Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Kofta Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing

Enjoy the bold flavours of these Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Koftas, where tender, spiced chicken is shaped and cooked until golden. The Cajun seasoning fills the kitchen with an amazing aroma and brings a rich depth of flavour, making every bite irresistibly savoury.

Served over a fresh romaine salad with crunchy cucumber, sweetcorn, and green onions, this dish is light yet hearty. A Creamy Spicy Cajun ranch dressing ties everything together, adding just the right balance of spice and tang for a meal that's as delicious and high in protein.

Calories in Cajun Chicken Kofta Salad

This recipe serves 4 and is 363 calories per serving

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 300+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.

Variations and Substitutes

This recipe is easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether you're looking to switch up the protein, adjust the spice level, or tweak the dressing, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

• Protein Swap - Use ground turkey for a similar lean option or ground beef or pork for a richer flavour
• Cheese Alternative - Swap parmesan for grated cheddar for a slightly milder, meltier result. Or, leave it out if you prefer.
• Lower Carb - Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour
• Spice Level - Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste or swap for smoked paprika and garlic powder for a milder option. Add a pinch of cayenne if you like more heat.
• Dressing Twist - Use all Greek yoghurt instead of mayo for a tangier, higher-protein option. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
• Different Greens - Swap romaine for baby spinach, mixed leaves, or shredded iceberg depending on preference.
• Extra Crunch - Add chopped bell peppers, red onion or radishes for more texture in the salad.
• Sweetcorn Alternative - If you prefer less sweetness, swap sweetcorn for cherry tomatoes or shredded carrot.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

I use a large Ninja Flexbasket Air Fryer (As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.) with two drawers and a removable middle section, making it ideal for cooking larger items like these Cajun chicken koftas. If you're using a smaller single-drawer air fryer, you'll need to cook the koftas in batches to ensure they cook evenly without overcrowding.

If you're using a two-drawer air fryer where the middle section can't be removed, you'll need to cook the koftas in both drawers at once or in separate batches across the drawers to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.

If you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning. For the best results, cook the koftas at 375°F for around 15-18 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as cooking in batches may require slightly less time. If you swap the chicken for a different ground meat, you may need to adjust the cooking time, so be sure to check that they're fully cooked through.

Converting to Oven Cooking

If you prefer to cook these koftas in the oven instead of the air fryer, here's how to adjust. The air fryer cooks at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes. To convert this for the oven:

• Temperature: Subtract 25°F from the air fryer temperature, so you'll want to cook at 350°F in the oven.
• Time: Reduce the cooking time by 20%. For the air fryer, the cooking time is 15-18 minutes, so in the oven, it should take approximately 12-15 minutes.

Keep in mind that ovens can vary, so start checking the koftas at the 12-minute mark to ensure they're fully cooked and golden. The more you experiment with both methods, the easier it will be to find the perfect balance for your oven.

Sides to Serve with Cajun Kofta Salad

For a complete and satisfying meal, pair these Cajun Chicken Koftas with some delicious sides.

• Spicy Potato Wedges or Garlic and Herb Wedges - Crispy wedges seasoned with either a touch of heat or a savoury garlic and herb blend are a perfect complement to the spiced koftas. They add texture and extra flavour without overpowering the dish.
• Lime Coriander Rice - rice with a zesty lime and fresh coriander twist is a vibrant, refreshing side that pairs beautifully with the bold Cajun flavours.
• Herby Garlic Seasoned Rice - rice with a delicate blend of herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley offers a simple yet flavourful side that pairs wonderfully with the koftas.
• Coriander Red Pepper Rice - For an extra burst of flavour, try rice infused with fresh coriander and red pepper, adding a colourful and zesty touch that enhances the meal.
• Low-Calorie Flatbread - For a lighter yet filling option, serve the koftas in a soft low-calorie flatbread with the salad and creamy Cajun ranch dressing for a wrap-style meal that's just as delicious and satisfying.

Each of these options adds a tasty twist, making the dish versatile for any occasion while keeping it balanced and high in protein.

More Ground Chicken or Turkey Recipes

Love a recipe using ground chicken or turkey? Check out these other low calorie recipes on Slimming Eats:

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