Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breast will marinate and cook even faster, but keep an eye on it as it dries out more quickly. Consider reducing the air frying time by a couple of minutes, and check for doneness at 12 minutes.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

A minimum of 2 hours brings out the flavor, but if you remember to start the night before, overnight marination makes the chicken extra juicy and flavorful. In a real pinch, even a 30-minute soak works, thanks to the yogurt base.

Can I make this recipe if I don’t have an air fryer?

Of course! These skewers work brilliantly under a broiler, on a grill, or even baked in a very hot oven (a grill pan on the stovetop also works). Just aim for high heat and a little charring.

What are good substitutes for flatbread or pita?

Any soft, chewy bread will work—wraps, tortillas, or even large lettuce leaves if you’re going low-carb. For the full souvlaki experience, seek out Greek-style pitas—they’re perfect.

Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 60g / 1/4 cup full-fat Greek yoghurt; 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated; 2 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground coriander; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 640g / 1.4lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; Oil spray, as needed; 200g / 7oz tomatoes (2 medium), diced; 100g / 3.5oz cucumber, diced; 100g / 3.5oz feta, crumbled; 75g / 2.6oz green pepper (1/2 large), diced; 75g / 2.6oz pitted Kalamata olives; 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1/8 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste); Squeeze of lemon juice, to taste; 4 flatbreads; Tzatziki, as needed (homemade or store-bought); Frozen chips/fries, as needed

Description

Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki is a Greek-inspired main course that features juicy marinated chicken thighs, cooked to perfection in the air fryer, and served with fresh tomato-cucumber salad, flatbreads, tzatziki, and crispy fries. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for a delicious, quick, and healthy meal with a Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Souvlaki:

60g / 1/4 cup full-fat Greek yoghurt
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
2 1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
640g / 1.4lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Oil spray, as needed

For the Salad:

200g / 7oz tomatoes (2 medium), diced
100g / 3.5oz cucumber, diced
100g / 3.5oz feta, crumbled
75g / 2.6oz green pepper (1/2 large), diced
75g / 2.6oz pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/8 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Squeeze of lemon juice, to taste

To Serve:

4 flatbreads
Tzatziki, as needed (homemade or store-bought)
Frozen chips/fries, as needed

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir the chicken pieces into the marinade until they are completely coated. Cover tightly and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours (preferably 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor). Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off the chicken.
Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 4 skewers, leaving a gap at both ends. Pack the pieces closely together to keep the chicken juicy as it cooks.
Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Arrange the chicken skewers in the basket and brush with any remaining marinade. If serving with fries, place them between the skewers. Lightly spray with oil. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is lightly charred and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F.
Prepare the Salad: While the chicken cooks, finely dice the tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, and red onion. Crumble the feta and chop the dill. In a bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the chopped veggies, feta, olives, and dill. Gently toss to combine, then finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.
Serve: Brush the cooked chicken with any excess oil in the air fryer. Serve immediately in flatbreads with tzatziki, fries, and generous portions of the salad. Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki!

Notes

Skewers: Wooden skewers work well and typically won’t burn in the air fryer, but you can use metal skewers—just be careful as they get very hot. Cut/skewer to fit your air fryer.
Chicken Thigh: Thighs are recommended for juiciness and flavor, though breast can be substituted but may cook faster.
Marinating: For best flavor, marinate at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. If in a hurry, it’s still delicious with minimal marination.
Serving: Serve as wraps like a gyro, or plate everything separately. Chips/fries are optional but highly recommended.
Calories: Nutrition calculated per wrap with 2 tbsp tzatziki and without chips.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 wrap (without chips, 2 tbsp tzatziki)
Calories: 507 kcal
Sugar: 6.59 g
Sodium: 1336 mg
Fat: 29.21 g
Saturated Fat: 8.72 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18.55 g
Trans Fat: 0.038 g
Carbohydrates: 21.74 g
Fiber: 3.2 g
Protein: 39.88 g
Cholesterol: 179 mg