Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma is a game-changer—deeply flavorful, irresistibly tender, and perfectly crisp in all the right places. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, thanks to a rich blend of warm spices and a yogurt-based marinade that infuses the chicken with bold Middle Eastern flavors.
The magic happens in the air fryer, where the marinated chicken transforms into juicy, spice-kissed perfection with beautifully crisp edges. Serve it wrapped in soft flatbreads with a cooling yogurt sauce, zesty zhoug, and fresh toppings for an unforgettable homemade shawarma experience that rivals any takeout.
Versatile and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether wrapped in pita, paired with a fresh salad, or enjoyed with crispy fries, every bite bursts with irresistible flavor. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a household favorite!
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor
Chicken Thighs – The heart of this dish, offering rich, juicy texture and deep flavor, perfect for absorbing the bold spices and marinade.
Natural Yogurt – A creamy base that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a subtle tang, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Garlic & Ginger – A dynamic duo that brings warmth and depth, enhancing the marinade with their aromatic intensity and subtle heat.
Olive Oil – Elevates the marinade with a silky texture while helping the spices cling to the chicken, ensuring an even, flavorful coating.
Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish with a citrusy zing, cutting through the richness and balancing the earthy spices with a refreshing lift.
Shawarma Spice Blend – A fragrant medley of paprika, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, delivering the signature warmth and complexity of traditional shawarma.
Greek Yogurt & Tahini – The base of the creamy yogurt sauce, adding a cooling contrast to the bold spices with nutty undertones and a velvety finish.
Zhoug Sauce – A vibrant green blend of fresh cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, and olive oil, bringing a fiery, herbaceous punch to every bite.
Flatbreads & Fresh Toppings – Pillowy warm bread, crisp lettuce, tangy pickled onions, and juicy tomatoes create the perfect vessel for wrapping up all the irresistible flavors.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma: Tips, Serving Ideas, and FAQs
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the rich, aromatic spices of the Middle East to your kitchen. With a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors, this recipe is a great way to enjoy restaurant-quality shawarma at home. Below, you’ll find expert tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions to help you perfect this dish.
Recipe Tips
1. Maximize the Marinade Time
For the most flavorful and tender chicken, marinate it for at least 12 hours or overnight. The yogurt in the marinade works as a natural tenderizer, helping break down the proteins and infusing the meat with deep, rich spices. If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 3 hours, but the longer, the better.
2. Layer for Extra Juiciness
To achieve that classic shawarma-style texture, layer the marinated chicken tightly in a deep dish before cooking. Pressing the pieces together helps retain moisture, mimicking the juicy, slow-roasted effect of traditional vertical spit roasting. After the initial air frying, slicing the chicken and crisping it in the air fryer ensures a balance of tenderness and crispy edges.
3. Don’t Skip the Extra Crisping Step
After slicing the cooked chicken, returning it to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes at a higher temperature (190°C/375°F) gives it those irresistibly crispy edges. This final step is crucial for replicating the signature texture of street-style shawarma.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
1. Warm Pita or Flatbreads
Soft, pillowy pita or Lebanese-style flatbreads make the perfect vehicle for your shawarma. Lightly toast or warm them before assembling your wrap for added texture and flavor. If you prefer a low-carb option, serve the chicken over a bed of crisp lettuce.
2. Fresh & Tangy Pickled Vegetables
Pickled onions, turnips, or cucumbers add a zesty, slightly sweet contrast to the rich, spiced chicken. Their crunchiness enhances the texture of the dish, making each bite even more satisfying.
3. Creamy Sauces & Dips
A drizzle of yogurt-tahini sauce or a spoonful of zhoug adds a cooling or spicy kick. Pairing with hummus or baba ganoush makes for a well-rounded, authentic Middle Eastern meal. Serve alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster. Reduce cooking time slightly and marinate longer for better results.
2. Can I Cook This Without an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to achieve a slightly crispy texture.
3. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftover shawarma in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
4. Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Swap the yogurt in the marinade for coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. You can also omit tahini from the sauce and use a simple garlic-lemon dressing instead.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to make the best homemade Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Enjoy a flavorful, easy-to-prepare meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 1 kg 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- Marinade
- 250 g 1 cup natural yogurt
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- Fresh ginger minced (optional, small piece)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- Yogurt Sauce
- 240 g 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp tahini stir before use
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- Zhoug
- 80 ml ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice adjust to taste
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 bunch fresh coriander cilantro
- 1 jalapeño seeds removed
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- To Serve
- Flatbreads Lebanese or pita
- Sliced lettuce
- Pickled onions or pickled turnips
- Sliced tomatoes
- Finely sliced red onion
- Fries
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Add the chicken thighs and toss them to ensure they are fully coated with the mixture. For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Cook the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a deep container and cover tightly with foil, pressing down gently to compress the pieces.
- Air fry, covered, for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 75°C (167°F) on a meat thermometer.
- After cooking, drain any excess liquid and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- For a crispy finish, return the sliced chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 190°C (375°F), allowing the edges to crisp up.
- Prepare the Zhoug and Yogurt Sauce
- To prepare the zhoug, combine all its ingredients in a food processor or blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
- For the yogurt sauce, simply mix together the Greek yogurt, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Layer the sliced chicken on warm flatbreads, topping with yogurt sauce, sliced lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and a generous drizzle of zhoug or hot sauce.
- Alternatively, serve the chicken with a fresh salad, such as Tabbouleh, or pair it with other Middle Eastern favorites like falafel.
