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Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Thighs served on a plate

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Thighs

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Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Thighs deliver juicy, tender chicken with crispy, caramelized edges by marinating boneless skinless thighs in Middle Eastern spices and air frying at 380°F. This quick and easy method cooks the chicken in just 18 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs trim excess fat but leave some for moisture
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin fresh for best flavor
  • 2 teaspoon ground coriander fresh for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika sweet or smoked paprika works
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric optional for color and warmth
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional for warmth
  • 3 cloves garlic minced fresh garlic for best flavor
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice fresh for brightness and tenderizing
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil helps spices stick and crisps edges
  • to taste salt and pepper season to taste

Equipment

  • Air fryer Preheat and cook chicken thighs
  • Mixing bowl Combine marinade ingredients and coat chicken
  • Tongs Flip chicken halfway during cooking
  • Instant-read thermometer Check internal temperature reaches 165°F

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss the boneless skinless chicken thighs in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.
    1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground paprika, 0.5 tsp ground turmeric, 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, to taste salt and pepper
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 to 4 minutes to ensure the basket is fully heated before adding the chicken.
  3. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each piece to prevent steaming.
    1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  4. Air fry the chicken thighs at 380°F for 9 minutes. Using tongs, flip each piece so the other side faces up, then continue air frying for an additional 9 minutes. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 165°F at the thickest part.
    1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  5. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest uncovered on a cutting board for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices before slicing or serving.
    1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket – leave 1 inch between each chicken piece for best caramelization.
  • Flip chicken halfway at 9 minutes for even browning and crisp edges.
  • Always check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

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