Air Fryer Chicken Gyros (Under 30 Minutes!)

Air Fryer Chicken Gyros combine tender, marinated chicken, creamy Greek tzatziki, sumac onions, and couscous. The perfect mid-week meal, it's juicy, savoury, and warmly spiced, just like traditional Greek chicken gyros, but ready in less than 30 minutes with no rotisserie spit needed!

'Gyros' comes from the Greek γύρος (gýros, 'circle' or 'turn'). It is a calque of the Turkish döner, from dönmek, also meaning 'turn'. This actually refers to the rotating spit roast used to cook the meat in traditional recipes, not the dish itself.

So naming this air fryer version of Chicken Gyros a 'gyros' is cheating a little. But we're here for the flavours, aren't we?! And this easy chicken gyros recipe offers all the same tastes and textures without requiring fancy equipment or hours of cooking. It's my favourite fakeaway dish that tastes just like the gyros I've had in Greece.

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Gyros Recipe

If you're a home cook like me, you love recreating your favourite recipes at home using what you have available. And this recipe means you can enjoy chicken gyros at home on a weeknight, within budget.

• Not everyone has a rotating roasting spit at home (go figure!), so this version makes it accessible for everyone. 
• The air fryer reduces the cook time significantly. 
• It's such a versatile recipe as there are so many things you can make with it - traditional gyros in pitta, chicken gyros bowl, loaded fries, etc. 

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, so it's great for meal prep.

Ingredients and Notes

Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete ingredient list and details.

• Meat: I use chicken thighs, which result in the juiciest outcome, but you can switch the protein for whatever you fancy. Lamb is another popular option. Pork tenderloin also works well. Or, for a vegetarian version, try halloumi or thick slices of cauliflower.
• Marinade: Greek Yoghurt, lemon juice (this helps to tenderise the meat), and garlic paste.
• Spices: Ground cumin, oregano, paprika, ground coriander, cayenne, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and salt create a warm flavour, giving the meat incredible depth.
• Tzatziki: I make homemade tzatziki with cucumber, Greek yoghurt, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and white pepper.
• Sumac Onions: Red onion, olive oil, sumac, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Simple, but they make the whole dish.
• To Serve: Pita or Greek flatbreads, halloumi, tomato, cucumber, and chips.

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Gyros

1. Marinate the chicken. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs and stir to coat fully. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge (up to 36 hours max, as the yoghurt will start to break down the meat beyond that). If you're short on time, even 5 minutes works.

2. Cook the chicken. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, evenly spaced and not overcrowded. Work in batches, if needed! Air fry at 200°C/390°F for 16 minutes until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and slightly charred. No air fryer? Oven bake at 200°C/390°F for 18-22 minutes instead.

3. Slice. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.

4. Serve. Enjoy your chicken gyros in a flatbread, bowl, or over fries, paired with cold tzatziki sauce.

Sumac Onions & Other Accompaniments

These take two minutes and completely transform the dish. Don't skip them!

1. Finely slice one red onion and toss with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sumac, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
2. Mix well and set aside while the chicken cooks. The lemon juice will lightly pickle the onion, softening the sharpness while letting the floral, tangy sumac shine through.
3. Prepare chopped cucumber, tomato and halloumi as well.

Serving Suggestions

One of my favourite things about this Greek-style gyro chicken is how versatile it is to serve. I like to add it to pita bread with tzatziki sauce, sumac onions, cucumber, tomato, and halloumi, pairing it with deep-fried chips or halloumi fries. This is how gyros are typically served from street carts in Greece!

How to Assemble Your Air Fryer Chicken Gyros Bowl

The meat also works well served in bowls.

1. Cook giant couscous in chicken or vegetable stock until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Spread a thick layer of tzatziki across the base of the plate.
3. Spoon the cooked couscous over the tzatziki.

• Pile on the sliced air fryer chicken gyros.
• Add cucumber, tomato, halloumi, and sumac onions.
• Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a pinch of cayenne.

Storage and Reheating

Once cool, transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze air fryer gyros chicken raw in the marinade or cooked for up to 4 months.

Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight and cook as usual.

To reheat cooked chicken, microwave it until piping hot throughout. Since we're using chicken thighs, it retains its juiciness really well, so they won't dry out. Alternatively, pop it back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to crisp the edges back up.

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