Looking for a delicious, quick, and healthy dinner idea? These Easy Air Fryer Chicken Gyros are the perfect solution! Packed with juicy, tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce, this Greek-inspired dish is full of flavor and easy to make. Plus, cooking the chicken in an air fryer saves time and keeps it healthy without sacrificing taste. Whether you're a fan of Greek cuisine or just need a new weeknight dinner, this recipe will become a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Easy Chicken Gyro Recipe
- Healthy and Light: Made with lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients.
- Quick & Easy: The air fryer does the heavy lifting, cooking the chicken in minutes.
- Customizable: Load it up with your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook the chicken ahead of time and assemble fresh gyros whenever you're ready.
Let's get started on creating your very own homemade gyros!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Optional toppings: kalamata olives, sliced cucumbers, or hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor!
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Mix the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
5. Assemble the Gyros
- Warm the pita bread in the microwave or on a pan for a few seconds to make it pliable.
- Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce down the center of the bread.
- Add a few pieces of air-fried chicken on top, followed by tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and feta cheese.
- Roll the pita into a wrap or fold it in half like a taco.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Gyros
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before for maximum flavor and less stress at dinner time.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Serve over a bed of greens or use gluten-free flatbread instead of pita.
- Extra Crunch: Add some air-fried potatoes or crispy chickpeas for texture.
- Spice it Up: Mix a little cayenne or red pepper flakes into the chicken marinade for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Easy Air Fryer Chicken Gyros with a simple Greek side dish like a cucumber and tomato salad or a warm bowl of lemon rice. For a party, serve them alongside dips like hummus and baba ganoush with pita chips. You can also offer a platter of toppings, letting guests build their own customized gyros.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain the crispy exterior. Store tzatziki separately in the fridge, and assemble fresh gyros as needed.
Dive into this easy chicken gyro recipe for a delightful, nutritious meal that feels like a trip to a Greek taverna—without leaving your kitchen! Your air fryer makes it so simple to whip up, that you'll wonder why you didn't try this sooner.
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