Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Pitas Recipe
Published: April 1, 2024
Just whipped up some air fryer chicken shawarma pitas. Marinated chicken, air-fried to perfection, tucked into warm pitas with fresh toppings. Easy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying!
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Ever tried your hand at making chicken shawarma at home? Trust me, it's a total game changer! My air fryer chicken shawarma pitas recipe will make dinner a snap, teasing your taste buds with a mix of exotic spices and tender chicken all tucked inside a warm pita. No fancy restaurant, no hefty bill, just you and your air fryer crafting a lip-smacking meal. Ready for this culinary adventure? Let's dive in!
Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Pitas
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful protein base for the shawarma, ensuring a tender and succulent filling for the pitas.
- Olive oil: Infuses richness and helps in marinating the chicken, adding depth of flavor to the shawarma pitas.
- Garlic: Provides a pungent kick and aromatic essence, enhancing the overall taste profile of the chicken shawarma.
- Cumin: Adds earthy warmth and depth, a key spice in shawarma seasoning, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Paprika: Imparts a smoky sweetness and vibrant color, essential for the authentic shawarma spice blend.
- Turmeric: Lends a warm, peppery flavor and vibrant hue, enhancing the visual appeal and taste of the dish.
- Cinnamon: Offers a subtle sweetness and warmth, balancing the savory spices in the shawarma seasoning mix.
- Pita bread: Provides a soft and sturdy base for the shawarma filling, perfect for holding all the delicious ingredients together.
One interesting fact about this air fryer chicken shawarma pitas recipe is that you can add a touch of sumac to the marinade for a tangy twist that complements the flavors beautifully. Sumac is a versatile spice that adds a unique citrusy flavor to dishes and can take your shawarma to the next level. Give it a try and elevate your dish with this unexpected ingredient!
Kitchen Tools Required
- Air fryer: Cooks the chicken quickly and evenly, giving it a crispy texture without the need for excess oil.
- Mixing bowl: Used to marinate the chicken with the spices and olive oil for enhanced flavor.
- Knife: Essential for slicing the cooked chicken into strips for easy assembly in the pita bread.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita bread
- Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, tahini sauce)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, slice it into strips.
- Warm the pita bread in the air fryer for a minute.
- Assemble the pitas by placing the chicken strips and your choice of toppings inside the pita bread.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Read more: Chicken Lollipops in the Air Fryer Recipe
Nutritional value:
Per Serving in Calories: 380 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 24 g | Total Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 110 mg | Sodium: 420 mg | Dietary Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 1 g | Calcium: 60 mg | Potassium: 320 mg | Iron: 2 mg | Vitamin A: 80 µg | Vitamin C: 5 mg
Prep Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Marinate the chicken as per the recipe instructions and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- You can slice the cooked chicken and store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the pitas.
Freezing Instructions
- After cooking the chicken, allow it to cool completely.
- Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and using in pitas.
