Description
Prepare to elevate your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Easy Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. This Middle Eastern delight, marinated to perfection and cooked in the air fryer, delivers tender and juicy chicken infused with aromatic spices. Whether you opt for a wrap or a delectable rice platter, this versatile dish guarantees a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that brings the authentic flavors of shawarma straight to your home.
Ingredients
3 lbs of Skinless and boneless chicken thighs
2 Roma Tomatoes
1 Large yellow onion
1 Cup of Plain greek yogurt
1/2 Cup of Extra virgin olive oil
1 Juice of one lemon (1/4 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
1/2 Teaspoon of Ground nutmeg
1/2 Teaspoon of Ground cloves
1/2 Teaspoon of Ground cinnamon
2 Tablespoons of Sugar
1/2 Tablespoon of Sea salt
1/2 Teaspoon of Ground black pepper
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
Cooking the chicken thighs in a different air fryer:
Toaster oven-style air fryer:
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.
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.
Regular drawer-style air fryer:
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.
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 slice off chicken slices directly from the skewer and serve.
Assembling the dish:
Shawarma Wrap: Start with a warm flatbread and spread Middle Eastern garlic sauce for an authentic touch. Layer sliced chicken shawarma, drizzle with your favorite sauces and add fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce. Roll it tightly and wrap it in foil for a quick meal on the go.
Shawarma platter or bowl: Create a stunning chicken shawarma platter by placing cooked sliced chicken shawarma on a bed of steamed basmati rice or couscous. Surround the chicken with fresh sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce. Add condiments such as Baba ganoush, hummus, or garlic sauce for customizable flavors. Serve with warm pita bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Notes
Marinating time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Even seasoning: Ensure the chicken thighs are evenly coated with the marinade by using your hands or tongs to massage it into the meat.
Skewer alternative: If you don’t have skewers, you can still achieve delicious results by cooking the chicken directly in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet.
Proper spacing: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking and browning.
Cooking time and temperature: Follow the recipe’s recommended cooking time and temperature, but always check for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Flipping halfway: Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process to promote even cooking.
Resting period: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps to retain the juices and ensures a juicy and tender result.
- Prep Time: 1440 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Air-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Middle Eastern cuisine, Air fryer, Air fryer chicken thighs, wraps, sandwiches, platter, rice bowl, Entree, Baba Ganoush, appetizer, Mediterranean dish, side dish, chickpea, health snacks
