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Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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This Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma is juicy, tender, and packed with warm Middle Eastern-inspired spices, featuring perfectly caramelized edges with minimal oil. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for wraps, rice bowls, salads, or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat each piece thoroughly.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
  7. Cook for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve in pita bread, over rice, in salads, or with hummus, garlic sauce, and fresh vegetables.

Notes

  • Boneless chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs; reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the meat.
  • Add smoked paprika or ground cardamom for extra depth of flavor.
  • Serve with pickled onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, tahini sauce, or garlic sauce for a traditional pairing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes for the best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/air-fryer-chicken-shawarma-recipe/