Marianne Martinez
Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food traditionally made from lamb or mutton, but also commonly made with chicken. The meat is marinated in Middle Eastern spices and traditionally cooked on a large vertical rotisserie. The cooked meat is then shaved off in thin slices and stuffed into flatbreads, pittas, or wraps. This can be recreated in an air fryer, with the same aromatic blend of spices, and is a more convenient and flavorful way to make chicken shawarma.
Chicken Shawarma in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Chicken thighs, preferably boneless and skinless |
| Marinade | Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, turmeric, sumac, sugar) |
| Marinating time | 30 minutes to 24 hours |
| Air Fryer temperature | 375-400°F (190-200°C) |
| Cooking time | 10-20 minutes on each side |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Warm pitta or flatbread, salad, lettuce, onion, tomato, cucumber, tzatziki or tahini sauce, kebab sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken Shawarma marinade ingredients and preparation
Chicken shawarma is a popular street food in the Mediterranean. It is traditionally made by layering seasoned chicken on a vertical spit and rotating it slowly. The meat is then shaved off and served in pitas or wraps.
To make chicken shawarma in an air fryer, you will need to first marinate the chicken. The marinade ingredients typically include a variety of spices, lemon, and olive oil. Here is a list of specific ingredients you can use for the marinade:
- Olive oil: This adds flavour and dilutes the lemon juice so it doesn't "cook" the chicken.
- Spices: Common spices used in chicken shawarma include cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom. You can also use a pre-made Shawarma spice blend to save time.
- Lemon: Lemon juice adds a tangy flavour to the marinade.
- Honey: Adding honey to the marinade gives it a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic: Garlic cloves or garlic powder can be used to enhance the flavour of the marinade.
- Salt: Salt is important in a marinade as it penetrates the meat and enhances the other flavours.
- Yogurt: Mix your spice blend with yogurt before adding the chicken to create a creamy marinade that coats the meat evenly.
To prepare the marinade, simply mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Then, add the chicken to the bowl and turn the pieces over a few times to ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. For the best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. If you are marinating overnight, let the chicken sit at room temperature for an hour before cooking.
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Air Fryer settings and cooking time
The air fryer settings and cooking time for chicken shawarma can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Marinating the Chicken:
Firstly, prepare the marinade by mixing spices, olive oil, garlic cloves, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Place the chicken in the bowl and toss to coat well. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for more intense flavours. If marinating for longer than 30 minutes, add the lemon juice about an hour before cooking.
Preheating the Air Fryer:
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest varying temperatures for preheating, ranging from 180°C (350°F) to 400°F (200°C). It is recommended to refer to your air fryer's instructions for optimal preheating.
Cooking the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Set the air fryer temperature to 380°F to 400°F (about 200°C). The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken pieces and your desired level of doneness. For well-cooked chicken, cook for about 10-12 minutes on each side. If you prefer crispier edges, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Resting and Serving:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period ensures the juices redistribute, making the chicken nice and juicy. After resting, thinly slice the chicken and serve it with your choice of sides and sauces.
Reheating and Leftovers:
Chicken shawarma leftovers can be stored and reheated. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
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Chicken Shawarma serving suggestions
Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is traditionally served in wraps or on plates. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious and versatile meal:
Wraps
Chicken Shawarma wraps are a convenient and tasty option, similar to Gyros and Doner kebabs. Start with a warm flatbread, such as pita or another type of flatbread, and fill it with shaved chicken Shawarma. You can also add fresh toppings like tomato, lettuce, red onion, and a simple yoghurt or tahini sauce. For an extra kick, add some hot sauce or chilli sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding cheese or hummus to your wrap.
Plates
If you prefer a heartier meal, serve your Chicken Shawarma on a plate with sides. This could include seasoned rice (such as Middle Eastern lentil rice or cauliflower rice), fries, and salads (such as a Middle Eastern chickpea salad or a simple cucumber salad). Don't forget to include a generous dollop of hummus or yoghurt sauce on the side. Pita bread or another type of flatbread is also a great addition to soak up all the flavours.
