Chicken Shawarma (Oven or Air Fryer)

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 (oven and air fryer method). Chicken thighs bathed in Middle Eastern Spices are marinated and 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!

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. 

Jump to:

• What is Chicken Shawarma
• Inspiration
• Shawarma Spices
• How to Make Chicken Shawarma
• Lemon Dill Tzatziki
• How To Serve Chicken Shawarma
• Storing
• Substitutions
• Recipe

What is Chicken 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 them, 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

This Chicken Shawarma 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 a 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.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma

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 a printable recipe card with ingredient quantities, instructions, and 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 the chicken and coat well. Allow to marinate for 2 hours or overnight.

Air Fryer Method

• Preheat the Air Fryer to 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 it into thin strips.

Oven Method 

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and line the chicken thighs in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes on each side as the edges crisp up and the chicken is cooked through in the middle. Use a digital thermometer to make sure that the thickest piece has reached 165 degrees F.  Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before making thin slices. 

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 the yogurt sauce 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. Love Kawan Parathas? Do try my Black Bean Chalupas.

How To Serve Chicken Shawarma

1. Here is the classic way to serve chicken shawarma - spread Tzatziki on warm bread, and top it with your favorite veggies, lettuce, and tomato are a must for me. Then layer over the sliced chicken. Roll up and enjoy.
2. I love the fusion feel of using flaky parathas and making shawarma roll-ups. Frozen Kawan Parathas sold in Indian groceries work best for this.
3. 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 it in half. Carefully open up each half and spread  Tzatziki inside. Add lettuce, and tomatoes, and top with chicken.
4. For a low-carb meal, serve the shawarma meat on a pile of crispy lettuce, tomatoes, and 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 stovetop 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 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