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Air Fryer Doner Kebab Hack
This is a clever twist on making a doner kebab at home. Take your time with the rolling, as that’s the key to getting it just right – the end result is well worth the effort.
SERVES
6
CALORIES
484
DIFFICULTY
simple
Can you make a doner kebab in the air fryer?
Yes – and it works surprisingly well. Using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to recreate a doner kebab fakeaway at home without the grease you’d get from a takeaway. You still get that crispy edge and juicy middle, just with less oil.
Is an air fryer doner kebab healthier than a takeaway?
Definitely. An air fryer doner kebab fakeaway uses far less oil and usually leaner meat than a takeaway version. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavours of a doner kebab while keeping calories and fat lower.
What meat is best for an air fryer doner kebab?
Lean minced lamb or beef works best, or a mix of both. Using lean mince helps reduce excess fat while still keeping that classic doner kebab flavour everyone loves.
How long does doner kebab take in the air fryer?
Most air fryer doner kebab hacks take around 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness and your air fryer model. Turning halfway helps everything cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
Do you need oil for air fryer doner kebab?
Very little, if any. The air fryer does most of the work, and the meat will release its own fat as it cooks. A light spray is more than enough.
Does air fryer doner kebab taste like a real takeaway?
It’s not identical to a rotating kebab shop spit, but it’s very close. This fakeaway doner kebab delivers those familiar spices, crispy edges and juicy texture — without leaving the house.
What spices are used in doner kebab?
Classic doner kebab seasoning usually includes cumin, paprika, garlic, onion powder and oregano. These are what give doner meat that instantly recognisable takeaway flavour.
Can you make a doner kebab wrap in the air fryer?
Yes. Once the doner meat is cooked, you can warm pittas or wraps in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to make a full fakeaway-style kebab at home.
Is this air fryer doner kebab good for a fakeaway night?
Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for a Friday night fakeaway, giving you all the doner kebab vibes without the takeaway price or guilt.
Can you meal prep air fryer doner kebab?
Yes. The cooked doner meat keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats brilliantly in the air fryer. Ideal for quick lunches or wraps during the week.
What should I serve with air fryer doner kebab?
Classic sides include pitta bread, shredded lettuce, red onion, tomatoes and garlic sauce. You can also serve it with air fryer chips for a proper takeaway-style fakeaway.
Is air fryer doner kebab suitable for weight loss?
When made with lean mince and served with lighter sides, an air fryer doner kebab fakeaway can fit into a balanced diet much better than a traditional takeaway.
Method
Step 1
Add the onion and garlic cloves to a blender and blitz until finely minced. Transfer to a large bowl, add the mince and all of the spices, then mix well until fully combined. Divide the mixture evenly into 6 balls.
Step 2
Place one ball of mince onto a sheet of greaseproof paper (around 60–70cm long). Lay a second sheet of greaseproof paper on top, then bash and roll the mince out until it is very thin and evenly spread.
Step 3
Carefully peel off and set aside the top sheet of greaseproof paper to reuse. Using the bottom sheet, roll the mince up tightly (like a poster).
Step 4
Repeat this process with the remaining mince balls.
Step 5
Place all of the wrapped kebabs into the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C for 17–18 minutes.
Step 6
Once cooked, carefully unwrap the kebabs from the greaseproof paper and serve with flatbreads, garlic sauce and your choice of veg. Enjoy 😊
Ingredients
750g mince
1 small onion, minced
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp chilli flakes
Salt and pepper
Serve with:
1 red onion, chopped
1 beef tomato, chopped
Flatbreads (I used lavash breads)
Handful of coriander, roughly chopped
Drizzle of hot sauce (optional)
For the garlic sauce:
3-4 tbsp mayo
Juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
Coriander finely chopped
