Get that bold, Middle Eastern flavor with a quick-cooking twist with this Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe, which is easy to make gluten-free too!
Chicken Shawarma is traditionally made by slow-cooking the chicken on a spit, this recipe is a quick-cooking alternative when you are looking for those bold flavors without much time to spare. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma is a great alternative to the slow-cooked version.
This chicken recipe is full of spices that pack a lot of great flavor without a lot of effort!
What ingredients do you need for Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma?
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Sour Cream
- Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Paprika
- Ground Black Pepper
- Tumeric
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Chili Powder
Other ingredients for serving could be bell peppers, onions, flatbread, or lettuce for salad.
Tips for Making Chicken Shawarma in the Air Fryer:
The air fryer makes this a quick alternative to the slow-cooked version and is ready to eat in about 20 minutes or less.
The best way to get tender, juicy chicken is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, make sure there is room around the chicken so that the air can evenly circulate to properly cook the chicken.
It is imperative to let the chicken rest before cooking, this way the spices soak into the chicken thighs. It’s best to let the chicken sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they come out tender and juicy. Chicken breast can also be used but will not yield the same texture.
This recipe is perfect served with Shawarma Sauce, Tahini Sauce, or your favorite sauces. It can easily be topped over a salad or served in a warm flatbread.
How do you store leftovers?
Once fully cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, heat the chicken in the air fryer at 330 degrees F for 3-4 minutes. It can be coated with olive oil spray to revive the texture.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma is a delicious versatile dish perfect for busy weeknights or even for your next meal prep! This tender, delicious chicken is a wonderful way to make dinner in minutes.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (Cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 Tsp Tumeric
- 1/4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 Tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 Tsp Cloves
- 1/8 Tsp Chili Powder
Serving Ideas
- Flatbread
- Red Bell Pepper, Sliced
- Onion, Sliced
Instructions
- Add the chicken to a large mixing bowl, along with the olive oil and lemon juice. Mix to coat the chicken.
- Add the sour cream and mix well so all chicken pieces are coated with the sour cream. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and chili powder. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken. Gently mix to coat the chicken.
- Place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in one layer, spreading it evenly. Do not overcrowd the air fryer.
- Air fry at 380°F for 5 minutes, flip, and air fry for an additional 4-6 minutes or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Carefully serve in flatbread or over salad.
Notes
Nutrition
Kristy says
This is a tasty way to make a quick meal!