Name: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma (Wraps Or Platter)
Prep time: 24 h
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 24 h 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 lbs of Skinless and boneless chicken thighs; 2 Roma Tomatoes; 1 Large yellow onion; 1 Cup of Plain greek yogurt; ½ Cup of Extra virgin olive oil; 1 Juice of one lemon (¼ cup of bottled lemon juice); 1 Tablespoon of Tomato paste; 1 Tablespoon of Minced garlic (or 4 cloves); 1 Tablespoon of Turmeric; 1 Tablespoon of Cumin; 1 Tablespoon of Red pepper flakes; 1 Teaspoon of Sweet paprika; 1 Teaspoon of Onion powder; 1 Teaspoon of Garlic powder; ½ Teaspoon of Ground nutmeg; ½ Teaspoon of Ground cloves; ½ Teaspoon of Ground cinnamon; 2 Tablespoons of Sugar; ½ Tablespoon of Sea salt; ½ Teaspoon of Ground black pepper

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Welcome to the flavorful world of Easy Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma! This Middle Eastern delight has captured food enthusiasts’ hearts worldwide. Traditionally, preparing shawarma involves stacking layers of meat on a rotisserie and slow-roasting it for hours. But now, thanks to the convenience of the air fryer, you can recreate the same mouthwatering dish right in the comfort of your own home. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets to crafting this delightful and aromatic Chicken Shawarma. Your culinary journey starts here!

Air fryer chicken shawarma wrapped in Naan bread. Served with fresh vegetables and lemon wedges. To complete your mean, I have added a side of hummus, Baba ganoush and pita chips.

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Let’s continue with our Mediterranean culinary adventure! From Sous Vide Pork tenderloin Souvlaki to flavorful yellow rice, Air Fryer Shish Tawook, and juicy Kofta Kebabs, we’ve explored a range of delicious dishes in the last couple of weeks. But our journey doesn’t stop there. Get ready to explore with me, and today we will make this super easy Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe together.

Picture succulent marinated chicken, perfectly seasoned with Middle Eastern spices, cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer. This dish is super versatile, and you can choose to wrap your chicken in a Naan or homemade Pita bread and spread it with delicious Toum Sauce (Lebanese garlic sauce) or serve it as a tantalizing rice platter with Hummus and Baba Ganoush. This aromatic dish will transport you on a delightful Middle Eastern journey.

Let’s uncover the authentic flavors of Shawarma together!

Air fryer chicken shawarma wrapped in Naan bread. Served with fresh vegetables, lemon wedges, hummus, and Baba ganoush.

Recipe Snapshot

EASE: No special skills needed. All you need is to marinade the chicken overnight and air fry them to perfection.
PROS: It’s very versatile; you can serve it as a wrap on the go or a nice rice platter dinner. Make your meal prep process easy and fun.
CONS: You need patience and planning; this is not a meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN? I made this dish twice this week, and that is not including recipe testing. My family just loved it.

Why do I think you’ll love this recipe?

Serving this air fryer chicken shawarma as a rice platter. Placed sliced chicken on a bed of yellow rice. Served with a side of hummus and baba ganoush. Added some healthy fresh vegetable on a side.

Time saving and convenience:

You do not need to slave in the kitchen and monitor the chicken for hours. With the help of an air fryer, this chicken shawarma can be done in under 45 minutes. The air fryer ensures even cooking, charred and flavorful exteriors, and tender interiors, all achieved with minimal effort and oil usage.

Flavorful and Authentic:

The recipe combines a blend of Middle Eastern spices, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and a well-marinated chicken, resulting in a dish bursting with authentic flavors. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of aromatic spices, succulent meat, and enticing seasoning, transporting your taste buds to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Versatility and Customization:

There are no straight rules on how you prefer to serve your chicken shawarma. You can wrap it in a pita or Naan bread. Or serving it as a platter with aromatic yellow rice and fresh vegetables. Additionally, you can customize the toppings and sauces to suit your taste preferences, allowing you to create a personalized shawarma experience that satisfies your cravings.

What is a Shawarma?

