Imagine bringing the vibrant, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern street food directly into your kitchen without the hassle of a traditional rotisserie. This Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a mouthwatering, crispy delight that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of the Middle East. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread for serving
- Tahini sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and crispy texture.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, thoroughly coating each piece. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the basket is clean and lightly sprayed with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and exterior is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice chicken into thin strips or chunks for traditional shawarma style.
- Warm pita bread and serve chicken with tahini sauce, optionally adding fresh herbs, chopped tomatoes, or pickled vegetables.
Tips
- Marination is Key: For maximum flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time permits, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will intensify the spice blend.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure chicken pieces are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent that desirable crispy exterior.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and juicy.
- Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with additional garnishes like fresh parsley, diced cucumbers, or a sprinkle of sumac to elevate your shawarma experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 1434kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 101g
Fat: 93g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 380mg
