Description
This 20 Minute Air-Fryer Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection in an air fryer, then basted with a zesty seasoned butter. Served on warm naan bread with tzatziki sauce, homemade or frozen French fries, and fresh diced vegetables, this dish offers a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal ready in just one hour including marinating time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- ½ lemon juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
Seasoned Butter
- 100 g butter softened
- ½ lemon juiced
- Pinch salt
- Pinch black pepper
- Pinch chili powder (optional)
For Assembly
- Naan bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- French fries homemade or frozen
- Red onion diced
- Tomato diced
- Cucumber diced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly, cover, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for 15-20 minutes to prevent burning. Place the skewers in the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Seasoned Butter: While the chicken cooks, mix softened butter with lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder in a small bowl until well combined. Set this seasoned butter aside.
- Finish the Chicken: After removing the chicken from the air fryer, baste the hot chicken pieces generously with the seasoned butter for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Warm the Naan: Heat the naan bread briefly in a skillet or air fryer until soft and pliable enough to fold easily without cracking.
- Assemble the Gyros: Lay out the warm naan bread and spread a thick layer of tzatziki sauce over it. Add a handful of French fries, followed by the buttery chicken pieces, diced red onion, tomato, and cucumber. Wrap the naan tightly using parchment paper for easy handling.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the assembled chicken gyros immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect combination of crispy fries, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 15-20 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after air frying, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use homemade French fries for a fresh taste or frozen fries for convenience.
- Substitute naan bread with pita bread if preferred for a different texture.
- The seasoned butter can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, then warmed slightly before use.
