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Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wrap with Yogurt Marinated Chicken

In recent years, the air fryer has become a kitchen sensation, allowing home cooks to achieve crispy, delicious meals with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. One dish that is particularly well-suited to this innovative cooking appliance is chicken shawarma, a Middle Eastern favourite. This article guides you through preparing a flavour-packed Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wrap featuring yogurt marinated chicken, ensuring a quick and healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

The Magic of Yogurt Marinade

Marinating chicken in yogurt is a traditional technique used in many Middle Eastern cuisines. Yogurt not only tenderises the meat but also imparts a tangy flavour that complements the spices beautifully. For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients for the marinade:

Ingredients for the Chicken Marinade

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 200g plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper). Mix well to create a smooth marinade.

2. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for even better results.

Cooking the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection in the air fryer.

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes to preheat.

2. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

3. Rest the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Preparing the Wraps

While the chicken is resting, you can prepare your wraps. For the shawarma wraps, you will need:

• Large flatbreads or pitta bread
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 100g lettuce, shredded
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish

Creating the Yoghurt Sauce

A refreshing yoghurt sauce is the perfect complement to the spiced chicken. For this, simply mix:

• 150g plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• A pinch of salt
• Chopped fresh mint or coriander (optional for added freshness)

Assembling the Wraps

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested chicken into strips.

2. Prepare the Wraps: Lay the flatbreads on a clean surface. Place a generous amount of chicken in the centre of each wrap, followed by slices of cucumber, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and red onion.

3. Drizzle the Yoghurt Sauce: Add a spoonful of the yoghurt sauce on top.

4. Wrap and Enjoy: Fold the sides of the flatbread over the filling and roll it tightly. Secure with a skewer if needed.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Yogurt Marinated Chicken are not only a delightful way to experience the flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine but also a healthier alternative to traditional methods. The air fryer ensures that the chicken remains juicy on the inside while achieving a beautifully crisp exterior. Serve your wraps with additional yoghurt sauce on the side and a fresh green salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your delicious journey into the world of shawarma!

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