Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
Ready in about 36 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
Warmly spiced, garlicky chicken with crisp charred edges, ready to stuff into wraps with garlic sauce. The air fryer mimics the crackle of the rotating spit, turning simple thighs into fragrant Middle Eastern shawarma in minutes.
Ingredients
- 700 g chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- Juice of 1 lemon
Method
- 1Combine the oil, all the spices, garlic and lemon, then coat the chicken.
- 2Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- 4Spread the chicken in the basket and cook for 15-18 minutes, tossing halfway.
- 5Check the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) and the edges are charred.
- 6Serve in flatbreads with salad and garlic or tahini sauce.
Tips for the best results
- Slice the thighs thinly so they crisp at the edges.
- A longer marinade deepens the warm spice flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer chicken shawarma?+
Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 15-18 min, toss halfway.