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Dinner Appetizers Air Fryer Lamb Meatballs Middle Eastern
4.6 from 17 votes

Lamb Meatballs

Jump to RecipeVideoPrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •1/10/23 12 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for lamb meatballs.

With the perfect combination of ground lamb, spices, and fresh herbs, these juicy Lebanese-inspired Lamb Meatballs are absolutely delicious and easy to make! Served with a simple yogurt mint sauce that is bursting with flavor, they can be baked in the oven or air fried!

lamb meatballs with yogurt mint sauce in a bowl.
Table of Contents Open
  • Easy Lamb Meatballs Recipe
  • Why You’ll Love These Lamb Meatballs
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Meatballs
    • Yogurt Mint Sauce
  • How To Make Lamb Meatballs
    • Make The Yogurt Mint Sauce
    • Preheat And Prep The Pan
    • Make The Meat Mixture
    • Form The Meatballs
    • Cook The Meatballs
    • Serve
  • Why Do My Meatballs Keep Falling Apart?
  • Can I Fry The Meatballs?
  • Expert Tips
  • Storage
  • Make Ahead
  • Other Delicious Lamb Recipes To Try
  • Lamb Meatballs
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Video
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

Easy Lamb Meatballs Recipe

Self-proclaimed meatball lover here! In our house, we eat them a lot. My Romanian Meatballs are one of my favorites, of course! But I wanted to try something a little different for a change and use lamb instead of pork or beef. So I thought I’d go with Lebanese flavors and a yogurt sauce. And the results were amazing! In fact, so good that I made them again and again in both the oven and the air fryer!

These lamb meatballs are impressive. All the fresh herbs and spices make this dish special. They blend together perfectly with the lamb to create meatballs that are fragrant and delicious, but still tender and juicy regardless of how you cook them. And the yogurt mint sauce, which is infused with garlic and lemon only highlight the tasty lamb even more!

a fork dipping a lamb meatball in a bowl with yogurt mint sauce.

Why You’ll Love These Lamb Meatballs

  • Easy Recipe! This is a simple recipe that you can whip together with very little time and effort! It requires no special skills or hard to find ingredients. 
  • Herby Fragrant Meatballs! Made with a combination of fresh herbs, warm spices, and tender ground lamb, these meatballs are full of Lebanese-inspired flavors. 
  • Versatile Dish! You can make the meatballs as big or as small as you like. This means that they can be served as a main dish or on a toothpick at a party!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Meatballs

ingredients needed to make lamb meatballs.
  • Ground Lamb – Ground lamb is used to make the yummy meatballs. You could also use a mix of beef and lamb if you prefer.
  • Egg – Binds the meatballs together along with the breadcrumbs.
  • Breadcrumbs – Make sure to use plain breadcrumbs. Panko also works too.
  • Fresh Herbs – Use fresh parsley and mint for the best fresh herb flavor. Dried herbs will work, but fresh really makes a difference. 
  • Onion – I used brown onion, but any type of onion can be used.
  • Spices – Allspice, cumin, and cinnamon are classic Lebanese spices used to add layers of flavor. 
  • Seasonings – Salt and black pepper are added to season the meatballs.

Yogurt Mint Sauce

ingredients needed to make yogurt mint sauce.
  • Plain Yogurt – Flavorless yogurt works as the creamy base of the mint sauce. I like to use plain Greek yogurt.
  • Mint – Adds freshness and a lovely hint of mint to the sauce that brings out all the flavors of the lamb.
  • Garlic – Always use fresh garlic cloves for the best taste.
  • Lemon – Fresh lemon juice adds the perfect touch of acid that complements the mint and garlic. You can use the lemon zest too if you like. 
  • Seasonings – A bit of salt and pepper are needed to bring out the flavors of the sauce. 

How To Make Lamb Meatballs

This recipe is oh-so simple and the results are super tasty! Once the meat mixture is made you just have to decide if you want to cook them in the oven or the air fryer! 

Make The Yogurt Mint Sauce

process shots showing how to make lamb meatballs.

The first thing you need to do is make the sauce so that the flavors have time to meld while the meatballs are cooking. Add the plain yogurt, fresh mint, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to a medium bowl and then whisk everything together well. Now, set the sauce in the fridge to chill.

