Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma: A Quick and Flavorful Delight

Savor the Middle Eastern Flavors in Minutes

Who said losing weight had to be boring?!

Get ready to be whisked away to the streets of the Middle East with our Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe! This dish brings you all the exotic flavors of traditional shawarma but in a quick, easy, and healthier way using an air fryer. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a unique meal prep idea, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. LETS SHRED THAT FAT!

Macros per serving : 34g C | 64g P | 7g F

Calories per serving: 451 - 7oz chicken breast & 4oz rice

Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes + Marinating Time

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes + Marinating Time

• Servings: 4-6

• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

• Course: Main Dish

• Difficulty: Easy

• Ideal for: Quick Dinners, Flavor Enthusiasts

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1/8 cup olive oil

• 3 tbsp shawarma spice blend (available at Middle Eastern stores or online)

• 2 tbsp garlic paste

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt to taste

• 2 tsp ground black pepper

• Fresh parsley for garnish

• Pita bread and tahini sauce for serving

• Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions for accompaniment

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, shawarma spice blend, garlic paste, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

3. Cook the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slightly crispy exterior.

4. Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. Slice it into thin strips.

5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the chicken shawarma in pita bread, topped with tahini sauce, and accompanied by sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.

Key Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

1. Marination Time: Longer marination infuses the chicken with more flavor.

2. Even Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer for even cooking and crispiness.

   1. Or, stir every every 5 minutes and cook a bit longer if you overcrowd.

3. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

4. Serve Immediately: For the best taste, serve the chicken shawarma immediately after cooking.

Tips for Weight Loss

1. Opt for Lean Protein: Chicken thighs are a great source of lean protein, but for an even leaner option, you can use chicken breasts.

2. Control Portion Sizes: Serve sensible portions to manage calorie intake, especially when including sides like pita bread and tahini sauce.

3. Choose Healthy Accompaniments: Opt for fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, and limit high-calorie sauces. Consider using low-fat yogurt-based sauces instead of tahini.

4. Mindful Marination: While the olive oil in the marinade adds flavor, you can reduce the quantity to cut down on extra fat.

Meal Prepping Variation Ideas

• Shawarma Salad Bowls: For a low-carb option, serve the sliced chicken over a bed of mixed greens, topped with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light yogurt dressing.

• Protein-Packed Wraps: Use whole-grain or low-carb wraps to make healthy shawarma wraps. Add plenty of fresh veggies and a drizzle of yogurt sauce.

• Shawarma Grain Bowls: Pair the chicken with quinoa or brown rice, adding a mix of roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal prep option.

• Versatile Protein Addition: The cooked chicken can be used throughout the week in various dishes, from salads to wraps, making your meal prep diverse and exciting.

Pairing Options

• Pair with a side of hummus and tabbouleh for a traditional Middle Eastern meal.

• Enjoy with a simple fattoush salad for a light and refreshing complement.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

• Reheat in the air fryer to maintain the texture and flavor.

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of the Middle East with this easy and quick Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe. Whether you're looking for a new meal prep idea or a fast and satisfying dinner, this dish promises a burst of flavors and an enjoyable cooking experience! 🌯🍗✨