Kibe in the Airfryer The Practical and Healthy Recipe

This traditional Arabic dish is known for its unmistakable flavor, but many avoid preparing it at home because it is fried in oil.

Fortunately, with the Airfryer, it is possible to make a kibbeh that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with less fat and without losing flavor.

What is Kibe?

Before we get to the recipe, it's interesting to know a little about the history of kibbeh. Of Arabic origin, kibe (or quibe, in other spellings) is made from ground meat and kibe wheat.

This mixture results in a dough that can be fried, baked or even served raw.

Over time, this delicacy became popular in several countries, gaining regional variations, especially in Brazil.

Here, the kibbeh in the Airfryer It has become one of the favorite ways to prepare this delight, as the Airfryer allows it to be made in a healthier and more practical way, without the need for oil.

Why Make Kibbeh in the Airfryer?

A Airfryer It has been an ally in the kitchen for those who want to eat well without giving up a balanced diet.

By doing the kibbeh in the Airfryer, you eliminate the excess oil that would be used in traditional frying, and you get the same crispy result on the outside and juicy on the inside. In addition, the process is much faster and less laborious.

Advantages of Using an Airfryer:

• Less fat: The Airfryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in dishes with up to 80% less fat.
• Quick cooking: The preparation time in the Airfryer is significantly shorter than in a traditional oven or frying in oil.
• Ease of cleaning: As it does not use oil, cleaning the Airfryer is simpler and quicker.

Ingredients for Making Kibbeh in the Airfryer

Now that you know why the kibbeh in the Airfryer It's a great option, let's look at the list of ingredients. This recipe yields approximately 20 units of kibbeh.

Ingredients:

• 250g of wheat for kibbeh
• 500g of minced meat (patinho or coxão mole are good options)
• 1 medium onion grated
• 2 teeth of garlic chopped or mashed
• 1 tablespoon of mint fresh chopped
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of Syrian pepper or black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of cumin (optional)
• Enough water to hydrate the wheat
• Olive oil to grease the Airfryer basket (optional)

How to Prepare Kibbeh in the Airfryer

Now let's go step by step to prepare the kibbeh in the Airfryer. The process is very simple and quick, ideal for those who have a busy routine but don't want to give up a tasty and nutritious meal.

Step 1: Hydrate the Wheat for Kibbeh

The first step is to hydrate the wheat for kibbeh. Place the wheat in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let the wheat hydrate for about 30 minutes.

After this time, drain the excess water and squeeze the wheat well with your hands or with the help of a clean cloth to remove all moisture. This is an important step to ensure that the kibbeh does not become soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Kibbeh Dough

In a large bowl, mix the soaked wheat with the ground beef, grated onion, garlic, mint, salt, allspice and cumin, if using.

Knead everything well with your hands until you have a smooth dough. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to make the dough even finer and more compact.

Step 3: Shape the Kibes

With the dough ready, it's time to shape the kibbeh. Take small portions of the dough and make balls in the traditional kibbeh shape, which is oval with thin ends. If you prefer, you can make small balls or even kibbeh stuffed with cheese or cream cheese.

Step 4: Preheat the Airfryer

Preheat the Airfryer at 180°C for about 5 minutes. This step is important to ensure that the kibbeh cooks evenly and is crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Cooking the Kibbeh

Lightly grease the Airfryer basket with olive oil, or use an olive oil spray to make cooking easier. Place the kibbeh in the basket, leaving space between them so that the air can circulate well and they brown evenly.

Cook the kibes at 180°C for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure they are crispy on all sides.

If you prefer a crispier kibbeh, you can increase the temperature to 200°C in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Tips for a Perfect Kibe in the Airfryer

• Do not overload the Airfryer basket: Leave space between the kibes so that air can circulate and they cook evenly.
• Take care with the seasonings: Kibbeh is a dish rich in flavor, so don't skimp on the spices. Syrian pepper, cumin and mint are essential to give the dish its typical touch.
• Experiment with fillings: If you want to innovate, add a little cheese or cream cheese to the center of the kibes before shaping. This guarantees a delicious surprise with every bite.

Side Dishes for Kibe in the Airfryer

O kibbeh in the Airfryer It is a versatile dish and can be served both as a snack or as a main course. Here are some suggestions for side dishes that go very well with kibbeh:

• Dry curd: A traditional and refreshing option.
• Tabbouleh: Wheat, tomato, cucumber, onion and mint salad, which brings lightness and freshness.
• Hummus: The famous chickpea puree is an excellent choice for those who like more intense flavors.
• Fattoush Salad: A Lebanese salad made with toasted pita bread, lettuce, cucumber, tomato and seasonings such as sumac and olive oil.

Kibbeh Variations to Make in the Airfryer

If you have already mastered the basic recipe of kibbeh in the Airfryer, how about trying some variations? Here are some ideas to innovate in the kitchen:

• Chicken Kibbeh: Replace the beef with ground chicken and follow the same steps as the traditional recipe.
• Vegan Kibbeh: For a meatless version, use pumpkin or eggplant instead of ground beef. The kibbeh wheat will be the base, and you can add lots of seasoning.
• Fish Kibbeh: Another interesting variation is to replace the beef with ground fish, such as tilapia or salmon. The result is a lighter and equally tasty kibbeh.

Conclusion

Prepare kibbeh in the Airfryer It is a practical, healthy and delicious way to enjoy this traditional delicacy.

By choosing this cooking method, you reduce the amount of fat without sacrificing crunchiness and flavor.

Furthermore, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions.

Now that you have learned how to do it kibbeh in the Airfryer, it's time to get your hands dirty and try this recipe.

Don't forget to share this lighter and healthier version of the traditional fried kibbeh with your family and friends. I bet everyone will love it!