Airfryer Chicken Gyros

This tasty Airfryer Chicken Gyros recipe is cooked and ready in less than 30 minutes. It's juicy, spicy and - when paired with a creamy, cooling Tzatziki - the perfect mid-week meal.

'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, not the dish itself.

So naming this airfryer version of Chicken Gyros a 'gyros' is cheating a little. But we're here for the flavours, aren't we?!

Why This Is The Best 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 eveyrone
• cooking it in the airfryer 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.

I use chicken thighs are they result in the juiciest outcome, but you can switch the protein for whatever you fancy. Lamb is another popular option.

Ingredients for Chicken Gyros

Airfryer Chicken Gyros Marinade

• Meat: Chicken Thighs (substitute for any protein you like)
• Marinade: Greek Yoghurt, Lemon Juice (this helps to tenderise the meat) and Garlic Paste
• Spices: Grund Cumin, Oregano, Paprika, Ground Coriander, Cayenne, Ground Cardamom, Ground Cinnamon, Salt

Tzatziki

• Cucumber, Greek Yoghurt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Vinegar, Garlic
• Seasoning: Salt, White Pepper

How To Make Airfryer Chicken Gyros

Chicken Gyros Marinade

Mix together all the ingredients for the chicken gyros marinade. Mix chicken thighs through the marinade, then place in an airfryer basket (ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded).

Cook coated chicken thighs in airfryer until fully cooked and slightly charred (this gives it an authentic gyros taste). Slice the chicken up. Make the tzatziki if opting to use it in your dish.

Use the airfryer chicken gyros and tzatziki to make your choice of traditional gyros in a flatbread, a chicken gyros bowl (see full instructions on how to assemble below) or loaded fries.

Other Components of Gyros To Prepare

I would always typically prepare the following, regardless of how I was choosing to eating my Airfryer Chicken Gyros:

• cucumber
• tomato
• halloumi
• sumac onions

Assembly of Chicken Gyros Bowl

Cook giant cous cous in chicken or vegetable stock. Spread a thick layer of tzatziki onto the plate followed by the cooked cous cous.

Add cooked airfryer chicken gyros, then finish with a sprinkle of all other components (cucumber, tomato, sumac onions and halloumi).

I always like to add a little drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle of sea salt and cayenne on top to serve.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Fridge: 4 days
• Freezer (either raw in marinade or cooked): 4 months

Reheating

How should I reheat Chicken Gyros? Because we've used chicken thighs, it retains it's juiciness really well - so microwaving it until piping hot throughout is the best (and quickest) option.