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I'm obsessed with shawarma, but making it at home always seemed daunting. Then I discovered this air fryer hack! Now, I whip up crispy, juicy chicken shawarma in no time. Stuffed into warm pitas with fresh toppings, it's my go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this easy method, you'll never look back. Let's dive into this game-changing recipe that'll transport your taste buds straight to the Middle East!
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.
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.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Pitas Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients:
Main 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
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita bread
- Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, tahini sauce)
Read more: Chicken Lollipops in the Air Fryer Recipe
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!
Notes:
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Read more: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
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.
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!
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