Preheat And Prep The Pan

Before you begin the next step, you’ll need to preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) if you are baking the meatballs. Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. But if you are going to air fry the meatballs, you’ll need to preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). However, whether or not you need to preheat your air fryer depends on your particular model. So take a look at your manufacturer’s guide.

Make The Meat Mixture

process shots showing how to make lamb meatballs.

Now let’s begin making meatballs! First, add the ground lamb, egg, breadcrumbs, herbs, onion, spices, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Then mix all the ingredients together really well with a wooden spoon or your hands until they are fully incorporated. I myself find that my hands do the best job. 

Form The Meatballs

process shots showing how to make lamb meatballs.

Next, divide the meat mixture to form about 16 – 20 meatballs. Try your best to make all the balls about the same size and shape for even cooking. However, if you notice that your meatballs are not holding together well it could mean that the meat mixture is too wet or too dry. If they seem too wet add a little more of the breadcrumbs. If they are too dry add a bit more egg.

Cook The Meatballs

process shots showing how to make lamb meatballs.

As explained, there are two choices when it comes to cooking. To bake, spread the meatballs out on the prepared baking sheet and then pop them into the oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until cooked through. To air fry, put the meatballs in the basket of your air fryer. Then put them into the air fryer and cook for 15 to 18 minutes. 

Note, to be fully cooked the meatballs must have reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) when checked with a digital cooking thermometer. So if they have not reached 160°F after cooking just put them back into the air fryer or oven for a few more minutes. 

Serve

When the meatballs are done, transfer them to your favorite dish and serve them with the yogurt sauce to enjoy! They are wonderful with some pita bread along with some fresh cucumber and tomatoes.

lamb meatballs with yogurt mint sauce stuffed in a pita.

Why Do My Meatballs Keep Falling Apart?

The most common reason that meatballs fall apart is that they are too dry. You probably used too many breadcrumbs in the meat mixture. This is why it is especially important to properly measure out all the ingredients. 

Can I Fry The Meatballs?

Yes, of course! Once the meatballs are made just heat some olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Then add the meatballs to the pan in a single layer and cook them until they are well browned on all sides and fully cooked.

lamb meatballs with yogurt mint sauce in a bowl.

Expert Tips

  1. Test the meatballs. To see if your meatballs need more salt, cook about a teaspoon of the meat mixture to taste before forming it into balls.
  2. Use a cookie scoop. You can use a small cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture. It’s a great way to make meatballs that are all exactly the same size.
  3. Temp the lamb meatballs. To make sure your meatballs are fully cooked you will want to use an instant-read digital meat thermometer to ensure they have reached at least 160°F (74°C).

Storage

Lamb meatballs will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply put them in the microwave for a few minutes on medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. 

Make Ahead

This recipe can easily be made ahead of time. Once the meat mixture is formed into meatballs, wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then when you are ready to serve, cook them as instructed in the recipe. Yet, if frozen, the meatballs will need to be thawed out overnight in the fridge before cooking.

lamb meatballs with yogurt mint sauce stuffed in a pita.

Other Delicious Lamb Recipes To Try

  • Lamb Chops with Garlic Mint Sauce
  • Greek Lamb Burgers
  • Lamb and Chickpea Tagine
  • Turkish Gozleme with Lamb
  • Easy Kofta (Beef Or Lamb)
  • Herb Crusted Rack Of Lamb

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

lamb meatballs with yogurt mint sauce in a bowl.
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4.59 from 17 votes

Lamb Meatballs

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 18 minutes
Total 33 minutes
Rate Recipe
With the perfect combination of ground lamb, spices, and fresh herbs, these juicy Lebanese-inspired Lamb Meatballs are absolutely delicious and easy to make! Served with a simple yogurt mint sauce that is bursting with flavor, they can be baked in the oven or air fried!
16

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons mint (chopped)
  • 1 medium onion (grated or finely chopped)
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (ground)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Yogurt Mint Sauce

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • ½ cup fresh mint (chopped)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Add the plain yogurt, fresh mint, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to a medium bowl and then whisk everything together well. Refrigerate until ready to use.
    process shots showing how to make lamb meatballs.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  • Add the ground lamb, egg, breadcrumbs, herbs, onion, spices, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Then mix all the ingredients together really well with a wooden spoon or your hands until they are fully incorporated.
    process shots showing how to make lamb meatballs.
  • Shape the meat into 1 inch meatballs. I find it easier to use a small cookie scoop. You should get anywhere from 16 to 20 meatballs, depending on size.
    process shots showing how to make lamb meatballs.
  • Spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil then place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer. Spray the meatballs with a bit more cooking spray.
  • Air fry the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through, at least 160°F (71°C) when checked with a digital cooking thermometer.
    process shots showing how to make lamb meatballs.
  • Serve the meatballs with the yogurt mint sauce and enjoy!

