Are you craving a juicy, flavorful meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further than this Chicken Shawarma! Made in the air fryer, this dish packs all the spices and savory goodness of a traditional shawarma without any hassle. It’s a fantastic choice for game day or any time you’re in the mood for something tasty. Let’s dive into how you can make this perfect dish in just 30 minutes!
Method
Marinate the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken thighs for marination. In a large bowl, add your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Now, it’s time to add the seasonings: one teaspoon each of salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, allspice, paprika, onion granules, and sumac. These spices will give the chicken its signature shawarma flavor. Next, add half a teaspoon each of black pepper powder and turmeric to bring a little extra heat and color. Stir in two teaspoons of garlic paste, followed by the juice of half a lemon, which will help tenderize the chicken. To bind everything together, add two tablespoons of Greek yogurt and one and a half tablespoons of olive oil. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that every piece of chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least two hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and infuse the chicken.
Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the skewers. Take a large onion and slice it in half. Then, pierce each half with two wooden skewers, which should have been soaked in water for about 30 minutes beforehand. This prevents them from burning during the cooking process. Once the onion is ready, begin layering the marinated chicken thighs onto the skewers, stacking them neatly to make sure they cook evenly. Once you’ve added all the chicken, place the other half of the onion on top of the chicken. The onion serves a dual purpose – not only does it add flavor, but it also helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
Air Fry the Shawarma
Now that your skewers are ready, it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the prepared skewers on the air fryer tray, ensuring that they fit comfortably and aren’t overcrowded. Air fry the chicken for 30 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs. At the halfway point, flip the chicken over and brush it with a little melted butter to keep it moist and add a rich flavor. Once the cooking time is complete, check the chicken to make sure it’s cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature has reached 75°C (165°F). If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, cover it with some foil and cook for a few more minutes until done.
Finish and Serve
Once your shawarma is perfectly cooked, remove the skewers from the air fryer. For an extra burst of flavor, brush the chicken with the remaining juices from the air fryer tray. This will add more depth to the taste. Garnish the shawarma with fresh coriander for a pop of color and flavor. Finally, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve it alongside warm Lebanese bread, pickled chillies, a fresh salad, and some creamy toum (garlic sauce) for that authentic shawarma experience. Enjoy your mouthwatering dish!
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Large bowl
- Wooden skewers
- Basting brush (optional)
- Knife and chopping board
Chicken Shawarma: The Perfect Football Snack!
Cuisine: Middle EasternDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
7-8 Chicken thighs, boneless, without skin
1 tsp each of the following: salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, allspice, paprika, onion granules, suma
1/2 tsp each of the following: black pepper powder, turmeric
2 tsp Garlic, paste
1/2 Lemon, juiced
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 1/2 tbsp Olive oil
1 Large onion
Wooden skewers* (soaked for 30 minutes)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, add the chicken thighs along with all the dry seasonings (salt, cumin, coriander, allspice, paprika, onion granules, sumac, black pepper, and turmeric), garlic paste, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, and olive oil. Mix everything together well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor. - Prepare the Skewers:
Slice the onion in half and pierce it through with two wooden skewers. Then, layer the marinated chicken thighs onto the skewers and top with the other half of the onion. This will help keep the chicken juicy while it cooks. - Air Fry the Shawarma:
Place the skewered chicken on the air fryer tray. Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 30-35 minutes. Halfway through, brush the chicken with a little melted butter and flip it. Once the cooking time is up, check the chicken to make sure it’s cooked through. If it’s not, simply cover it with foil and cook it a little longer. - Finish and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and brush it with the remaining juices in the tray. Garnish with fresh coriander and slice it up. Serve it with Lebanese bread, pickled chillies, fresh salad, and toum (garlic sauce). Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly spread out on the air fryer tray for even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure about whether the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your chicken thighs, the cooking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on it and adjust as needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the Chicken Shawarma with warm pita or flatbreads for a delicious wrap.
- Serve it alongside a fresh cucumber, tomato, and onion salad to balance out the spices.
- Add a side of hummus or tahini for extra flavor.
- For a lighter meal, enjoy the chicken shawarma over a bed of greens for a healthy twist.
Fun Fact
Did you know that shawarma is one of the most popular street foods in the Middle East? It’s enjoyed by millions of people all around the world, often served in a pita or flatbread, and packed with delicious flavors that are hard to resist!
Conclusion
This Chicken Shawarma recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a Middle Eastern favorite from the comfort of your home. It’s easy to prepare, and the air fryer does all the hard work for you! Whether you’re serving it at a football game, a family dinner, or just for a special treat, this dish will be a hit. Enjoy the juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in warm bread, topped with fresh salad, and all the amazing flavors that make shawarma so irresistible!
