Make Gyro Meat In An Air Fryer: Quick And Easy!

Gyros are a popular Greek dish that can be made with a variety of meats, including lamb, pork, chicken, and beef. The traditional method of cooking gyro meat involves stacking slices of meat onto a vertical spit to form an upside-down cone shape. However, an air fryer can be used to achieve a similar result with less oil and faster cooking times.

To make gyro meat in an air fryer, you can use ground meat or sliced meat. The meat is typically seasoned with a blend of spices such as garlic, oregano, paprika, and cumin. It is then cooked in the air fryer for about an hour at 300°F to 400°F, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

Using an air fryer offers several advantages, including a crispy exterior and tender interior, reduced cooking time, easy cleanup, and customizable flavours. Additionally, it is a healthier option as it requires less oil compared to traditional cooking methods.

Choosing your meat

Gyros have traditionally been made with all types of meat, depending on what was most abundant in the region. Authentic recipes usually include lamb, pork, chicken, or beef. In the US, gyros commonly feature a combination of beef and lamb.

When choosing your meat, opt for thin slices, as these will cook more evenly and create a juicier, more tender gyro. If you're using ground meat, you can form it into a loaf before placing it in the air fryer.

If you're short on time, you can also use pre-cooked gyro meat slices, which are typically made from a mixture of seasoned beef and lamb. These are a convenient option, as they can be quickly heated and used in various dishes.

For a healthier option, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This is a leaner choice that can be easily marinated and cooked in the air fryer.

Remember to slice or shred your meat thinly before serving, as this will allow you to stack your gyro with all the delicious fillings.

Preparing the marinade

To make gyro meat in an air fryer, you'll need to start by preparing a marinade. This will add flavour and moisture to the meat, ensuring a juicy and tasty end result. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing the marinade:

Ingredients:

• Greek yoghurt
• Balsamic vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yoghurt, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk or blend until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture.
• Place your chicken thighs in a Ziploc bag or a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. If using a bowl, use your hands or a spoon to coat the chicken evenly. If using a Ziploc bag, seal the bag and gently shake or massage the contents until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
• Place the marinated chicken in the refrigerator to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. For best results, leave it to marinate for several hours or even overnight.
• Once the meat has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.
• If you're using wooden skewers for the gyro meat, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the meat. This will prevent them from burning in the air fryer.

Now that your marinade is ready, you can move on to the next steps of making gyro meat in an air fryer!

Cooking the gyro meat

Gyro meat can be made from lamb, pork, chicken, or beef. For an authentic Greek flavour, season the meat with a blend of garlic, oregano, paprika, and other Mediterranean herbs and spices.

If you're using an air fryer, you can cook the gyro meat directly in the air fryer basket. First, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Then, place the gyro meat slices in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meat is crispy and golden brown.

Alternatively, you can cook the gyro meat on a spit, as is traditional. Slice the meat thinly and slide it onto a vertical spit to form an upside-down cone shape. Rub the outside with your chosen seasonings and place slices of fat throughout the stack of meat. The vertical spit will cook the meat and melt the layers of fat, creating a self-basting effect and keeping the meat juicy.

If you're using an air fryer, you can also cook the gyro meat as a meatloaf. First, form the seasoned meat into a loaf shape and wrap it in oiled aluminium foil. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes, then place the meatloaf in the basket and cook for 45 minutes at 300°F. Remove the meatloaf from the foil and return it to the air fryer for another 15 minutes, or until the centre of the meat reaches 165°F.

Once your gyro meat is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Preparing the toppings and sauces

Chopping the Vegetables:

• For a classic gyro, you'll need onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. You can use a sharp knife to slice a sweet or red onion, adding a crisp bite to your sandwich.
• For the tomatoes, aim for medium-thick slices. Roma tomatoes are a great choice, but any ripe and flavorful variety will work.
• As for the lettuce, green lettuce leaves torn into small or medium pieces add a nice texture and flavor to your gyro.

Preparing the Tzatziki Sauce:

The tzatziki sauce is a key component of a gyro. It's a creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic, providing a refreshing contrast to the meat. Here's how you can make it:

• In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic (either minced or in the form of garlic puree), lemon juice, and dill.
• Mix well, and adjust the flavors to your taste. You can add more lemon juice or dill to suit your preference.
• Cover the bowl and let the tzatziki sauce sit in the fridge until you're ready to assemble your gyro.

Optional Toppings:

While the basic gyro includes vegetables, meat, and tzatziki sauce, you can take it up a notch with some optional toppings:

• Pita Bread or Flatbread: Warm pita bread or flatbread in your air fryer for a few minutes to make it soft and pliable.
• Kalamata Olives: These Greek olives add a briny twist to your gyro.
• Lemon Wedges: Offer a hint of citrus to complement the other flavors.
• Feta Cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese for an extra salty and tangy kick.

Remember, the beauty of a gyro is that you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings and sauces to find your perfect match!

Assembling the gyro

To assemble the gyro, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Tzatziki sauce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Lettuce
• Cucumber slices (optional)
• Kalamata olives (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

• Warm the pita bread or flatbread: If desired, you can warm the pita bread in the air fryer for a few minutes until it is slightly toasted.
• Spread the sauce: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on one side of the pita bread. You can make your own tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with cucumber, garlic, and dill.
• Add the vegetables: Place the lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onions on top of the sauce. If using cucumber slices, add them now.
• Add the meat: Place the cooked gyro meat slices on top of the vegetables. For an authentic gyro, you can use a mixture of seasoned beef and lamb, or you can use other proteins such as chicken.
• Add optional ingredients: If desired, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives on top. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice from the lemon wedges.
• Fold and serve: Carefully fold the pita bread or flatbread to enclose the fillings. Your gyro is now ready to be enjoyed!

Feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with additional toppings, such as sliced mushrooms or different types of cheese. Enjoy your delicious, homemade gyro!

Frequently asked questions