1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade
- Mix Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
2. Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a crispy exterior.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Arrange Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Assemble and Serve
- Prepare Pita and Vegetables: While the chicken is resting, warm the pita or flatbreads in the air fryer or oven. Slice the cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes.
- Assemble: Serve the chicken souvlaki on pita bread or flatbreads. Top with tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki with your favorite sides or as a delicious, healthy wrap!
Tips for Success
- Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or halloumi cheese for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that brings the taste of Greece to your kitchen. The air fryer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a deliciously crisp exterior. Whether served in pita wraps or as a standalone dish with a side of tzatziki and fresh vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean with minimal effort and maximum flavor!