Tillie Doyle
Chicken gyros are a delicious Greek-inspired dish that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The chicken is marinated in a Greek-style marinade, air-fried, and then wrapped in naan or flatbread with tzatziki, French fries, and vegetables. The air fryer ensures the chicken is juicy and golden, and the dish is perfect for a comforting, fresh, and healthy meal.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Chicken Gyros
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, dried Greek oregano, garlic seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper |
| Chicken | Thighs (boneless and skinless) or breast pieces |
| Marinating Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Temperature | 200C/400F |
| Cooking Time | 13-20 minutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Naan, flatbread, or pita bread with tzatziki, whipped feta, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, French fries, and veggies |
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What You'll Learn
Marinade the chicken
To make chicken gyros in an air fryer, you'll first need to marinate the chicken. This is a simple process that will ensure your chicken is juicy and full of flavour.
Start by preparing your marinade. A basic Greek chicken marinade can be made by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, dried Greek oregano, garlic seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add lemon juice to your marinade, but be aware that if you let the chicken sit in the marinade for too long (more than 2 hours), the lemon juice will break down the fibres in the chicken and make it mushy.
Next, cut your chicken into cubes or bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. If using chicken thighs, opt for boneless and skinless thighs, as these are cheaper and will be more tender and juicy.
Place your chicken pieces into a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Stir or mix the chicken well to ensure that all the pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. For the best results, do not exceed the 2-hour mark, as this can affect the texture of the chicken.
Once your chicken has finished marinating, you can thread the pieces onto skewers and place them in the air fryer. If you are cooking potatoes or chips alongside the chicken, you can put them in the other compartment of your air fryer, so they cook at the same time.
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Prepare the tzatziki sauce
To prepare the tzatziki sauce, you will need Greek yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. You can also add fresh dill or mint, and salt and pepper to taste. Start by grating the cucumber and squeezing out any excess water. Next, finely chop or crush the garlic. In a bowl, mix together the yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs (if using). Season with salt and pepper, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to mix. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and add more lemon juice if you like a sharper flavour.
You can prepare the tzatziki sauce while the chicken is cooking in the air fryer. This will save you time and ensure that your chicken gyros are still warm when you serve them. If you prefer your tzatziki sauce to be thinner, you can add a little milk or water to the mixture.
Tzatziki sauce is a great addition to chicken gyros as it provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, juicy chicken. It also goes well with the other ingredients that are commonly used in chicken gyros, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and French fries.
Some people like to add their own twist to the sauce by using different herbs or spices. For example, you could add a pinch of cumin or coriander for a more exotic flavour. You could also experiment with different types of olive oil or lemon juice to find the combination that you like best.
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Cook the chicken in the air fryer
To cook the chicken in the air fryer, start by marinating your chicken thighs or cubes in a Greek-style marinade for 20 to 30 minutes. The marinade can be made using olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, dried Greek oregano, garlic seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add lemon juice to the marinade, but be careful not to let the chicken sit in it for too long, or it will break down the fibres in the meat and make it mushy.
Once the chicken has finished marinating, place the chicken pieces onto skewers and put them in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has multiple compartments, you can add potatoes or chips in one compartment and the chicken in the other. Set the air fryer temperature to 200°C/390-400°F and cook for 13 to 20 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. The chicken is done when it is golden with slightly charred, crispy edges and an internal temperature of 165-170°F/75°C.
While the chicken cooks, you can prepare some seasoned butter by combining softened butter with various ingredients, such as lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Once the chicken is done, baste it generously with the seasoned butter for extra flavour.
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Warm the flatbreads/naan
Warming flatbreads or naan in an air fryer is an easy and quick process. It is a great way to ensure your bread is soft, warm, and fresh for your chicken gyros. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect flatbreads or naan for your chicken gyros:
Firstly, it is important to ensure your flatbreads or naan are of good quality and fresh. You can purchase these from a local bakery or make them from scratch. If you are short on time, you can also opt for store-bought flatbreads or naan, which are readily available at most grocery stores.
When you are ready to serve your chicken gyros, preheat your air fryer by turning it on for a few minutes. The exact time will depend on the model of your air fryer and the number of flatbreads or naan you plan to warm. As a general rule, preheating for 2-3 minutes should be sufficient.
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the flatbreads or naan inside. Be sure to place them in a single layer, especially if you are warming multiple flatbreads or naan at once. This will ensure even heating. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to warm them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Keep a close eye on your flatbreads or naan as they warm. The exact warming time will vary, but it should only take a few minutes. You are aiming for the bread to be soft and pliable, perfect for folding and wrapping around your chicken gyros fillings. The ideal texture is soft enough to fold easily without cracking or breaking.
Once your flatbreads or naan have reached the desired texture and warmth, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat. Place the warmed bread on a plate or clean surface and begin assembling your chicken gyros.
By following these simple steps, you will have warm and soft flatbreads or naan that complement the juicy, flavorful chicken and fresh toppings of your chicken gyros. Enjoy the delicious combination of textures and flavors that come together in this popular Greek dish.
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Assemble the gyros
To assemble the gyros, start by heating the naan bread or pita in a skillet or air fryer until it's soft and pliable. You can also use flatbread, lightly toasted or warmed. Lay the bread flat and spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on it.
Next, add a handful of French fries or fried potatoes. You can also include fried halloumi for an extra indulgent treat. Then, place the buttery, seasoned, and juicy chicken pieces on top. You can slice the chicken into smaller pieces if you prefer.
Finally, add your choice of vegetables. This could include lettuce, tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, olives, cucumber, and parsley. Wrap the gyro tightly in parchment paper and serve warm. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavours and textures!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 13 and 20 minutes to cook chicken gyros in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
First, marinate your chicken thighs for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 13 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. While the chicken cooks, prepare some seasoned butter and heat up some naan bread or pita. Once the chicken is done, baste it with the seasoned butter. Finally, assemble the gyro by spreading tzatziki on the naan or pita, adding fries, the buttery chicken, and veggies, and wrapping it in parchment paper.
You can serve chicken gyros with a Greek salad, fried halloumi, or a potato salad.
