Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Optional for serving:
Warm pita or flatbread
Tzatziki or garlic sauce
Sliced cucumbers
Tomatoes
Red onions
Lettuce
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. Coat the ChickenAdd the chicken strips to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture. Let sit for 5–10 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
3. Preheat Air FryerPreheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
4. Air Fry the ChickenArrange the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
5. ServeServe hot in pita wraps, shawarma bowls, salads, or over rice with your favorite toppings and sauces.
Notes
Cooking Tips
Use chicken thighs for the best flavor.
They stay juicier and more tender in the air fryer than chicken breast.
Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Cook in batches if necessary so the chicken gets crispy instead of steaming.
Marinate longer for stronger flavor.
Even 1–2 hours in the fridge makes a noticeable difference.
Slice evenly.
Keeping the strips the same size helps them cook evenly.
Add char flavor.
If you want a slightly charred shawarma style, cook the last 1–2 minutes at 400°F.
Variations
Spicy Shawarma
Add ½–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spice mix.
Yogurt-Marinated Shawarma
Add ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt to the marinade for extra tenderness.
Garlic Lemon Shawarma
Increase lemon juice and garlic for a brighter, tangier flavor.
Low-Carb Shawarma Bowl
Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and tahini sauce.
Mediterranean Shawarma Wrap
Wrap the chicken in pita with hummus, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and pickled onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g