Shawarma is warmly spiced chicken, slow-charred and shaved into wraps. The air fryer recreates the char and keeps the meat juicy — and it's done in 15 minutes. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does chicken shawarma take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry marinated shawarma at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, turning once, to an internal 74°C.
Q: What's in the spice mix?
A: Cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic and a little cinnamon, with lemon and oil.
Times & temperatures
| Cut | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thigh strips | 200°C / 400°F | 13–15 min |
| Breast strips | 200°C / 400°F | 12–14 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
- 600g chicken thighs, in strips
- 1 tbsp oil, juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp each paprika & coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric, garlic, pinch cinnamon
Method
- Marinate the chicken 30 minutes.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes.
- Turn once for an even char.
- Serve in flatbreads with salad.
260 kcal
32g protein
2g carbs
13g fat
0.7g salt
Build the wrap
- Warm flatbread in the air fryer for a minute.
- Garlic sauce or tzatziki, then chicken and salad.
- Add pickled chilli or red cabbage for crunch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does chicken shawarma take in an air fryer?
About 12–15 minutes at 200°C, turning once, to an internal 74°C. Thigh strips take slightly longer than breast.
What spices go in shawarma?
Cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric and garlic, with a little cinnamon, plus lemon and oil to bind the marinade.
Thighs or breast for shawarma?
Thighs stay juiciest and most authentic, but breast works well for a leaner wrap.