A cooked shawarma skewers on a baking tray.

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish. It mainly served as a convenient, fast food.
It consists of marinated meat, such as lamb, chicken, or beef.
The meat is stacked on a vertical spit and slowly roasted for hours.
The rotating cooking method ensures tender and flavorful meat.
Once cooked, the meat is shaved off the spit with a knife or electric shaver.
Shawarma can be served on a plate with accompaniments or in a sandwich or wrap style, including various vegetables and condiments.
Pair it with toppings and dressings like tahini, hummus, Baba Ganoush, Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum), and pickled turnips to enhance the flavors.
Similar dishes can be found in other regions, such as Turkish döner kebabs and Greek gyros.

What does Shawarma taste like?

Slicing cooked chicken shawarma off of the skewers.

Shawarma offers various protein options, including traditional chicken, beef, and lamb. While various recipes exist, my version features a tantalizing blend of garlic, cumin, turmeric, paprika, yogurt, lemon, and olive oil, among other ingredients. This carefully crafted combination creates a flavorful and savory profile with delightful hints of warmth, earthiness, and aromatic spices. The result is a mouthwatering culinary experience that captures the essence of authentic shawarma.

How do restaurants typically cook Shawarma?

At restaurant, a chef is slicing some cooked shawarma off of the rotisserie.

Shawarma is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie or spit, where layers of marinated meat are stacked and slow-cooked as they rotate. An onion, a tomato, or a halved lemon is sometimes placed at the top for decoration.
The vertical rotation allows the meat to cook evenly and develop a tender texture while retaining its juices and flavors.
This cooking method allows the meat to baste in its juices and any added fats, resulting in a succulent and flavorful end product.
The rotating spit is typically positioned in front of a heat source, such as an open flame or electric heating element, to cook the meat gradually over an extended period.
The slow and steady rotation ensures that the meat is cooked thoroughly while creating a crispy and charred exterior that adds to the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Why should you make this recipe with an air fryer?

A air fryer basket with cooked chicken shawarma.

Even and Efficient Cooking:

The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, ensuring even cooking on all sides. This eliminates the need for constant flipping or monitoring, resulting in a consistently cooked and juicy chicken shawarma.

Time-Saving:

The air fryer cooks chicken shawarma faster than other cooking methods, such as baking or roasting. It preheats quickly and requires less cooking time, making it a convenient option for those who want to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending excessive time in the kitchen.

Easy Cleanup:

Air fryers are known for their easy cleanup process. The removable trays and baskets are usually dishwasher safe, making it hassle-free to clean up after cooking your chicken shawarma.

Is chicken Shawarma the same as Gyro?

Shawarma is an Arabic rendering of Turkish çevirme ‘turning,’ in reference to the rotisserie-cooked nature of the meat, which “turns” around an axis. Similar naming conventions apply to the Turkish döner and the Greek gyro, both of which reference the turning action of the associated cooking mechanism. Both dishes are served with sliced meat and then wrapped with various toppings and fresh vegetables in a Naan or Pita bread.

However, there are some notable differences between the two; let’s explore their difference below:

Chicken Shawarma:

It originates from the Middle East and is popular in Arabic cuisine.
Typically uses marinated chicken (though other meats can be used).
It is commonly seasoned with Middle Eastern spices like cumin, turmeric, paprika, and garlic.
It was often served with accompaniments like tabbouleh, hummus, Baba ganoush, tahini, Toum sauce, Pita bread, and pickled vegetables.
The traditional cooking method involves a vertical rotisserie or spit.

Gyro:

Originates from Greece and is a staple of Greek cuisine.
Traditionally, it combines ground lamb and beef, but other meats like chicken or pork can also be used.
It is seasoned with Greek herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, garlic, and onion.
Often served on Pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce.
The traditional cooking method involves a horizontal rotisserie or spit.

Ingredients that you’ll need to make this recipe:

After thorough research and numerous testing, and fine-tuning this recipe at home, I have finally perfected the combination of ingredients of spices. Unlike baking, where precision is crucial, this recipe allows flexibility in adjusting the seasoning and spices to suit your taste preferences. Therefore, I encourage you to test this recipe at home and adjust these seasonings to your liking.

