Crispy Air Fryer Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe!

Crispy Air Fryer Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gyros Assembly:

• 4-6 pita bread or flatbreads

• Fresh veggies like tomato, red onion, lettuce, and cucumber (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

   • In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

   • Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the marinade, making sure they are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for best flavor).

2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

   • In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out any excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill.

   • Stir well, season with salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate while you cook the chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).

   • Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.

   • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Assemble the Gyros:

   • While the chicken is cooking, warm your pita bread or flatbreads in the air fryer or on a stovetop pan for about 1-2 minutes.

   • Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice it thinly.

   • Place the sliced chicken on the warm pita bread, add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and top with your favorite veggies like tomato, red onion, lettuce, and cucumber.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve your crispy Air Fryer Greek Chicken Gyros immediately. You can wrap them like a traditional gyro or serve them open-faced.

Q&A:

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! You can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are more tender and juicy. If you use breasts, they may cook a little faster, so be sure to check the internal temperature at around 15 minutes.

Q2: Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Tzatziki sauce actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together.

Q3: Can I substitute the pita bread?
A3: Yes! If you don’t have pita bread, you can use flatbread, naan, or even a low-carb option if you prefer.

Q4: Can I make this recipe with a different protein (e.g., lamb, beef, or tofu)?
A4: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with lamb, beef, or tofu. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different proteins may require different temperatures and times to cook properly.

Q5: How can I make this recipe more spicy?
A5: If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinade or mix some hot sauce into the tzatziki sauce.

Q6: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A6: Yes, the chicken can be marinated a day ahead of time, and the tzatziki sauce can be made in advance as well. Just assemble the gyros when you’re ready to eat.

Q7: Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?
A7: To make this dish lighter, you can use skinless chicken breasts, reduce the olive oil in the marinade and tzatziki sauce, and opt for a whole wheat or low-calorie pita.