Let’s be honest - anything wrapped in a warm flatbread is going to be DELICIOUS. Here is my super easy and incredibly flavorful recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Chicken thighs bathed in Middle Eastern Spices are marinated then cooked to juicy perfection with yummy crisp edges in the Air Fryer. Sliced thin, topped with Homemade Dill Tzatziki Sauce, lettuce, tomato, and onion - there's nothing better!
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This is the ultimate wrap - every element of texture and temperature has its match which makes biting into one of these so satisfying. The sizzling, juicy chicken needs the fresh, crisp lettuce and tomato, just as the mixture of spices needs the refreshing yogurt dill sauce - cooling the palate like a splash of cold water on a hot day.
Lately, I’ve been loving the fusion feel of using flaky parathas to sandwich all this goodness together, but I have also used the more traditional pitas plenty of times. It also works perfectly as a low-carb option to serve the Chicken Shawarma over a bed of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion with the dill yogurt sauce as dressing. A perfect dinner recipe!
What is Shawarma
Shawarma, a classic Middle Eastern street food, is typically made by layering marinated meat onto a spit in a sort of cone-shaped mound. As the meat is rotated and cooked on the spit, the meat bathes in its own dripping juices, and slices are shaved off to order. By using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and thoroughly marinating, we ensure the meat stays juicy through the cooking process.
Inspiration
I first tasted Chicken Shawarma at Mammouns - an NYC spot famous for late-night eats. I instantly fell in love with the big flavors! Years later I decided to try making it at home, even though I never thought of Shawarma as something homemade. The best part about my recipe is how easy it is to put together. It’s also the perfect make-ahead meal. Simply marinate the chicken overnight and then just 12 minutes in the Air Fryer!
Shawarma Spices
My recipe uses spices that I already have in my kitchen (garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander) If you don't have some of the other spices like (cloves or cardamom) you can skip them! I promise the Shawarma will still be excellent.
The combination of spices is essential in laying the base for flavor, here are a few highlights! (These are the ground versions):
- Paprika - mild sweet paprika that adds vibrant red color without too much heat
- Cumin - warm and earthy with a hint of bittersweet citrus
- Coriander - adds a hint of citrus, often paired with cumin for just the right balance of earthiness.
- Cinnamon - adds sweet and earthy heat. So versatile it’s used throughout the world in both savory and sweet dishes.
- Cardamom – heady and super aromatic, wonderful in desserts!
- Cloves – aromatic flower buds from the evergreen clove tree. Slightly sweet and pungent, often paired with cinnamon and black pepper for a perfect spice blend.
Substitutions
- I recommend using chicken thighs for this recipe as it will give your tender juicy meat with crisp edges. You can also use chicken boneless chicken breasts for this recipe, but make sure to marinate it at least for 4 hours and do not overcook
- Check the temperature of the chicken using a digital thermometer to make sure the thickest piece reaches 165 degrees F
- Smoked paprika will add subtle smoky flavors but you can also use regular paprika
- Add more or less cayenne pepper to your taste. I do not like this dish to be overly spicy but have a balance of flavors with various spices
- Use your favorite flatbreads to wrap the chicken, you can also use gluten-free bread or serve on warm steamed rice. For a low-carb option serve the sliced chicken over lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions drizzled with tzatziki.
There’s Way to Cook Chicken Shawarma for Every Kitchen
Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours and then either grill, bake, or air fry (my newest obsession) for those perfect charred edges. Instructions for each technique are described in the recipe below. YOU CAN MAKE THIS AWESOME CHICKEN SHAWARMA EVEN WITHOUT AN AIR FRYER.
Instructions
Here is a step-by-step recipe showing how I cook the chicken for shawarma in the air fryer. Please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for printable recipe card with ingredient quantities, instructions and also how to bake or grill if you do not have an air fryer!