Ingredients to make air fryer chicken shawarma.

Main ingredients:

Boneless skinless chicken thighs – I opt for this dark meat because of its juiciness and tenderness. It ensures a succulent and not too-dry shawarma.
Roma Tomatoes: Add a slight tanginess and a touch of sweetness to the shawarma. They contribute to the overall flavor profile and help balance the meat’s and spices’ richness.
Yellow onion: Add a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the shawarma. They complement the spices and herbs, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Marinade ingredients:

Greek yogurt – is a tenderizing agent, moistening the chicken and imparting a tangy note to the marinade.
Extra virgin olive oil – Helps bind the marinade ingredients together, enhances the richness, and helps coat the chicken.
Juice of a lemon – Adds tanginess and brightness to the marinade, balancing the flavors of the spices.
Tomato paste: Provides a rich and savory base, enhancing the depth of flavor in the marinade.
Minced garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic note, infusing the chicken with savory goodness.
Turmeric: Imparts a vibrant yellow color and earthy flavor to the marinade, adding depth to the chicken.
Cumin: Brings warm and nutty undertones to the marinade, complementing the other spices and creating an authentic shawarma taste.
Red pepper flakes: Offers a touch of heat, adding a subtle kick to the dish.
Sweet paprika: Provides a mild and sweet smokiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Onion powder: Adds savory notes and contributes to the well-rounded flavor of the marinade.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor in the marinade, ensuring a well-balanced taste.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a warm and slightly sweet aroma, elevating the complexity of the marinade.
Ground cloves: Offers a unique spiciness and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall seasoning.
Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm and aromatic touch, adding a hint of sweetness and complexity.
Sugar: Balances the flavors, enhancing the chicken’s and spices’ natural sweetness.
Sea salt: Enhances the overall seasoning and flavor of the chicken shawarma.
Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spiciness and complements the other spices in the marinade.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

A plate of chicken shawarma rice platter.

Meat Substitutions:

Instead of chicken thighs, you can use boneless chicken breast for a different flavor and texture experience.

Marinade Variations:

Experiment with different spice blends and herbs to customize the marinade. For example, you can add smoked paprika, Za’atar, Sumac, or ground coriander to create unique flavor profiles.

Toppings and Sauces:

Explore a variety of toppings and sauces to enhance your shawarma. Add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled onions, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Also, add some condiments such as tahini sauce, Tzatziki, Hummus, Baba ganoush, or garlic sauce (Toum) over the finished dish.

Wrapping Options:

While Pita bread is commonly used, feel free to experiment with different types of wraps or flatbreads. Try using naan bread, lavash, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Rice bowl or platter:

Transform your shawarma into a vibrant bowl or platter by serving it over cooked basmati rice, Mediterranean yellow rice, couscous, or salad greens. Garnish your bowl with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, and dress your salad with tangy Tzatziki sauce.

How to make this marvelous Middle Eastern chicken dish at home?

Let’s dive in to make this restaurant-style dish at home effortlessly. I’ve divided the cooking steps into two sections: prepping and marinating the chicken and ways to cook the chicken in a different style of an air fryer. I hope these detailed instructions make it easy for you to follow along.

Let’s do it!

Section one: Prepping and marinating the chicken:

Step one – Clean and prep the chicken thighs

Begin by removing the chicken thighs from their packaging. Use a knife or scissors to trim excess fat or impurities from the meat. Once trimmed, thoroughly wash the chicken thighs and pat them dry using paper towels. Set aside.

trimming fat and impurities from the chicken thighs with a pair of scissors.

This is what the chicken thigh suppose to look like after cleaning and trimming.

Wash the chicken thighs in water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step two – Prepare yogurt marinade

Combine yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and dry spices in a large bowl. Use a whisk or spatula to mix the ingredients, ensuring they are thoroughly incorporated.

Adding all marinade ingredients into a big bowl.

Use a whisk to mix the ingredients, ensuring they are thoroughly incorporated.

Step three – Marinate the chicken thighs

Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a delicious and tender dish.