Equipment

  • COSORI Air Fryer 5.8 Quart

Video

Notes

  1. Recipe yields around 16-20 meatballs.
  2. Test the meatballs. To see if your meatballs need more salt, cook about a teaspoon of the meat mixture to taste before forming it into balls.
  3. Use a cookie scoop. You can use a small cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture. It’s a great way to make meatballs that are all exactly the same size.
  4. Temp the lamb meatballs. To make sure your meatballs are fully cooked you will want to use an instant-read digital meat thermometer to ensure they have reached at least 160°F (74°C).

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 111kcal (6%)Carbohydrates: 4g (1%)Protein: 7g (14%)Fat: 7g (11%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 33mg (11%)Sodium: 197mg (9%)Potassium: 124mg (4%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 185IU (4%)Vitamin C: 3mg (4%)Calcium: 37mg (4%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

lamb meatballs with yogurt mint sauce in a bowl.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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12 Comments
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Jenni
Jenni
Posted: 2 months ago

5 stars
Loved these meatballs, made them small and they cooked in the airfryer in 10 minutes. The flavours were delicious

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Jenni
Posted: 2 months ago

So glad you liked them!

1
Reply
Carmen
Carmen
Posted: 3 years ago

4 stars
This recipe was easy, quick and very tasty. I used my convection oven to make the meatballs and 30 minutes at 375 degrees was sufficient. They had a nice crisp and were moist and delicious. Also I substituted instant oatmeal (which I blended in my food processor) for the bread crumbs to have a gluten free meatball. Enjoy!

0
Reply
Lori Spala
Lori Spala
Posted: 3 years ago

What is white sauce & its recipe please

0
Reply
Nicole Beaulieu
Nicole Beaulieu
Reply to  Lori Spala
Posted: 3 years ago

Just a basic yogurt sauce! Mix plain yogurt with either milk or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste, and drizzle over the meatballs.

0
Reply
RITA HURAULT
RITA HURAULT
Reply to  Nicole Beaulieu
Posted: 2 years ago

You could add garlic, lemon, dill to the yogurt, too.

0
Reply
Michael
Michael
Posted: 4 years ago

4 stars
Great taste though watch the cooking times based on your oven. I used convection bake and the meatballs were on the small side – there were 30 instead of 20. After 30 minutes there was already a char going on the side touching the cookie sheet and they were cooked all the way through. The good thing is the two I sampled so far don’t taste burnt – more like the char you like on a good steak! Glad I got one out at 30 minutes to make sure they were not burning! would make this again and try making the balls a little bigger and will use a lower oven temp.

Side note – I sauteed the onions for a few minutes before adding and didn’t have mint so used cilantro in place of that. Great texture and flavor.

0
Reply
Angela
Angela
Posted: 11 years ago

this looks delicious! so delicious that I included one of your pictures in my latest post. it’s a lamb spareribs recipe that I created. I gave you full credit and linked it back to this page! here’s the link – http://wp.me/p1cn3Q-q4

0
Reply
2peas
2peas
Posted: 11 years ago

great post! baked vs. pan-fried is the way to go.

0
Reply
Helen P
Helen P
Posted: 11 years ago

5 stars
I made these meatballs yesterday and I have to thank you. They were every bit as delicious as you said they were. And I just love the fact that they are baked.

0
Reply
Flyer Printing
Flyer Printing
Posted: 11 years ago

I tripled the recipe for my birthday party. I made some changes, I made a sauce for it which I bought from the grocery and this made the recipe more amazing.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Flyer Printing
Posted: 11 years ago

Wonderful. Happy Birthday!

0
Reply

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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