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Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Learn how to make authentic-tasting chicken shawarma in your air fryer! This easy recipe delivers juicy, perfectly spiced meat ready in under 30 minutes of cooking time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the marinade

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1,5 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For serving

  • Pita bread or flatbread
  • Tahini sauce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Sliced red onions
  • Fresh parsley
  • Pickled turnips (optional)
  • Hummus (optional)

For tahini sauce

  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Pinch of cumin

Instructions
 

  • Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
  • Slice chicken thighs into 1-inch strips and add to the marinade. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
  • Place marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Don't overcrowd.
  • Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • While chicken cooks, warm the pita bread and prepare your toppings.
  • Serve the chicken in warm pita bread with your choice of toppings.

Notes

🔹For best results, don't skip the marinating time.
🔹If cooking in batches, keep cooked chicken warm in a low-temperature oven.
🔹Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keyword air fryer chicken shawarma