While there are a lot of foods I make from scratch, you can’t deny the convenience of frozen options when you’re in a hurry. However, you don’t need to sacrifice flavor thanks to this Trader Joe’s kibbeh air fryer recipe!
This Middle Eastern favorite just got even easier with some help from TJ’s and your air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern dish that basically resembles a meatball that’s coated in breading and fried. There are many different variations in both the meat and seasonings, but they’re always delicious!
The Trader Joe’s version features ground beef, onions, and seasonings wrapped in a bulgur wheat, meat, and farina mixture.
Instead of needing to deep fry them, though, your air fryer does a great job of getting these frozen kibbeh nice and crisp without needing to add any additional oil!
Kibbeh may be served as an appetizer or snack, or even paired with other sides as part of a whole meal.
Try them for brunch alongside the Middle Eastern flavors of my Microwave Shakshuka.
What You’ll Need
11-ounce box Trader Joe’s frozen kibbeh
Sauces or sides as desired (optional)
Ingredient Notes
While this recipe is for Trader Joe’s frozen kibbeh, the same steps will work for other brands as well. Check out other brands such as Mid East, California Garden, or Afia!
Kibbeh is delicious on its own, but if you’d like a sauce, my recommendation is some Lebanese garlic sauce or something similar, as it complements the flavors well
How to Cook Trader Joe’s Frozen Kibbeh in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Remove the frozen kibbeh from all exterior packaging and place them into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting for 10-12 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway to shake the basket
Kibbeh is done when the exterior is lightly browned and the interior reaches 165°F
Serve alone or with your favorite sauce for dipping!
What to Serve With Kibbeh
Tahini sauce
Garlic sauce
Tzatziki sauce
Yogurt
Chickpeas
Lentils
Tabbouleh
Green salad
Stuffed grape leaves
Cucumber salad
Rice pilaf
Pita bread
Mint
Dill
Lemon
Try your Trader Joe’s air fryer kibbeh with a side of my crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas, or my easy homemade Air Fryer Pita Bread.
Recipe FAQs
How Long Does it Take to Cook Trader Joe’s Kibbeh in an Air Fryer?
It takes between 10 and 18 minutes to cook Trader Joe’s kibbeh in an air fryer. While that seems like a large range, it varies widely based on the temperature you cook it at.
Cooking kibbeh at 400°F will be done in 10-12 minutes, whereas cooking at a temperature of 360°F will produce a very slightly more browned kibbeh, but will take about 18 minutes on average.
Can I Make Homemade Kibbeh and Use the Same Air Fryer Cooking Method?
Yes, you can make homemade kibbeh and cook it in the air fryer. Since you’d be working with raw meat, cooking time will average around 20 minutes.
You will likely need to spritz the outside with some oil as well, as homemade won’t come with it already added into the dough.
What Are the Benefits of Cooking Kibbeh in an Air Fryer?
The benefits of cooking kibbeh in an air fryer are that it requires less oil than deep frying, heats your home up less than a conventional oven, and produces a crispier texture than the microwave.
That’s not to say that other methods aren’t perfectly viable as well, but the air fryer gives the best of all worlds.
Recipe Pro Tips
You do not need to add any oil before cooking, as TJ’s puts sunflower oil right in the breading
I was concerned that they could be dry (they weren’t), so I cooked another batch at 360°F for 18 minutes. This combination also worked perfectly, and I noticed no discernable difference in texture or browning level between the two cooking methods. So, I opted for the shorter time option. However, know that this alternative is great as well if needed!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Trader Joe’s kibbeh in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze after cooking
To reheat kibbeh in the air fryer, cook for 6-8 minutes at 350°F, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. They are pretty dense, which is why they take a bit longer than other foods!
More Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods to Make in Your Air Fryer
Trader Joe’s kibbeh in the air fryer comes out crispy on the outside while staying tender and delicious inside. This cooking method requires little attention, and far less oil than deep frying!
Serve kibbeh as a snack or appetizer, or pair with other dishes as part of your ultimate Middle Eastern feast! They’re delicious on their own, but also great served with a variety of dipping sauces or even in a pita like a falafel!
While they do take a bit to cook simply because they’re so dense, the wait is worth it for the tender seasoned ground beef, onions, and savory spices that make up these “meatballs”!
Remove the frozen kibbeh from all exterior packaging and place them into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
11 Ounce box Trader Joe's frozen kibbeh
Cook on the air fry setting for 10-12 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway to shake the basket
Kibbeh is done when the exterior is lightly browned and the interior reaches 165°F
Serve alone or with your favorite sauce for dipping!
Notes
While this recipe is for Trader Joe’s frozen kibbeh, the same steps will work for other brands as well. Check out other brands such as Mid East, California Garden, or Afia!
Kibbeh is delicious on its own, but if you’d like a sauce, my recommendation is some Lebanese garlic sauce or something similar, as it complements the flavors well
You do not need to add any oil before cooking, as TJ’s puts sunflower oil right in the breading
My kibbeh were perfect after 11 minutes at 400°F in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, confirmed via an instant read thermometer. Other air fryers may vary slightly
I was concerned that they could be dry (they weren’t), so I cooked another batch at 360°F for 18 minutes. This combination also worked perfectly, and I noticed no discernable difference in texture between the two cooking methods. So, I opted for the shorter time option. However, know that this alternative is great as well if needed!
Store leftover Trader Joe’s kibbeh in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze after cooking
To reheat kibbeh in the air fryer, cook for 6-8 minutes at 360°F, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety since it contains ground beef
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of kibbeh, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
