If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this air fryer greek chicken souvlaki recipe.
With tender chunks of marinated chicken thighs, fragrant herbs, and spices, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Using an air fryer to cook the chicken is not only healthier than traditional frying, but it also saves time and creates a deliciously crispy texture that’s hard to resist.
And with the addition of some colorful veggies like bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, this dish becomes a complete and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
From preparing the marinade to threading the chicken onto skewers and cooking it to perfection, I’ll share with you all of my tips and tricks for getting it just right.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Bursting with Flavor: This air fryer greek chicken recipe is a flavor bomb!
The combination of lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper creates a deliciously aromatic blend of herbs and spices that infuse the chicken with a tantalizing flavor.
Healthy and Nutritious: This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy and nutritious.
Air frying the chicken eliminates the need for excessive oil, making it a much healthier option than traditional frying.
Plus, with the addition of colorful veggies, this dish is a complete and well-rounded meal that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
Easy and Quick to Make: This souvlaki air fryer recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make.
All you need to do is marinate the chicken, thread it onto skewers, and pop it in the air fryer. Within 15 minutes, you’ll have a mouth-watering meal that’s ready to serve.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Greek Chicken Ingredients
To make this airfryer greek chicken you will need
- 2 pounds (900g) Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 3 1/2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
✨ Making Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Follow this easy chicken souvlaki air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Cut the chicken into 1.5 – 2 inch bite sized pieces.
Step 2
To make the marinade Mix all the spices and herbs with the olive oil and lemon juice (in a large bowl).
Step 3
Place the meat in the marinade and toss until they are completely covered. Place them in the fridge for 40 minutes (you can actually leave them overnight for more flavor).
Step 4
To prevent the bamboo skewers from burning in the air fryer, soak them in water for 10 minutes. Then, thread the chicken pieces.
Step 5
Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket (I recommend lining it with parchment paper first). You may need to air fry them in batches.
Step 6
Air fry at 390F (200C) for 13-15 minutes and flip halfway through cooking. Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce and side dish. Enjoy!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked my greek chicken air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these tasty recipes as well:
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken
- Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
- Air Fryer Onion Petals
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
💡 Important Tips
Here are my best tips for making greek chicken in air fryer:
1. Marinating The Chicken
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing it with flavor and keeping it juicy during cooking.
In this recipe, we use a combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices to create a flavorful marinade.
It’s important to allow the chicken to marinate for at least 40 minutes (or up to overnight).
When marinating chicken, always use a non-reactive container such as glass or stainless steel. Never use aluminum or copper as these metals can react with the acid in the marinade and give the chicken a metallic taste.
2. Soaking The Skewers
To prevent the bamboo skewers from burning in the air fryer, it’s important to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before threading the chicken onto them.
This will help prevent the skewers from burning during cooking.
Look for skewers that are thick and sturdy, and avoid those that are flimsy or easily bendable.
3. Cooking Time And Temperature
The cooking time and temperature are important to getting perfect air fryer greek chicken.
In this recipe, I recommend cooking the chicken at 390F (200C) for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
It’s important to keep an eye on the chicken during cooking and adjust the time as needed.
If the chicken starts to brown too quickly or looks like it’s getting too dry, reduce the temperature or cooking time.
Also, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken before serving.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C) to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
4. Seasoning The Chicken
The combination of garlic powder, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in this recipe gives the chicken a delicious Greek-inspired flavor.
When adding the spices to the chicken, make sure to coat the chicken evenly and thoroughly to ensure that every bite is flavorful.
5. Add Vegetables To The Skewers
To add more flavor to the air fryer greek chicken souvlaki, you can also add vegetables to the skewers along with the chicken.
Bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes are all great options that pair well with the Greek-inspired flavors in this recipe.
Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto the skewers along with the chicken.
6. Brush With Butter For Extra Crispiness
You can brush the chicken with melted butter before placing it in the air fryer.
The butter will help the chicken brown and crisp up during cooking, giving it a delicious texture and flavor.
Simply melt some butter in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to coat the chicken evenly before placing it in the air fryer.
✔️ Variations
1. Air Fryer Greek Chicken And Eggplant – For a variation on the traditional chicken souvlaki, add chunks of eggplant to the skewers.
Marinate the chicken and eggplant in the same marinade, and air fry as the recipe tells.
