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These twenty-minute air fryer chicken gyros bring the bold flavors of your favorite takeout into your kitchen in no time at all. Juicy marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, crispy fries, and vibrant veggies wrapped in warm naan taste just as good as any gyro shop—without the wait.
I first pulled this recipe together after a long day when the whole family wanted something fun and hearty. Now every time I break out the air fryer my kids cheer for gyro night.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs: for juicy results choose thighs with minimal fat or ask your butcher to trim them
- Fresh garlic cloves: brings punchy flavor look for plump firm cloves
- Lemon juice: gives zing and balances richness pick lemons that feel heavy for their size
- Olive oil: for tenderness and flavor use extra virgin if possible
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili flakes: layer up the seasoning opt for smoked paprika from Spain for extra depth
- Butter: softens for easy mixing use high quality or European style for more flavor
- Naan bread: acts as the perfect chewy wrap look for soft bakery naan or make your own
- Tzatziki sauce: cools and ties the gyro together homemade makes it extra fresh but store bought saves time
- French fries: crispy and warm inside the wrap use hand cut fries or a reliable frozen brand
- Red onion, tomato, cucumber: add crunch and vibrancy choose vegetables that feel heavy crisp and free of blemishes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Mix cubed chicken thighs with the garlic lemon juice olive oil salt pepper smoked paprika garlic powder and chili flakes in a bowl. Massage the marinade into the meat so every piece gets coated. Cover and rest for at least thirty minutes in the fridge so the flavors soak in.
- Thread and Cook the Chicken:
- Skewer the marinated chicken pieces snugly onto wooden skewers. Place skewers into an air fryer basket or arrange on a baking tray. Cook at four hundred degrees until browned around eighteen to twenty minutes flipping halfway for even cooking and juicy results.
- Make Seasoned Butter:
- Stir together softened butter with half a lemon’s juice salt pepper and a pinch of chili powder in a bowl until fully combined. This butter should be smooth and just spicy enough to lift the chicken’s flavors.
- Baste the Chicken:
- When the chicken is hot out of the fryer slather it thoroughly with the seasoned butter letting it melt and soak in for extra richness.
- Warm the Naan:
- Place naan pieces in a dry skillet or directly in the air fryer for just a minute or two until they’re warm and pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Lay the naan on a board. Spread on a layer of tzatziki then add a handful of fries and arrange chicken pieces over top. Sprinkle on diced onion tomato and cucumber tucking the edges before rolling the naan up.
- Wrap and Serve:
- Pull the naan together and wrap tightly in parchment to keep everything in. Slice if desired and enjoy while still warm with all the melted flavors.
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I adore the seasoned butter in this recipe. The way it melts over the chicken and mixes with the spices is truly next level. My kids always insist on extra for “dipping” their fries and veggies turning the meal into a hands-on feast.
Storage tips
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and it will stay juicy and flavorful for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until just warmed through. Keep veggies and naan separate to prevent sogginess.
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap chicken breasts for thighs but be careful not to overcook as they dry out faster. For dairy free try plant based butter and a dairy free tzatziki. Gluten free naan or wraps also make it accessible for everyone.
Serving suggestions
Serve the gyros classic style with extra fries or go for a hearty salad on the side. For a party set out all the fixings and let guests build their own wraps. Leftover chicken and veggies work beautifully over rice for easy lunches.
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Cultural context
Gyros are a beloved street food across Greece and the Mediterranean featuring meats roasted on a vertical spit then wrapped in flatbread with sauces and salads. This homemade twist uses modern equipment to make it easy for anyone to recreate the flavors at home with everyday ingredients.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should the chicken be marinated?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though longer marination will deepen the taste.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works as an alternative, but thighs stay juicier and offer a richer texture when air-fried.
- → What are the key toppings for assembly?
Classic toppings include tzatziki, warm naan, French fries, diced red onion, tomato, and cucumber for freshness and crunch.
- → Do I have to use an air fryer?
No, you can bake the chicken on a baking tray at 400°F (200°C) for a similar result if you don’t have an air fryer.
- → How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before use to reduce the risk of burning during cooking.