Ensuring each piece of chicken thighs are evenly coated.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a delicious and tender dish.

Section Two: Cooking chicken thighs in a different style of air fryer:

I have two different air fryers at home, which has been incredibly helpful during the testing process of this recipe. I tested it in both air fryers because the regular drawer type of air fryer cannot accommodate the skewers.

This way, whether you have one type or the other, you won’t be left wondering how to cook the chicken shawarma. Rest assured, I’ve got you covered with instructions that work for either air fryer option. Let’s dive in and make this delicious dish with confidence!

Toaster oven-style air fryer:

I use the Breville Smart oven air fryer pro from William Sonoma

Step one: Cut the onion and tomatoes

To prepare the onion, remove the top and bottom, and then horizontally slice it into three thick sections. Similarly, slice the Roma tomato into thick slices. When threading them onto the skewers, these steps ensure the desired thickness so they don’t fall apart easily.

Step two: Prep the skewers

Begin by inserting three wooden skewers into a slice of onion. Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto the skewers, stacking 2 to 3 chicken thighs for each layer. Repeat the process, adding another thick slice of onion and some tomatoes, followed by another layer of chicken thighs. Continue this pattern until you have finished stacking the meat and vegetables, creating a delicious and visually appealing skewer.

Slice a big yellow onion into 3 thick sections.

Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto the skewers, stacking 2 to 3 chicken thighs for each layer. Repeat the process, adding another thick slice of onion and some tomatoes, followed by another layer of chicken thighs.

Step three: Air fry the skewers

Preheat your oven-style air fryer to 400F/200C. Once preheated, cook the Shawarma skewers for 50 to 60 minutes, turning them quarterly every 20 minutes for even cooking. To check for doneness, use a cooking thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F/75C. This indicates that your chicken shawarma is cooked thoroughly.

Continue this pattern until you have finished stacking the meat and vegetables, creating a delicious and visually appealing skewer.

Regular drawer-style air fryer:

I use the Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL from William Sonoma

Step one: Cut the onion and tomatoes

For this variation, follow a similar process as the previous style. Begin by cutting your onion and tomatoes, but this time, slice them a bit thinner since they won’t be threaded onto skewers.

Step two: Prep for air frying

Line the air fryer basket with foil or a silicon air frying liner for easy cleaning. Arrange a single layer of marinated chicken thighs in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd for even airflow. Add a layer of onions and tomatoes to enhance the flavor penetration. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking throughout.

Arrange a single layer of marinated chicken thighs in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd for even airflow.

Add a layer of onions and tomatoes to enhance the flavor penetration.

Step three: Air frying the chicken thighs.

Once prepared, close the air frying basket and set the temperature to 400F/200C. Cook for a total of 40 minutes; for even cooking, remember to flip the chicken after 20 minutes. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F/75C. This will ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into strips for serving.

How to assemble the Chicken Shawarma warps?

The delicious chicken shawarma wraps make a convenient and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch, dinner, or on-the-go. Here is how I assemble mine at home:

Start with a warm, soft flatbread like Naan, pita bread, or lavash.
Spread some Lebanese garlic sauce in the middle (This is optional, but this is the secret to flavorful restaurant-style shawarma wraps.)
Place a generous amount of sliced chicken shawarma in the center of the flatbread.
Drizzle your preferred sauces or condiments, such as Baba ganoush, Hummus, or Tzatziki sauce, over the chicken.
Add your choice of toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce, spreading them evenly over the chicken.
Fold the sides of the flatbread towards the center, then roll it tightly from one end to the other, enclosing the fillings.
Secure the wrap with parchment paper or aluminum foil to keep it intact if desired. This is perfect if you are eating it on the go.
Repeat the process to assemble additional wraps.

Start with a warm, soft flatbread like Naan, pita bread, or lavash. Spread some Middle Eastern garlic sauce in the middle .

Place a generous amount of sliced chicken shawarma in the center of the flatbread.

Drizzle your preferred sauces or condiments, such as baba ganoush, hummus, or Tzatziki sauce, over the chicken.

