Print

Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 7 reviews

This Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy traditional Greek grilled chicken using an air fryer. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices, the tender chicken thighs are threaded onto skewers and air fried to juicy perfection with subtly charred edges. Serve with tzatziki, warm pita, and classic toppings like crumbled feta, sliced tomatoes, and red onion for a delicious Mediterranean meal ready in under three hours including marinating time.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1¾ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (5 to 6 thighs)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Greek oregano leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

To Serve

  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Warm pita bread
  • Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Sliced tomatoes (optional)
  • Sliced red onion (optional)
  • Olives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1½-inch chunks, trimming off excess fat to ensure even cooking and tender bites.
  2. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl or gallon-size zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Soak Skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during cooking.
  4. Thread Chicken on Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto the soaked skewers, placing pieces so they touch but are not tightly packed. Leave a small space at each end to handle the skewers easily.
  5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to ensure a hot cooking environment for crispy, golden chicken.
  6. Air Fry Chicken: Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 13 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through with lightly charred edges.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove skewers and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Serve on a platter, tucked into warm pita, or in bowls with tzatziki and your preferred toppings like feta, tomatoes, red onion, and olives.

Notes

  • The olive oil used should be extra virgin for best flavor.
  • Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
  • Flip skewers halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
  • Internal chicken temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast but thighs stay juicier in the air fryer.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding which can hinder proper crisping.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/air-fryer-chicken-souvlaki-recipe/