- In a large bowl mix together salt, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, ground black pepper, lemon juice, and oil. Add chicken and coat well. Allow to marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Air Fryer at 400 degrees F. Line the chicken in a single layer. Spread sliced onions on top. Air Fryer at 380 degrees F for 10 minutes. Turn over and cook for another 2 to 5 minutes. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into thin strips.
Lemon Dill Tzatziki
- Peel and grate cucumbers and then press out all the excess liquids using a strainer or a cloth. Stir together the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
- Chop the veggies - lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, etc. Next, warm up the bread. You can either use pita bread or other flatbread you like. I also love serving the Shawarma on either homemade parathas or the flaky Kawan Parathas sold in Indian grocery stores.
Serving
- Here is the classic way to serve shawarma - spread Tzatziki on the warm bread, top it with your favorite veggies, lettuce, and tomato are a must for me. Then layer over the sliced chicken. Roll up and enjoy.
- You can also serve them as Pita pockets. Bake the pita bread in the toaster oven until it fluffs up. Allow it to cool for a minute and then cut into half. Carefully open up each half and spread Tzatziki inside. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and top with chicken.
- For a low-carb meal, serve the shawarma meat on a pile of crispy lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and drizzle with creamy yogurt Tzatziki.
Storing
Chicken Shawarma is a perfect make ahead meal. Cooked Chicken can be refrigerated for up to a week. Warm up in a stove top pan, air fryer or microwave.
I hope you will try this easy recipe. My entire family loves it and it is also a kid-friendly meal. Make a batch of quick and easy white chocolate bark for dessert with this meal.
Did you enjoy this easy Air Fryer Shawarma? Here are some Air Fryer Recipes to try:
- Garlic Broccoli
- Masala Fries
- Tandoori Chicken
- Fish Sticks
- Chilli Chicken
- Donuts with Lemon Saffron Glaze
Recipe
Chicken Shawarma
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless skinless
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons oil
Dill Tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup Greek-style plain yogurt
- 2 Persian cucumber peeled, grated (squeeze excess moisture out)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Serving
- pita bread or parathas
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce
- 2 tomatoes diced
- 2 persian cucumbers peeled and cubed
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together salt, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, ground black pepper, lemon juice, and oil
- Add chicken and coat well. Allow to marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Air Fryer at 400 F. Line the chicken in a single layer. Spread sliced onions on top. Air Fryer at 380 F for 10 minutes. Turn over and cook for another 2 to 5 minutes. Note: My air fryer basket fits 4 to 5 chicken thighs at a time without overcrowding. I usually air fry chicken in 2 batches.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 2 minutes before cutting into thin strips.
Tzatziki
- Stir together the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Bread
- Warm up the pita breads, flatbreads or parathas
Serving
- Here is the classic way to serve shawarma - spread Tzatziki on the warm bread, top it with your favorite veggies, lettuce, and tomato are a must for me. Then layer over the sliced chicken. Roll up and enjoy.
- You can also serve them as Pita pockets. Bake the pita bread in the toaster oven until it fluffs up. Allow it to cool for a minute and then cut into half. Carefully open up each half and spread Tzatziki inside. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and top with chicken.
- For a low-carb meal, serve the shawarma meat on a pile of crispy lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and drizzle with creamy yogurt Tzatziki.
Video
Notes
- The nutrition facts do not include the bread.
Monika Agwani says
Love love loved it❤️❤️Must try - quick , easy and delicious recipe by - Archana you Rock!
Archana says
Thank you so much!
Danita says
Very good. I let the chicken marinade for several hours. I would use a bit less ground clove next time just as a personal preference as it seemed to overwhelm the other spices. I served with Trader Joes's Tzatziki dip to save time. I had lettuce, chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, pickled red onion and pickled daikon/carrot as options for everyone to make their own wrap.
Deepa says
Hello! Can you use chicken breast instead of thigh ?
Archana says
Yes! just make sure to marinate them for at least 4 hours and do not overcook. I have these tips in the recipe for you!