Add your choice of toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce, spreading them evenly over the chicken.

How to plate the chicken Shawarma platter like the restaurant?

Start with a large serving platter or plate.
Place a bed of steamed basmati rice, Mediterranean yellow rice, or couscous under a generous portion of cooked sliced chicken shawarma. Place these ingredients in the center of the platter, arranging them in an appealing and organized manner.
Surround the chicken with colorful and fresh vegetables such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce. You can also add in some grilled zucchini or eggplants.
Add small bowls or ramekins filled with condiments like Baba ganoush, Hummus, or garlic Toum sauce for guests to customize their flavors.
For a touch of elegance, garnish the platter with lemon wedges or pickled turnips for a tangy flavor.
Consider serving warm pita bread or naan bread on the side for guests to dip with various condiments or wrap with rice and chicken.

Tips and tricks for this recipe:

Don’t be intimated by all these spices:

I can imagine your reaction as you glance at the extensive list of seasonings and spices used in this recipe. But fear not! Chances are, you already have most of these in your spice rack. Feel free to get creative, adjust the quantities to your preference, and personalize the flavors to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

What is the best way to serve?

Provide a selection of condiments:

By providing the following condiment choices, you allow your dinner guests to customize their servings to their liking, taking their dining experience with your air fryer chicken shawarma to the next level.

Air Fryer Baba Ganoush

Homemade creamy Hummus

Lebanese Garlic Sauce(Toum)

A stack of pita bread on a cutting board.

Air Fryer Pita Bread

Here are more delicious Mediterranean recipes you should try:

Enjoying air fryer kofta kebabs for dinner. Pairing with orzo pasta salad, pita bread, hummus, and baba ganoush.

Air Fryer Kofta Kebabs (Beef and Lamb)

When Air Fryer Shish Tawook are done cooking, you can enjoy it with Hummus, baba Ganoush, and Pita Bread.

Air Fryer Shish Tawook (Chicken Kebabs)

Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin Souvlaki

Leftover storage Tips:

Refrigeration:

Place any leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic to maintain freshness. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat the chicken shawarma in the microwave, oven, or stovetop. Add a little moisture, such as a splash of water, to prevent drying out.

Freezing:

For added convenience, you can pre-marinate the chicken thighs and freeze them for later use. Thaw the marinated chicken and follow the exact cooking instructions when making chicken shawarma.

FAQs about Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma:

No air fryer? No problem! You can achieve the same delectable results without an air fryer and enjoy this delicious chicken shawarma using a traditional oven. Simply bake the chicken at 400F/200C for 35 to 40 minutes. For an extra golden charred appearance, switch to the broiling setting and broil the chicken for 5 to 8 minutes or until it turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Absolutely! While this recipe often prefers dark meat, you can still achieve excellent results with chicken breast. To maximize tenderness and juiciness, I recommend using a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken breast before marinating. Tenderizing the chicken breast enhances its texture and allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively. Additionally, pounding the breast slightly thins it out, facilitating quicker marination.

To determine if the chicken thighs are fully cooked, you can use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh. The chicken thighs are considered fully cooked and safe to consume when the thermometer registers at least 165°F (75°C). This temperature ensures the chicken is cooked through, tender, and free from harmful bacteria. Additionally, the chicken should have a firm texture and no traces of pink in the center.

In Conclusion

This Easy Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East right to your home. With the convenience of an air fryer, you can enjoy tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned chicken shawarma in no time. Whether you wrap it in pita bread or create a tantalizing rice platter, you can create your personalized restaurant-style shawarma experience.

Go ahead and give this recipe a try and let the enticing aromas fill your kitchen tonight. Have fun cooking.

Did you make this recipe?

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2 Comments

Erlene says:

July 22, 2023 at 1:53 pm

Looks delicious. My family has been getting into Middle Eastern and Indian dishes, so this looks like something we would enjoy.

1. Janice Lalonde says:
  
  July 24, 2023 at 11:39 am
  
  Hello Erlene, thank you for your comment. It is really delicious. Let me know if you make it for your family. Love to know your feedback on this recipe.