meatballs

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine minced lamb, harissa paste, chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. For best results, let the mixture sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
  4. Shape the meat mixture into small balls, approximately the size of a walnut.
  5. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
  6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re well browned and cooked through.
  7. Once cooked, garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with a side of couscous or a fresh salad.
Cooked lamb meatballs

Tips for Success

  • Perfect Binding: If your mixture seems too loose, adding an additional tablespoon of breadcrumbs can help keep the meatballs intact.
  • Adjust Heat: The spiciness of harissa can vary by brand, so be sure to adjust the amount to suit your taste preference.
  • Batch Cooking: These meatballs can be frozen after cooking for a quick future meal. Simply reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.

Conclusion

These Middle Eastern-inspired lamb meatballs are a treat for the palate. The balance of spices provided by the harissa along with the impeccable cooking from an air fryer results in an easy yet flavourful dish. Perfect for dinners, gatherings, or as a delightful snack, they could well become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the rich taste with minimal effort!