Viral Doner Kebab Recipe in 20 Minutes in the Air Fryer! So Juicy + Crispy

Ingredients

• 400 g Ground Beef (80% lean)
• 1 tsp Salt (for meat seasoning)
• ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper (adds heat)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp Plain Yogurt (for meat mixture, adds moisture)
• 1 pc Onion (small, finely diced)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for mixing and brushing)
• 15 g Butter (melted, for brushing the meat)
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed, for meat brush)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 1 pc Red Onion (sliced for garnish)
• 1 pc Cucumber (peeled, diced, excess liquid squeezed out)
• 2 tbsp Plain Yogurt (for sauce)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sauce)
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice (for sauce, fresh)
• 1 bunch Fresh Dill (chopped)
• 1 tsp Salt (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Season the Ground Beef

   In a mixing bowl combine ground beef, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1 tbsp yogurt, and the finely diced onion. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the spices are evenly distributed.

   Time: PT5M

2. Form and Wrap the Meat Log

   Lay two sheets of parchment paper on a clean surface, place the seasoned meat between them, and roll it into a tight log using the parchment to help keep the shape. Remove the top sheet of parchment, then slice the log in half lengthwise to create two thinner rolls.

   Time: PT5M

3. Preheat Air Fryer and Prepare the Brush

   Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Meanwhile, melt 15 g butter, combine with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: 180°C

4. Air‑Fry the Beef Rolls

   Brush the exposed side of each meat roll with the melted butter mixture. Place the rolls in the air fryer basket, skin side up, and cook for 6 minutes at 180°C, or until the exterior is lightly browned and the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F).

   Time: PT6M

   Temperature: 180°C

5. Prepare the Cucumber Yogurt Dill Sauce

   While the meat cooks, combine 2 tbsp yogurt, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, and 1 tsp salt in a small bowl. Stir in the diced cucumber that has been squeezed to remove excess liquid.

   Time: PT5M

6. Roast Cherry Tomatoes and Red Onion

   Toss halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Spread on a parchment‑lined tray and roast in the air fryer (or oven) at 180°C for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 180°C

7. Slice, Plate, and Serve

   Remove the beef rolls from the air fryer and let rest 2 minutes. Slice each roll into 1‑inch thick rounds. Arrange the meat slices on a serving plate, drizzle with the cucumber yogurt dill sauce, and scatter the roasted cherry tomatoes and red onion around. Garnish with extra dill if desired.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

10 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

2 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
• Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
• Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Chili powder, Paprika
• Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
• Instead of Onion Powder: Granulated onion
• Instead of Ground Cumin: Ground coriander
• Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika, Chipotle powder
• Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use 2 cloves)
• Instead of Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt, Sour cream
• Instead of Onion: Shallot
• Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil
• Instead of Butter: Olive oil
• Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
• Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes
• Instead of Red Onion: White onion
• Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini
• Instead of Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt, Sour cream
• Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
• Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil
• Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
• Instead of Fresh Dill: Parsley
• Instead of Salt: Sea salt

Equipment Needed

• Air Fryer
• Parchment Paper
• Mixing Bowl
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Spoons
• Small Brush
• Small Bowl
• Plate for Serving

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Mix the ground beef thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
• Roll the meat tightly between parchment to maintain shape during cooking.
• Brush the meat with melted butter mixture for flavor and browning.
• Squeeze excess liquid from the cucumber to avoid a watery sauce.
• Cook the meat to an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F).

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use parchment paper to keep the meat roll from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• A quick splash of lemon juice in the butter brush adds a subtle zing and helps the surface brown evenly.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of liquid smoke to the butter mixture.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Form and wrap the meat rolls a few hours ahead; keep covered in the fridge.
• The cucumber yogurt dill sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions