Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Chicken shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern street food known for its aromatic spices, juicy marinated meat, and vibrant flavors. Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, this dish can now be effortlessly recreated at home with the convenience of an air fryer.

This Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Recipe combines authentic spices with a quick cooking method that ensures perfectly tender and crispy chicken every time.

Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress your guests, this recipe delivers all the deliciousness without the hassle. The air fryer locks in the juiciness while giving the chicken a crispy outer layer reminiscent of traditional shawarma.

Paired with fresh veggies and warm pita bread, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ready to bring the magic of shawarma into your kitchen with minimal effort? Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it your new go-to meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer chicken shawarma recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want big flavor without spending hours preparing or cooking. Here’s why it stands out:

• Quick and Easy: The marinade comes together in minutes, and the air fryer cooks the chicken in under 20 minutes.
• Healthy Cooking Method: Using an air fryer reduces the oil needed, making this a lighter alternative to traditional frying or rotisserie.
• Bursting with Flavor: A blend of spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garlic infuses the chicken with authentic Middle Eastern taste.
• Versatile: Use the cooked chicken in wraps, salads, bowls, or served with rice for a fulfilling meal.
• Minimal Cleanup: No messy grills or ovens—just your air fryer basket!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into thin strips)
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt (acts as a tenderizer)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

• Air fryer (preferably with a basket large enough for chicken strips)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs (for flipping chicken)
• Serving plates or pita wraps

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide, for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
2. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices (cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper). Stir until well blended.
3. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss until all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
5. Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook for 8 minutes.
6. Flip and continue cooking: Using tongs, flip the chicken strips over and cook for another 7-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
7. Check doneness: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes as needed.
8. Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot in warm pita bread with your favorite toppings or as part of a salad bowl.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, marinate your chicken overnight if possible. The longer the chicken soaks in the spices, the more intense and tender it becomes.

• Use chicken breast: If you prefer leaner meat, substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast strips. Reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying out.
• Make it spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the marinade for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for firm tofu or seitan marinated in the same spice mix and air fry until crispy.
• Serving sauces: Complement your shawarma with garlic sauce, tahini, or a tangy yogurt cucumber sauce for authentic taste.
• Meal prep: This chicken works wonderfully as a meal prep protein—store in airtight containers and enjoy throughout the week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Chicken shawarma is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some delicious ways to serve your air fryer chicken shawarma:

• Classic Shawarma Wrap: Stuff the chicken into warm pita bread with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, red onion, and a drizzle of garlic sauce or tzatziki.
• Shawarma Salad Bowl: Serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers. Top with a lemon-tahini dressing.
• With Rice: Pair with fragrant basmati rice or a pilaf for a hearty meal.
• Flatbreads and Dips: Serve alongside hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh for a Middle Eastern feast.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with minimal effort and fuss. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve that perfect balance of tender, juicy meat with a crisp exterior, reminiscent of traditional shawarma but without the need for a rotisserie or grill.

Its quick preparation and cooking time make it ideal for busy weeknights, while its versatility means you can enjoy it in wraps, salads, or alongside rice and dips.

Whether you’re new to shawarma or a longtime fan, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes, be sure to check out our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Happy cooking!

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