Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a popular Mediterranean dish known for its flavorful marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection. Using an air fryer to prepare this dish makes it quicker and easier, while still delivering juicy and flavorful chicken. This recipe features a zesty marinade with classic Greek ingredients and is perfect for a healthy, delicious meal.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced tomatoes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
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!