Donair meat, known as döner kebab in Turkey, originated as a way to cook seasoned lamb or beef on a vertical rotisserie. It became a street‑food staple, offering a portable, protein‑rich meal that families and travelers could enjoy on the go.

In the Aegean region, döner is often made with lamb and seasoned with oregano, while in Central Anatolia beef and a blend of cumin‑paprika is common. Some coastal areas add a touch of tomato‑based pepper paste, similar to the Turkish pepper paste used in this recipe.

Traditionally, thinly sliced döner meat is served on flatbread such as lavash or pita, topped with sliced onions, tomatoes, pickles, and a yogurt‑based garlic sauce called “cacık.” The dish is often accompanied by a side of rice or salad.

Döner kebab is a popular everyday street food, but it also appears at festivals, family gatherings, and late‑night meals after Ramadan evenings, where its hearty flavor satisfies fasting participants.

A fresh shepherd’s salad (çoban salata), roasted eggplant dip (baba ganoush), and a side of Turkish rice pilaf (pilav) complement the rich, spiced meat and keep the meal balanced.

Using an air fryer creates a crisp exterior without the need for a large rotisserie, preserving the juicy interior while reducing cooking time. The addition of harissa paste adds a modern, cross‑cultural heat that brightens the traditional flavor profile.

Common errors include over‑mixing the meat (which makes it tough), spreading the mixture too thick (resulting in soggy meat), and not saving the cooking juices, which are essential for flavor in the final sear.

An air fryer provides rapid, even heat circulation that mimics the high‑heat environment of a rotisserie, allowing home cooks to achieve a similar char and crispness without specialized equipment.

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and even air‑fry the meat a day ahead. Store the cooked meat and saved juices in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator, and assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the pita from getting soggy.

The YouTube channel Young Hummy focuses on quick, modern twists on classic Middle Eastern and Turkish dishes, often using accessible kitchen gadgets like air fryers and providing step‑by‑step visual guides for home cooks.