Air Fryer Doner Kebab: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

If you're craving a doner kebab but want to skip the takeaway, you can make this popular dish at home using an air fryer. This healthier alternative to deep-fried kebabs is not only delicious but also convenient and versatile. You can use lamb or beef mince, or a combination of both, and add herbs, spices, onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs to create a mouthwatering treat. By cooking the kebab in an air fryer, you'll reduce the calories significantly compared to deep frying, making it perfect for those watching their calorie intake. So, get your aprons on and let's get started on making this fakeaway favourite!

Choosing the right meat

Select the Right Cut of Meat

Doner kebabs are typically made with minced meat, which can be either lamb or beef. You can also use a combination of both for a unique flavour profile. When choosing your meat, opt for ground lamb or beef with a higher fat content. This will help keep the kebab moist and juicy during the air-frying process. Look for minced meat with a fat percentage of around 15-20% for the best results.

Quality Matters

When it comes to meat, quality makes a difference. Try to source your meat from a local butcher or a trusted supermarket. Look for meat that is fresh, with a bright red colour and a pleasant, meaty aroma. Avoid meat that has an off-putting smell or discolouration, as this may indicate that it is not fresh.

Quantity Counts

Doner kebabs are typically served as a generous portion, so it's essential to have enough meat to satisfy your hunger. As a guide, aim for around 250-500g of meat per person. This will ensure you have enough for a satisfying meal, with perhaps even some leftovers for later.

Preparation is Key

Before cooking your doner kebab in the air fryer, prepare the meat properly. Mix the minced meat with herbs, spices, and other ingredients like onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs. This step will enhance the flavour and bind the meat together. You can use a food processor or mix by hand to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Customise to Your Taste

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of meat and seasonings to find your perfect combination. For example, if you prefer a spicier kebab, add more chilli or paprika to the meat mixture. You can also try using different combinations of herbs to find your favourite flavour profile.

Remember, choosing the right meat is just the first step in creating delicious doner kebabs in your air fryer. Follow a trusted recipe for cooking instructions and serving suggestions to ensure your kebabs turn out perfectly.

Preparing the meat

The first step in making a doner kebab in an air fryer is preparing the meat mixture. The base of the kebab is typically made with minced meat, either lamb, beef, or a combination of both. You will need around 250-500 grams of meat, or up to 900 grams depending on the number of servings you desire.

In addition to the meat, you will need various seasonings and ingredients to add flavour and bind the meat together. Here is a list of common ingredients used:

• Onion (grated or finely chopped)
• Garlic (powder, jarred, or fresh)
• Spices (such as coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, oregano, mixed herbs)
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Parsley (fresh or dried)

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to mix them together. You can do this by hand in a large bowl or use a food processor. Combine all the ingredients until they are well incorporated and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

After mixing, let the meat mixture sit for a bit. Some recipes suggest letting it rest for about an hour to allow the flavours to meld together.

The next step is to shape the meat mixture into a cylinder or loaf. You can do this by placing the mixture on a sheet of foil and moulding it with your hands. The desired shape is similar to a thick sausage or meatloaf. Make sure to wrap the foil tightly around the meat, twisting the ends to secure it and help it hold its shape.

Now, you are ready to cook the kebab in the air fryer! Place the wrapped meat in the air fryer basket and follow the specific temperature and timing instructions provided in your chosen recipe.

Cooking the kebab

Now that you have your ingredients and your air fryer ready, it's time to cook your kebab!

First, mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Make sure to combine them well, either by hand or with a food processor, until the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Next, shape the mixture into a loaf or cylinder (some people compare it to an elephant leg) and wrap it tightly in foil. This will help the kebab hold its shape while cooking.

Place the wrapped kebab in the air fryer basket and cook at a lower temperature (around 160-180 degrees Celsius) for about 25-30 minutes. Then, open the foil to expose the meat and continue cooking at a higher temperature (around 180-200 degrees Celsius) for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy to your liking.

Once the kebab is cooked, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. The longer you let it cool, the easier it will be to get thin slices.

Finally, carve the kebab into thin slices and serve with your choice of sides and sauces. Enjoy your homemade doner kebab!

Making the sauces

There are a few different sauces that you can make to accompany your homemade doner kebab. One option is a kebab shop-style yoghurt garlic sauce. To make this, simply blend yoghurt, garlic, and lemon juice. You can also make a chilli sauce by combining chillies, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. If you're looking for something more traditional, aioli is a common sauce served with doner kebabs. You can also make a garlic yoghurt sauce by mixing Greek yoghurt, garlic, and parsley.

Serving suggestions

Salads and Sides

A doner kebab can be served with a fresh salad, including lettuce or cabbage (red or white), onion, tomatoes, and cucumber. You can also add some garlic yoghurt or aioli as a sauce or dip. Some other sides include chilli sauce, garlic sauce, and tahini.

Breads

Warm pitta bread or wraps (such as Lebanese flatbread or garlic-flavoured wraps) are great for making a kebab sandwich.

Meat

The meat should be sliced as thinly as possible and can be served warm or allowed to cool for better slicing. The longer it is left to cool, the better it slices.

Frequently asked questions