Lamb koftas cooking times
How long to cook lamb koftas: 8–10 min under the grill, 8–10 min on the barbecue, 8–10 min pan-fried and 10–12 min in an air fryer at 190°C. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook lamb koftas
Times are for 500 g lamb mince shaped onto 8 skewers, or 2–3 cm cubes of lamb on skewers.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grill | 8–10 min | under a hot grill | Turn every couple of minutes. |
| Barbecue | 8–10 min | over medium-hot direct heat | Turn every couple of minutes. |
| Pan-fry | 8–10 min | over a medium-high heat | Griddle or fry, turning. |
| Air fryer | 10–12 min | 190°C (375°F) | Turn halfway. |
| Oven | 15–18 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a rack; turn halfway. |
Before you start
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. Chill shaped koftas so they hold on the skewer.
How to tell it’s done
Koftas: browned and cooked through with no pink. Cubed lamb: pink inside.
Food safety: Cook mince, burgers and sausages all the way through, to 71°C (160°F), with no pink left in the middle.
Questions
How long to grill lamb koftas?
8–10 min under a hot grill. Turn every couple of minutes.
How long to barbecue lamb koftas?
8–10 min over medium-hot direct heat. Turn every couple of minutes.
How long to pan-fry lamb koftas?
8–10 min over a medium-high heat. Griddle or fry, turning.
How long to cook lamb koftas in an air fryer?
10–12 min at 190°C (375°F). Turn halfway.
How long to cook lamb koftas in the oven?
15–18 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. On a rack; turn halfway.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.