Bowls
For a modern twist, try serving your Chicken Shawarma in a bowl. Start with a scoop of cooked rice (or cauliflower rice) at the bottom, and top it with chopped chicken, red onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a scoop of tzatziki sauce and hummus. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. This bowl-style dinner combines grains, veggies, protein, and sauce for a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Sides and Toppings
Whether you're serving Chicken Shawarma in wraps, plates, or bowls, here are some additional sides and toppings to consider:
- Mediterranean salad or a simple vinegar and olive oil salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, and mint
- Pickles or pickled vegetables
- Roasted vegetables or potatoes
- Yogurt sauce or tzatziki sauce
- Tahini sauce
- Hummus
- Warm flatbread or pita bread
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Chicken Shawarma reheating instructions
Chicken shawarma is a delicious dish that can be easily reheated in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your leftover chicken shawarma tastes just as good as when it was first cooked.
Preparing the Chicken Shawarma for Reheating
Before reheating your chicken shawarma, ensure that it has been properly stored in the refrigerator and is still within the safe consumption timeframe. It is recommended to consume leftover chicken within 2-3 days.
Reheating the Chicken Shawarma in an Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 350°F.
- Place a layer of foil in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Put the leftover chicken shawarma in a single layer on the foil, ensuring that the pieces are not overcrowded.
- Cover the chicken with another layer of foil, wrapping it firmly around the meat.
- Reheat the chicken shawarma for 5-10 minutes at 190°C or 375°F. The exact time may vary depending on the quantity of chicken and your desired level of crispness.
- Once the chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken shawarma is best served warm and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Stuff the chicken into pitta bread or wraps, along with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and a cooling sauce like tzatziki or dill yogurt.
- Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or salad, with a side of roasted vegetables or potatoes.
- For a heartier meal, pair it with fries or naan bread.
- Pickles or pickled vegetables go exceptionally well with chicken shawarma.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and sauces to customize your chicken shawarma experience!
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Chicken Shawarma sides and sauces
Chicken Shawarma is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, each with its own unique combination of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your Chicken Shawarma experience:
Sides
- Salad: A simple salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, and mint is a refreshing accompaniment to Chicken Shawarma. You can also add other vegetables like red onion, arugula, and parsley.
- Rice: Cooked rice, especially Middle Eastern-style lentil rice (Mejadra), is a great base for your Chicken Shawarma bowl or platter.
- Flatbread: Warmed flatbreads, either homemade or store-bought, are perfect for making wraps or serving on the side.
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables or a simple Mediterranean salad with peppery arugula add a fresh and healthy touch to your meal.
- Potatoes: Crispy potatoes or potato wedges pair well with the juicy chicken.
Sauces
- Yogurt Sauce: A cooling yogurt-based sauce, similar to Greek Tzatziki, is a traditional and popular choice to balance the spices in the Chicken Shawarma.
- Tahini Sauce: This creamy, nutty sauce is commonly served with Chicken Shawarma in places like Israel and Egypt.
- Dill Tzatziki Sauce: Adding dill to the traditional Tzatziki sauce enhances its refreshing quality and makes it an ideal pairing for the warm spices in the dish.
- Hummus: Creamy hummus not only works as a dip for the flatbread but also adds a delicious creamy element to your Chicken Shawarma bowl.
- White Sauce: This sauce, which can be made with or without dairy, adds a creamy and tangy dimension to your wrap or bowl.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 10 to 20 minutes to cook chicken shawarma in an air fryer. The time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the desired level of crispiness.
The air fryer should be set to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight or up to 24 hours for more intense flavors.
The main ingredients are chicken thighs or breasts, Middle Eastern spices (such as cumin, paprika, coriander, and cayenne pepper), olive oil or avocado oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
Chicken shawarma can be served in a warm pita or flatbread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a sauce such as tzatziki, dill tzatziki, or tahini. It can also be served over rice, with potatoes, or with roasted vegetables.
