Air-Fried Shawarma: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food. Traditionally, it is made by layering marinated meat onto a spit in a cone shape and cooking it by rotating it over a fire or under a grill. This method of cooking is not possible for most home cooks, so adaptations have been made to prepare it in an air fryer.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You'll need boneless chicken thighs or breasts, spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic. You'll also need olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to taste. You can also add Greek yogurt to the marinade to make the chicken even more tender.

Next, prepare the marinade by mixing all the spices, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a large bowl. You can adjust the spice quantities to your taste preferences. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat it well with the marinade. Make sure all the pieces are evenly covered. If you have time, let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator. If not, aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it sits, the more flavourful it will be.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, you can preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). If you're using an air fryer that has a grill option, you can thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and cook them on the grill for a charred effect.

Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. You can also pile the chicken into a deep container and cover it tightly with foil, pressing down to compress the chicken. Cook for around 10-12 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

After cooking, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips, and it's ready to be served!

You can serve the chicken shawarma in a wrap with flatbreads, yogurt sauce, sliced lettuce, pickles, onions, and tomatoes. Enjoy your homemade chicken shawarma!

Making the sauce

To make the sauce, you will need Greek yoghurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. You can also add in some tahini, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic for a more complex flavour. Stir or whisk all the ingredients together, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add a little more heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Air-frying the chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large bowl and add all the spices, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Toss the chicken until it's well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. If you're marinating overnight, let the chicken sit out at room temperature for an hour before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. You can pile the chicken into a deep container and cover it tightly with foil, pressing down to compress the chicken. Alternatively, you can line the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Air-Fry the Chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If your air fryer can't fit all the chicken in one layer, you may need to cook it in two batches.

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Then, thinly slice the chicken. If you want some crispy edges, put the chicken back into the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 minutes at 375°F.

Preparing the salad

The salad is an essential part of the chicken shawarma wrap, adding freshness and crunch to the juicy, tender chicken. Here's a guide on how to prepare the salad:

Chop the vegetables: Start by chopping your vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and scallions. You can also add herbs like mint, parsley, dill, or basil to give it an extra flavour boost.

Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, prepare a simple dressing by whisking together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and salt. You can also add other ingredients like lemon juice or your favourite spices to give it a unique twist.

Combine and toss: Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over them. Toss everything together until all the vegetables are evenly coated. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for some extra freshness.

Chill: To ensure the salad is nice and crisp, it's best to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will also help the flavours meld together, creating a more harmonious taste experience.

When you're ready to serve, simply assemble your chicken shawarma wrap by spreading some yogurt sauce or tzatziki on warm naan bread or pita bread. Then, add a generous portion of the salad, followed by the sliced chicken. You can also add other toppings like pickles, hot sauce, or fries for an extra indulgent touch. Roll or fold the bread, and enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken shawarma!

Assembling the wrap

First, it is essential to select the right bread to serve as the base of your wrap. Naan or pita bread is the traditional choice, and you can opt for store-bought or homemade options. Warm your chosen bread in the air fryer for a couple of minutes on each side to ensure it is soft and pliable. This step enhances the overall taste and texture of your wrap.

Next, spread a generous amount of sauce onto the warmed bread. You can choose from a variety of sauces, such as tzatziki, tahini, or Lebanese garlic sauce. The sauce adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with the chicken and vegetables.

Now it's time to add the chicken. Place a generous portion of the sliced chicken onto the sauce-covered bread. The chicken is the star of the show, so don't hold back! You can also sprinkle some spices over the chicken for an extra kick.

After adding the chicken, it's time to pile on the veggies. You can choose from a variety of options, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and parsley. These vegetables add a refreshing crunch and a boost of nutrients to your wrap.

Finally, you have the option to add some extra toppings to take your wrap to the next level. Consider adding feta cheese, hot sauce, or even some fries! These additional toppings elevate the flavours and textures of your wrap, making it even more indulgent.

Once you have added all your desired ingredients, it's time to roll or fold the wrap. You can secure it with parchment paper or foil to keep it together, especially if you're on the go. And there you have it—your very own chicken shawarma wrap, ready to be devoured!

Frequently asked questions