This air fryer chicken shawarma is juicy and perfectly spiced with the signature crispy edges. Enjoy restaurant-quality Mediterranean flavor at home in just 20 minutes!
I love recipes like this air fryer chicken shawarma because I can easily make a full meal without putting in too much effort. The flavor is out of this world, and I love how the air fryer crisps up the outside while leaving the inside tender and juicy. We usually serve the chicken on a big tray with different toppings (check out the “Ways To Serve” section for inspo), and everyone builds their own bowl or wrap just the way they like it. It’s one of those dinners that feels fun, brings our family together, and never gets old!
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Video
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
I’m obsessed with this air fryer chicken shawarma recipe because it’s so hands-off. Whip up the marinade in five minutes, take some time for yourself, then let the air fryer do the rest!
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into thin strips and place them in a large bowl.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and toss to coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken for at least one hour.
- Air fry the chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes, then add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Not in an “air fryer” mood? Try this grilled chicken shawarma or sheet pan chicken shawarma instead!
Tips From the Kitchen
I’ve made this chicken shawarma too many times to count (does anyone else make the same meal over and over when they find a new favorite?). Here are some of my takeaways for a foolproof air frying experience.
- Cut the chicken evenly. Try to keep the chicken strips as consistent in size as possible so they cook at the same rate.
- Marinate, marinate, marinate. For maximum flavor, don’t skip the marinating period! The acidic lemon and garlic tenderize the chicken during this time, and the spices infuse into the meat. I usually try to marinate the chicken the night before so I’m not rushing for dinner.
- Switch up the spices. I like to keep it pretty simple with the spices, but feel free to go all out. A dash of coriander, cayenne pepper, or warm spices like cardamom or cinnamon would be delicious.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. In order for the hot air to circulate properly and crisp up the chicken, it needs space. Cook the chicken in batches if you need to — it’s worth it!
- Test the internal temp of the chicken. Larger pieces may need an extra 1-2 minutes, so I recommend using a digital thermometer like this one to ensure the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Ways To Serve
Chicken shawarma is always incredible on its own, but we think it’s even better with a bunch of toppings and sides. Whenever I make it, we alternate between these serving options…
- Get saucy: You can’t go wrong with tzatziki sauce or hummus!
- Add a side: Get your carbs in with air fryer French fries, or load up on veggies with a Mediterranean chickpea salad.
- Make it a full meal: For a heartier meal, stuff the chicken into a sourdough pita pocket or a rice bowl with all your favorite toppings. We love adding lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
Storage & Reheating
This air fryer chicken shawarma is great for meal prep, and it reheats so well in the air fryer. If you have hungry kids to feed like I do, double up on the recipe!
- Storage: Once the chicken has fully cooled, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat the leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore the crispiness. If you’re in a rush, the microwave also works.
More Easy Air Fryer Dinners
- Air Fryer Ribs — Slathered in BBQ sauce and ready in 30 minutes
- Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers — Filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, rice, and pasta sauce
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites — Juicy and vibrantly seasoned
- Air Fryer Pork Chops — The parsley-garlic marinade is so good
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tbsp ground cumin
- ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into ½ inch strips and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the lemon juice, garlic, spices, and olive oil. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry the chicken for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the strips are cooked through and lightly crisped on the edges.
- Serve the chicken warm with your favorite sides and enjoy!
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