Marianne Martinez
Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food traditionally made with lamb, mutton, veal, beef or chicken. The meat is marinated in Middle Eastern spices and cooked on a large vertical rotisserie. The cooked meat is then shaved off in thin slices and stuffed into flatbreads, pitta or served with fries. This can be recreated in an air fryer in just 20 minutes, with the same delicious results.
How long to cook Shawarma in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinating time | 2 hours minimum, preferably overnight |
| Air fryer temperature | 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C) |
| Cooking time | 10-20 minutes |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken Shawarma marinade ingredients
Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is traditionally made by layering seasoned chicken on a vertical spit and roasting it. The key to achieving the authentic flavour of this dish is the marinade.
The ingredients for a Chicken Shawarma marinade are a combination of spices, lemon, and olive oil. The spices typically include cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom. Cardamom is a key ingredient that distinguishes the Shawarma marinade from other cuisines, as it adds a piney, citrusy flavour. Olive oil is used to dilute the lemon juice and prevent it from "cooking" the chicken, while also adding a touch of flavour.
You can also add garlic, avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper, salt, and sugar to enhance the flavour of the marinade. The proportions of these ingredients can be adjusted according to personal preference. It is recommended to mix the spices with yoghurt and then add the chicken, allowing it to marinate for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours for the best results.
Some recipes suggest using a store-bought Shawarma spice blend to save time and create a quick marinade. This option still delivers a bold punch of flavour to the chicken.
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How long to marinate chicken
To cook chicken shawarma in an air fryer, set the air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C) and cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes on each side. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165 °F.
The longer you marinate the chicken, the more time it has to absorb the flavours. You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or leave it overnight in the refrigerator. If you are marinating the chicken overnight, let it sit at room temperature for an hour before cooking.
If you are using lemon juice in your marinade, avoid marinating the chicken for longer than a few hours, as the acid in the lemon juice will start to "cook" the chicken.
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 24 hours, and preferably 48 hours. You can also freeze the chicken in its marinade and defrost it prior to cooking.
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Air fryer temperature and duration
The air fryer temperature and duration for making chicken shawarma vary depending on the make and model of the air fryer, the thickness of the chicken, and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide on the air fryer temperature and duration for making juicy and tender chicken shawarma with crispy edges:
Marinating the Chicken:
Firstly, prepare the chicken by marinating it in a blend of spices, lemon juice, and oil. You can use a pre-made shawarma spice blend or mix your own spices, which may include cumin, paprika, cardamom, coriander, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator. If you marinate it overnight, let the chicken sit at room temperature for an hour before cooking.
Preheating the Air Fryer:
Before cooking the chicken, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for preheating the air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F (about 200°C). The specific temperature may depend on your air fryer's make and model, so adjust accordingly.
Cooking the Chicken:
Now, it's time to cook the chicken in the air fryer. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. If you have a lot of chicken, you may need to cook it in batches. Set the air fryer temperature to 380°F to 400°F (about 200°C) and cook the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes on each side. For thinner slices of chicken, you can slice the chicken thighs into halves or thirds before cooking.
Checking Doneness:
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, you can check if the juices run clear when piercing the chicken with a knife or fork.
Resting the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, it's essential to let it rest before slicing. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period ensures that the juices redistribute, making the chicken nice and juicy.
Crisping the Edges:
If you prefer extra crispy bits, you can put the chicken back into the air fryer after resting. Turn up the air fryer temperature to 200°C and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the edges are crispy.
Slicing and Serving:
Finally, thinly slice the chicken against the grain. You can serve the chicken shawarma in warm pita bread or flatbread, along with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and sauces like garlic sauce, tzatziki, or tahini. Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma!
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Chicken Shawarma serving suggestions
Chicken Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish traditionally made with lamb, mutton, chicken, or beef. It is commonly served as a wrap or on a plate with sides. Here are some serving suggestions for Chicken Shawarma:
Wraps
Chicken Shawarma wraps are similar to Gyros and Doner kebabs. To make a wrap, place the chicken shawarma in a pita or flatbread with tomato, lettuce, and a simple yoghurt or tahini sauce. You can also add red onion, cheese, hummus, and hot sauce or chilli sauce according to your taste.
Plates
Chicken Shawarma can also be served on a plate with rice and a salad on the side. It is often accompanied by pita bread or another type of flatbread, with a generous serving of hummus or yoghurt sauce. Some popular salad options include a Middle Eastern lentil rice called Mejadra, or a chickpea salad.
Bowls
Chicken Shawarma bowls are a convenient and tasty option. To make a bowl, add a scoop of cooked rice to the bottom of your bowl, followed by chopped chicken, red onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a scoop of tzatziki sauce and hummus. You can also garnish with fresh chopped parsley, feta cheese, and a little crushed red pepper.
Sides and Toppings
Chicken Shawarma is often served with a variety of toppings and sides, including pickles, pickled vegetables, Mediterranean salad, cauliflower rice, and roasted vegetables. A simple salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, and mint with a white balsamic vinegar dressing is a perfect side dish.
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Chicken Shawarma sides
Chicken Shawarma is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that is both flavorful and convenient. It is traditionally served with a variety of sides that complement the spiced chicken. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with your Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma:
Salads
A crisp garden salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions can provide a refreshing contrast to the richly flavored chicken shawarma. You can also add other fresh herbs like mint, green onion, and parsley, as well as sliced bell peppers. Toss the salad in a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette for a light and vibrant side dish.
Rice
Rice is a great side to serve with chicken shawarma. You can serve it plain or seasoned with turmeric or saffron to add a pop of color and flavor. Vermicelli rice is also an option, providing a slightly different texture to the dish.
Pita Bread
Pita bread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is a must when serving chicken shawarma. It is perfect for wrapping up pieces of shawarma or for dipping into sauces. Warm up a few pitas on the side to make the meal more hands-on and satisfying.
Dips and Sauces
There are several dips and sauces that pair well with chicken shawarma. Tzatziki, a refreshing Greek yogurt dip with cucumbers, provides a creamy and cool contrast to the robust flavors of the chicken. Hummus, with its smooth texture and nutty, tangy flavors, is another excellent option for dipping pita bread or french fries. For a more unique flavor, try guacamole, which adds a rich and creamy twist to the meal.
Pickles and Vegetables
Pickled vegetables, or "torshi," are a common accompaniment to Middle Eastern dishes, including shawarma. Lebanese pickles, also known as shawarma pickles or pink pickles, bring color and a sweet and sour touch to the dish. Grilled vegetable skewers or roasted vegetables are also great options to add some variety to your plate.
Other Sides
Other sides that can complement chicken shawarma include french fries, onion rings, falafel, grilled halloumi cheese, and couscous salad.
With these sides, you can create a delicious and memorable chicken shawarma meal that your family and friends will love!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 20 minutes to cook chicken shawarma in an air fryer. However, the timing may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Smaller chicken breasts (7-8 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, while larger ones (10-11 ounces) will take 16-20 minutes.
Chicken shawarma is traditionally made by marinating chicken in Middle Eastern spices and then cooking it on a rotisserie or spit. To make it in an air fryer, you can marinate chicken thighs or breasts in spices and yoghurt for a few hours or overnight, and then cook in the air fryer for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good option for chicken shawarma in an air fryer as they stay juicy during the cooking process and are generally cheaper than chicken breasts.
