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Air Fryer Harissa Chicken Gyros
These air fryer harissa chicken gyros are absolutely stunning and make lunchtime extra special... inspired by a version I had at a street food festival.
SERVES
3
CALORIES
331
COOKING TIME
12 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
Air fryer chicken gyros are so quick to make that they also work really well for dinner, especially if you’re having friends round. They look so good that people will think you’ve spent ages cooking but the reality is, it’s all done in 15 minutes.
What is a gyro?
A gyro is a popular Greek dish made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat, typically pork, chicken, beef, or lamb, is sliced thin and served wrapped in pita bread with toppings like tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. The name “gyro” comes from the Greek word for “turn,” referring to the way the meat rotates as it cooks.
Can I make gyros in the air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! You don’t need a rotisserie to enjoy delicious gyros at home. Using the air fryer makes this recipe faster and healthier, delivering crispy, well-seasoned chicken with minimal oil — perfect for a quick fakeaway meal.
What toppings go well with air fryer chicken gyros?
Top your gyro with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, tzatziki, or garlic yoghurt sauce. Add some crumbled feta or a handful of chips for an authentic Greek fakeaway experience.
Can I make these gyros ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply air fry when ready. You can also cook the chicken ahead and reheat it in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes before assembling the gyros.
Is air fryer chicken healthier than traditional gyros meat?
Definitely. Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying or grilling methods, making this a healthier fakeaway alternative that still delivers on flavour and texture.
@boredoflunch Airfryer Harissa Chicken Gyros 🥙 I am obsessed with Greek food, even more so these gyros. This is a play on one of my favourite recipes from my airfryer book. So simple to make, frozen chips too to make it even easier. Ingredients. Coat 300g of chicken thigh in: – Few teaspoons of harissa paste – Juice or a lemon – 1 tsp Cajun seasoning – 1 tsp cumin – 1 tsp paprika – Salt and pepper – Your favourite frozen chips – Flatbreads, pittas or wraps you decide - Homemade tzatziki but you can buy this too. It’s Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, salt and pepper, garlic and 2 mint leaves Method 1. Coat the chicken in the harissa, lemon, cumin, paprika, Cajun and salt and pepper. Set aside for a few hours if you can 2. Preheat the airfryer and add the chicken and frozen chips for 15 mins at 200 3. Assemble in your pittas, flatbreads or wraps with your fillings or choice. I used tomato, greens and tzatziki #food #fyp #viral #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #hungry #chicken #gyros #recipe #tiktok
What’s the best bread to use for homemade gyros?
Traditional Greek pita bread is soft and slightly chewy, making it perfect for wrapping. You can also use flatbreads, naan, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Do I need to marinate the chicken first?
While not essential, marinating the chicken in Greek-style herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) will enhance the flavour and tenderness.
What can I serve with air fryer chicken gyros?
Serve with a Greek salad, sweet potato fries, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of hummus or olives works brilliantly too.
What other meats can I cook for a gyro?
In addition to the traditional pork and chicken, you can also use beef or lamb for making gyros. These meats can be seasoned and cooked in a similar style to create delicious variations of this classic dish.
If you want to check out all of the equipment I used in this recipe, you can visit my Amazon storefront or for more quick and easy airfryer recipes like this, you can pick up a copy of my airfryer cookbooks Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals and The Healthy Air Fryer Book today.
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Method
Step 1
Combine the harissa, lemon juice, paprika, Cajun seasoning, cumin and salt and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken with this mixture – if you can, preheat the air fryer for 2–3 minutes because adding the chicken to the hot drawer will give it an extra bit of char. Air-fry at 200°C (390°F) for 12 minutes.
Step 2
While the chicken is cooking, combine the yogurt with the lemon juice and garlic.
Step 3
Heat the gyros or flatbreads and assemble, stuffing with the chicken and rocket and drizzling over the yogurt sauce, then top with the pomegranate seeds and pickled red onions.
Ingredients
500g (14 oz) skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 tbsp harissa paste
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 supermarket gyros
Flatbreads or pittas
Handful of rocket
3 tbsp pomegranate seeds
small handful of pickled red onions (I use shop-bought – who has time to pickle stuff?)
Sauce:
5 heaped tbsp Greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, crushed