Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma: The One-Basket Dinner
August 26th, 2025, Posted by travelwith2ofus
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Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Get that incredible, takeout-style flavor with none of the fuss. This recipe transforms juicy, spice-marinated chicken and vibrant veggies into a complete meal, all cooked to perfection in a single air fryer basket.
It's the ultimate solution for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Simply pair your one-basket wonder with some warm pita, fresh tzatziki, and crisp veggies for a complete shawarma experience.
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This recipes is from the Instant Brands Culinary Team.
Chicken Shawarma - Details
Golden, spiced, and impossibly tender, Chicken Shawarma is Middle Eastern comfort food at its finest.
Traditionally slow-roasted on a spit, this air-fried version delivers the same smoky depth and warmth in a fraction of the time.
Marinated chicken thighs soak up a vibrant blend of cumin, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, and lemon, then roast to juicy perfection alongside peppers and onions.
Pile it all into soft, warm pita, add a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki, and finish with crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine for balance.
Every bite hits a perfect note, spiced, fresh, and cooling all at once. Whether shared at the table or tucked into handheld wraps, this Chicken Shawarma Dinner transforms a weeknight into a flavorful feast that feels both effortless and indulgent.
Chicken Shawarma - Recipe
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 ½ tsp. ground turmeric
- ½ tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 ½ tbsp. ground cumin
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ cup full fat yogurt
- 4 tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced into 8 wedges
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 lemons, cut into wedges, for serving
- 8 pita breads, for serving
- 1 ½ cups tzatziki, for serving
- Mix it up: In a large bowl, whisk cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, ginger, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, lemon juice, yogurt, and olive oil into a thick marinade. Toss in chicken, coat well, and chill for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Veggie prep: In another bowl, toss red bell peppers and onion wedges with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Preheat & load: Fire up the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken on one side of the basket, veggies on the other. A little crowding? Totally fine.
- Cook it: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 16–18 minutes, no stirring needed. You’ll know it’s done when chicken is juicy and veggies are tender with charred edges.
- Serve it up: Transfer to a platter and garnish with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Pair with warm pita, lemon wedges, and a side of tzatziki.
Shop Instant Vortex Plus
The Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen essential with six functions, including air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating, and dehydrating.
Its ClearCook window and internal light let you monitor your food without opening the basket, while built-in replaceable air filters help reduce lingering odors.
Powered by EvenCrisp technology, it delivers a golden, crispy finish with tender results every time. Smart one-touch programs make cooking favorites like wings, roasted veggies, and cinnamon buns effortless.
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