Easy Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe! This modern twist on a Middle Eastern classic brings all the flavors of traditional shawarma to your kitchen with the convenience of an air fryer.
Chicken Shawarma In The Air Fryer
Tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic spices and cooked to perfection, this dish promises to transport you to the bustling streets of the Mediterranean.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve guests, this air fryer chicken shawarma is sure to become a new favourite in your recipe repertoire.
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Ingredients
- 5 Chicken Breasts
Chicken Marinade
- 1 large garlic clove (minced (or 2 small cloves))
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (reduce to 1/2 tsp to make it not spicy)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Yoghurt Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yoghurt
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
To Serve
- 5 Flatbreads (Pitabreads or tortilla wraps)
- Sliced lettuce (Iceberg)
- Tomato slices
- Red onion (finely sliced OR spring onions)
- Cheese (shredded (optional) any type)
- Hot sauce (optional)
How To Make Chicken Shawarma At Home
Marinade Chicken
Combine the marinade ingredients in bowl.
Add the chicken, massage with your hands to make sure each piece is coated.
Marinate 24 hours if possible or a (minimum 3 hours).
Yoghurt Sauce
Combine the Yogurt Sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix. Cover and put in the fridge until required.
Air Fry Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 180℃ and cook for about 20 minutes (depending on the size) turning half way. Check the internal temperature of each one is 74℃ to make sure they are fully cooked.
Serving
Cut the chicken breast into slices.
Scatter the chopped lettuce on top of the flatbreads. Add the onion sliced chicken. Top with tomatoes, grated cheese and dollops of yoghurt sauce and fold.
Serving suggestions
Elevate your shawarma experience by serving it in various delicious ways. Wrap the chicken in warm, fluffy pita bread for a traditional approach, or serve it over a bed of fragrant rice for a heartier meal. For a lighter option, create a vibrant salad bowl with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers, topping it with your air fryer shawarma for a perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Sauce pairings
No shawarma is complete without a complementary sauce to enhance its flavours. Try a cool and creamy tzatziki for a refreshing contrast to the spiced chicken, or drizzle with a zesty garlic sauce for an extra punch. For a nutty twist, a smooth tahini sauce adds richness and depth to every bite. Experiment with these sauces or combine them for a personalised flavour profile.
Meal prep tips
Make the most of your air fryer shawarma by preparing extra for quick and easy meals throughout the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works well for a softer texture.
Customisation options
Tailor this recipe to your taste preferences by adjusting the spice level or incorporating additional ingredients. For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade. To increase the vegetable content, try adding bell peppers or onions to the air fryer basket during the last few minutes of cooking. The versatility of this dish allows for endless personalisation.
Time-saving tips
Streamline your cooking process by marinating the chicken overnight or in the morning before work. This not only saves time but also intensifies the flavors. You can also prepare the accompanying vegetables and sauces in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply air fry the marinated chicken for a quick and delicious meal.
Side dish ideas
Complement your air fryer chicken shawarma with an array of delicious side dishes. A refreshing tabbouleh salad adds a burst of herbs and lemon, while roasted vegetables like courgette/zucchini and aubergine/eggplant provide a savoury accompaniment. For a more indulgent option, serve with crispy air fryer falafel or golden brown potato wedges.
Vegetarian/vegan alternatives
For a plant-based version of this dish, substitute the chicken with seitan, firm tofu, or tempeh. Marinate your chosen protein in the same spice mixture and air fry until crispy. You can also use cauliflower florets for a vegetable-based alternative, creating a delicious and satisfying meat-free shawarma experience.
Wine or beverage pairings
Enhance your shawarma meal with the perfect beverage pairing. A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir complements the spices beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try a refreshing mint lemonade.
Chicken Sharwama
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 Chicken Breasts
Chicken Marinade
- 1 large garlic clove (minced (or 2 small cloves))
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (reduce to 1/2 tsp to make it not spicy)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Yoghurt Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yoghurt
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
To Serve
- 5 Flatbreads (Pitabreads or tortilla wraps)
- Sliced lettuce (Iceberg)
- Tomato slices
- Red onion (finely sliced OR spring onions)
- Cheese (shredded (optional) any type)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Marinade Chicken
- Combine the marinade ingredients in bowl.
- Add the chicken, massage with your hands to make sure each piece is coated.
- Marinate 24 hours if possible or a (minimum 3 hours).
Yoghurt Sauce
- Combine the Yogurt Sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix. Cover and put in the fridge until required.
Air Fry Chicken Breasts
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 180℃ and cook for about 20 minutes (depending on the size) turning half way. Check the internal temperature of each one is 74℃ to make sure they are fully cooked.
Serving
- Cut the chicken breast into slices.
- Scatter the chopped lettuce on top of the flatbreads. Add the onion sliced chicken. Top with tomatoes, grated cheese and dollops of yoghurt sauce and fold.