Description:
This delicious take on a classic Middle Eastern dish is Air Fryer Whole Chicken Shawarma. This recipe brings the taste of street cuisine home with a robust marinade of spices including cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garlic. A whole chicken can be air-fried to achieve incredibly crispy skin and succulent, flavorful meat without the oil or trouble of roasting. This dish will become your new favorite and is ideal for weekend meal prep or evening dinners.
Ingredients: (Air Fryer Whole Chicken Shawarma Recipe)
- One 3.5–4-pound whole chicken, thoroughly washed and wiped dry
- Two teaspoons of plain or Greek yogurt
- Three teaspoons of olive oil
- One tablespoon of lemon juice
- Four minced garlic cloves
- One tablespoon of cumin powder
- One tablespoon of ground coriander
- One teaspoon of turmeric
- One teaspoon of paprika smoked
- Half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or more if desired
- One teaspoon of cinnamon
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- One teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions: (Air Fryer Whole Chicken Shawarma Recipe)
- Prep the Chicken
After rinsing, use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. Clear the cavity of any giblets. To aid in the marinade’s penetration, make tiny incisions in the meat’s thickest areas.
2. Make the Shawarma Marinade
Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and all the spices in a bowl. Until a thick, well-blended paste is formed, stir.
3. Marinate the Chicken
Apply a generous amount of the marinade over the entire bird, including the cavities and under the skin. For optimal flavor, marinate it for at least two hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
For around five minutes, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Air Fry the Chicken
Put the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down. For 30 minutes, air fry at 350°F (175°C). After that, turn the chicken breast-side up and continue cooking it for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the thickest section reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tips:
- To make sure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer.
- For the most flavorful shawarma, let the chicken marinade for the entire night.
- For easier cleanup, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper that has holes in it.
- Make sure there is enough airflow around the chicken in your air fryer by not packing it too full.
- Serve with hummus, pickles, tahini, garlic sauce, warm pita, or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad.
Serving Size:
- Serves: 4–6 people
- Serving Suggestions: Slice and stuff in pita bread or serve as a protein with rice or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
Benefits of Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma:
- Better Cooking Technique: Air frying uses a lot less oil than pan or deep-frying.
- High-protein meals are excellent for preserving energy levels, losing weight, and helping muscles recover.
- Tasty and Adaptable: Works well in salads, bowls, sandwiches, and wraps.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe keeps nicely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, so cook once and eat often.
- Bringing robust Middle Eastern cuisine into your house is the Cultural Culinary Experience.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use boneless chicken instead of a whole chicken?
A: Sure, but cut down on the cooking time. Boneless breasts or thighs cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes. The bones and skin give the whole bird a juicier, more flavourful experience.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For optimal results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze this chicken?
A: Definitely. After the chicken has cooled, shred it and freeze it in pieces. Ideal for bowls or wraps at the last minute.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The cayenne pepper gives it a mild to medium level of heat. For a milder version, feel free to cut back on or leave out the cayenne.
Q: Can I cook this in a traditional oven?
A: Indeed! Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the marinated whole chicken for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: What sides pair best with chicken shawarma?
A: Rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, tabbouleh, cucumber yogurt salad, or flatbreads like pita or laffa.
Convenience, health, and flavor come together perfectly with Air Fryer Whole Chicken Shawarma. Regardless of your preference for Middle Eastern food or your want to add some variation to your evening meal, this recipe offers a lot of flavor with little work. It’s guaranteed to please a crowd and is both affordable and freezer-friendly. You’ll taste the difference if you let that marinade do its job for the entire night!
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