2. Air Fryer Greek Chicken Gyro– Instead of skewering the chicken, chop it into small pieces and air fry them. Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes for a delicious Greek gyro.
3. Air Fryer Greek Chicken Caesar Salad– Air fry the chicken and serve it on top of a bed of romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a tasty Greek twist on the classic Caesar salad.
4. Air Fryer Greek Chicken And Feta Salad- Make a Greek-inspired salad by adding air-fried chicken to a bed of mixed greens, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sliced red onions.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a tangy dressing.
5. Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl– Make a souvlaki bowl by serving air-fried chicken, rice, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce in a bowl.
This is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the Greek flavors without the skewers.
6. Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wrap- Stuff air-fried chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce into a wrap for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
Boneless Chicken Thighs: Chicken breasts can be used instead of chicken thighs. Keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster than chicken thighs.
Lemon Juice: Lime juice or vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice.
Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder.
Oregano: Basil or thyme can be used as a substitute for oregano.
Paprika: Smoked paprika or cumin can be used instead of paprika.
Cayenne Pepper: Chili powder or red pepper flakes can be used as a substitute for cayenne pepper.
Black Pepper: White pepper can be used instead of black pepper.
🔁 How To Reheat
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Take the leftover Greek chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket or the chicken won’t crisp up properly.
Air fry the chicken for 3-5 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking. Once the chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.
🌟 Side Dishes Ideas
Greek Salad: A traditional Greek salad is a great side dish for this chicken souvlaki air fryer recipe.
Its fresh and crisp veggies, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, add a nice crunch and balance to the meal.
The feta cheese and Kalamata olives bring a salty and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Air Fryer Carrot Fries: These healthy and delicious carrot fries add a pop of color and flavor to the meal.
Their slightly sweet taste and crispy texture complement the savory and spicy flavor of the air fryer chicken souvlaki, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Air Fryer Frozen Steak Fries: These classic steak fries are an easy and delicious side dish that pairs well with this chicken recipe.
👍 Best Dipping Sauces
1. Tzatziki Sauce: This classic Greek dipping sauce is a must-try with this airfryer greek chicken recipe.
It’s made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, creating a cool and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy and savory chicken.
To make tzatziki sauce, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Chimichurri Sauce: This zesty and herby sauce is a great complement to the Greek-inspired flavors of the chicken souvlaki in air fryer.
It’s made with parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, creating a tangy and flavorful dip.
To make chimichurri sauce, blend together fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
3. Harissa Mayo: For a spicy and creamy dip, try this harissa mayo. Harissa is a North African spice blend made with hot peppers, garlic, and spices, which adds a fiery kick to the mayo.
4. Sweet Chili Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is a great dip for those who prefer a milder flavor.
It’s made with chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar, creating a sweet and slightly spicy taste.
5. Honey Mustard Sauce: This classic dipping sauce is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with the greek chicken souvlaki air fryer recipe.
6. Garlic Aioli: For a garlicky and creamy dip, try this garlic aioli. It’s made with garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and olive oil, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
To make garlic aioli, blend together garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
👪 FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster than chicken thighs, so you may need to reduce the cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
How do I store the leftovers?
The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in the air fryer or oven until heated through.
I hope you enjoyed my air fryer greek chicken recipe. These chicken bites are amazingly juicy and full of flavor. They’re easy to make in the air fryer, so you don’t have to worry about spending hours cooking.
If you have any questions about this chicken souvlaki air fryer recipe- feel free to comment below. Also, make sure to check out other air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Greek Chicken - Chicken Souvlaki
- 2 pounds Boneless Chicken Thighs (900g)
- 3 1/2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Cut the chicken into 1.5 – 2 inch bite sized pieces.
- To make the marinade Mix all the spices and herbs with the olive oil and lemon juice (in a large bowl).
- Place the meat in the marinade and toss until they are completely covered. Place them in the fridge for 40 minutes (you can actually leave them overnight for more flavor).
- To prevent the bamboo skewers from burning in the air fryer, soak them in water for at about 10 minutes. Then, thread the meat.
- Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket (line it with parchment paper first). You may need to air fry them in batches.
- Air fry at 390F (200C) for 13-15 minutes and flip halfway through cooking.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce and side dish. Enjoy!
