Air Fryer Gyro Meat: How Long To Fry?

Gyros are a popular Greek and Mediterranean dish, typically made with meat, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce. While traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, they can also be prepared in an air fryer, offering a convenient, efficient, and tasty way to enjoy this meal. Air frying gyro meat results in a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior, and is healthier than traditional frying or grilling methods. The cooking time for gyro meat in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the meat and the specific air fryer model, but it generally takes around 5-8 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

What temperature to cook gyro meat in an air fryer

Gyro meat is a Greek dish that is traditionally made with lamb or beef, cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and served in a pita bread with toppings and sauces. However, you can also cook gyro meat in an air fryer.

To cook gyro meat in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to the right temperature and cook the meat for the appropriate amount of time. Here are the steps in more detail:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Combine ground lamb or beef with seasonings such as minced garlic, finely chopped onion, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and crushed red peppers to enhance the flavour.

Step 2: Shape the Meat

Take portions of the meat mixture and shape them into logs or loaves. Make sure the meat is tightly packed to prevent it from falling apart during cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 350°F (175°C) to 400°F. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Gyro Meat

Place the shaped gyro meat in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between each piece for proper air circulation. Cook the meat for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a loaf of gyro meat, cooking time may be longer, around 60 minutes at 300°F. Flip the meat halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Let the Meat Rest

Once the gyro meat is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in tender and juicy meat.

Step 6: Assemble the Gyro

Slice the gyro meat thinly and place it on a piece of pita bread. Top it with tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, lettuce, and other desired toppings.

Tips for Cooking Gyro Meat in an Air Fryer:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the meat halfway through the cooking time to get an even crisp on both sides.
• Monitor the cooking time and adjust as needed, depending on the thickness of the meat and your air fryer model.
• Use cooking spray (optional) to enhance the crispiness of the meat.

By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy delicious, crispy, and juicy gyro meat cooked in your air fryer.

How long to cook frozen gyro meat in an air fryer

Cooking frozen gyro meat in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to enjoy this Greek delicacy. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect crispy texture and mouthwatering flavour:

Ingredients:

• Frozen gyro meat slices (traditionally made with lamb or beef)
• Pita bread or flatbread
• Tzatziki sauce (a must-have for any gyro)
• Toppings: sliced tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, cucumber, Kalamata olives, lemon wedges, feta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Prepare the Gyro Meat: Place the frozen gyro meat slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can slightly overlap them, but avoid overcrowding.
• Air Fry the Gyro Meat: Cook the gyro slices for approximately 5-8 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and your air fryer model.
• Flip the Meat: For even crispiness, use tongs or a spatula to flip the gyro meat slices halfway through the cooking time.
• Check for Doneness: Your gyro meat is ready when it turns crispy and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Serve: Carefully remove the gyro meat from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
• Assemble Gyros or Enjoy as a Snack: Place the crispy gyro meat slices in pita bread or flatbread with your desired toppings and sauces. Alternatively, enjoy them as a snack or appetizer.

Pro Tips:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for consistent results.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the gyro slices in a single layer with some space between them for even cooking.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the gyro meat, as cooking times vary based on slice thickness and air fryer model.
• Serve Fresh: Gyro meat is best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer when it's hot and crispy.
• Customise Your Gyros: Experiment with various toppings and sauces to suit your taste.

Now you're all set to enjoy delicious, crispy gyro meat cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Can you cook gyro meat from frozen in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook gyro meat from frozen in an air fryer. Cooking pre-cooked gyro slices in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to enjoy this delicious dish.

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the gyro meat slices in the basket and set the timer for approximately 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and your specific air fryer model.
• After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the gyro meat slices using tongs or a spatula to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the gyro meat is crispy and heated through.
• To ensure the gyro meat is fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

Cooking gyro meat in an air fryer offers several advantages:

• Achieving a crispy exterior and tender interior: The hot circulating air cooks the meat evenly, resulting in a mouthwatering texture.
• Healthier option: Air frying requires less oil compared to traditional methods like frying or grilling, making it a healthier choice.
• Time efficiency: Gyro meat cooks quickly in an air fryer, reducing cooking time.
• Easy cleanup: Air fryers have removable and dishwasher-safe parts, saving time and effort.
• Versatility: Air fryers are versatile appliances that can be used to prepare other dishes and sides while cooking gyro meat.

When cooking gyro meat in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket, and flip the slices halfway through for even crispiness.

You can also season the gyro meat with Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, or a pinch of garlic powder before air frying to add extra flavor.

What type of meat is used for gyro meat?

Gyros are a traditional Greek dish that can be made with a variety of different meats. The type of meat used often depends on the region and the availability of certain meats.

Lamb is the most common and traditional meat used in gyros. It originated from the Turkish kebab, where lamb is placed on a vertical spit and cooked. In the case that the lamb is too lean, layers of fat are sometimes added.

Beef is another popular option and is often used as an alternative to lamb due to its similar qualities and higher fat content.

Pork is also used in gyros, particularly in regions where there are more pigs than lambs. As with lamb, fat trimmings are added to ensure the right flavour and texture.

Chicken gyros are a more recent addition, and as skinless chicken contains very little fat, it is often supplemented with lamb fat.

In some cases, a blend of different types of minced meat is used to make gyros, combining any of the above options.

How to make tzatziki sauce for gyro meat

Tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek sauce that is typically served with gyro sandwiches. It is a refreshing, cool sauce with a tangy and garlicky flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make tzatziki sauce to accompany your gyro meat:

Ingredients:

• 1 English cucumber, grated (or 3-4 Persian cucumbers)
• 1-2 teaspoons of salt (preferably Kosher salt)
• 16 oz of Greek yogurt (or labne)
• 2-5 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar (optional)
• Fresh herbs such as dill or mint (optional)

Method:

• Grate the cucumbers using a box grater or a food processor.
• Add a pinch of salt to the grated cucumbers and mix well.
• Transfer the cucumbers to a cheesecloth or a thick paper towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial, as failing to drain the cucumbers will result in a watery sauce.
• In a separate bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, and vinegar (if using). Mix well.
• Add the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (if using) to the bowl and stir until well combined.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours before serving. Chilling the sauce helps to thicken it and allows the flavours to meld.
• Just before serving, give the sauce a final stir and transfer it to a serving bowl. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil on top.

This tzatziki sauce is best served with gyro meat, but it is also delicious as a dip for fresh vegetables or pita chips. It can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes, salmon, lamb, or kebabs. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions