Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute obsession with Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki! This dish has become my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something delicious, yet quick to whip up. Seriously, in just 35 minutes, you can have juicy, flavorful chicken that takes your taste buds straight to the streets of Greece. The best part? You don’t have to marinate the chicken for hours—just 30 minutes in a zesty marinade of Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon, and you’re good to go!
The air fryer works its magic, cooking the chicken to perfection while keeping it moist on the inside and giving it that lovely crispy exterior. I love serving it with warm pita bread and a side of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Trust me, the combination is heavenly! Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s healthy, so you can feel good about indulging! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started on this delicious culinary adventure!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the most mouthwatering Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki. This list is clear and straightforward, so you can gather your ingredients with ease!
For the Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 lemon, juiced
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
Make sure your chicken breast is cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking. The marinade will infuse that wonderful flavor into every piece! Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on preparing this delicious dish!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Now that we have our ingredients prepped and ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for making this fabulous Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki! It’s super straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together.
Step 1: Make the Marinade
First things first, grab a mixing bowl and let’s whip up that marinade! Start by adding 1 cup of Greek yogurt into the bowl. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil—this will give the chicken that lovely richness. Next, toss in the minced garlic (2 cloves) and the fragrant oregano (1 teaspoon). Finally, add the juice of 1 lemon. Now, here’s the fun part: whisk it all together until everything is well combined and creamy. You want to make sure the garlic and oregano are evenly distributed throughout that delicious marinade!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to add the chicken! Take your 1.5 pounds of cubed chicken breast and pop them into the bowl with the marinade. Give it a good mix, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated in that zesty goodness. Trust me, this step is crucial for flavor! Now, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, letting it sit longer is even better, but 30 minutes is perfect for a quick meal!
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
While the chicken is soaking up all those tasty flavors, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important as it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice crispy texture. Preheating usually takes just a few minutes, so make sure you keep an eye on the time!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Now comes the exciting part! Once the air fryer is heated, carefully place the marinated chicken cubes into the basket in a single layer. Don’t crowd them too much—this helps them cook evenly. Set the timer for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake. This little shake-up helps to ensure that all sides of the chicken get that perfect, golden-brown crispiness!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once your chicken is beautifully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting step is key, as it allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more succulent! When you’re ready to serve, I love pairing it with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce for that authentic Greek experience. You can also toss in a fresh salad for some extra crunch. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki! This dish is not just a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also pretty balanced when it comes to nutrition. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving, based on common ingredient values:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Vitamin A: 500 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 1mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But overall, you’re looking at a meal that’s high in protein and relatively low in carbs, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
- Flavor-Packed: The marinade infuses the chicken with bold Greek flavors that are simply irresistible.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients, this dish keeps your meal guilt-free.
- Crispy Perfection: Cooking in the air fryer gives you that amazing crispy exterior without the extra oil!
- Versatile: Enjoy it in a wrap, with a salad, or alongside warm pita and tzatziki—the options are endless!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this tasty dish, making it a hit at the dinner table!
Tips for Success
Ready to take your Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki to the next level? Here are my top tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly every time!
Even Marinating is Key
Make sure to give the chicken a good toss in the marinade. This helps the flavors penetrate every little piece of meat. If you can, let it marinate longer than 30 minutes—up to a few hours in the fridge will really amp up the flavor!
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
When you place the chicken in the air fryer basket, remember to keep it in a single layer. If you pile them on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly, and you might end up with some pieces that are undercooked. Trust me, giving each piece its space makes a world of difference!
Adjust for Your Air Fryer Model
Different air fryer models can vary in cooking times and temperatures. If this is your first time making this recipe, keep an eye on your chicken as it cooks. Start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Shake It Up!
Don’t forget to give the basket a shake halfway through cooking! This little step ensures that all sides get that lovely crispness. It’s a small move that makes a big impact on the texture!
Resting is Essential
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken super juicy. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Experiment with the Marinade
Feel free to mix it up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different herbs or spices to the marinade. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile. Make it your own!
With these tips, you’re all set to create a deliciously memorable meal that’s sure to impress! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or even the seasons. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Herb Twists
While oregano is the classic choice, why not try other herbs? Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a delightful twist to the marinade. You could also mix in some fresh dill for that signature Greek flavor. Just a teaspoon or two can make a big difference!
Spicy Kick
If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper to the marinade. It’ll give your chicken a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the coolness of tzatziki!
Vegetable Additions
Want to make it a well-rounded meal? Toss in some veggies! Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini cut into chunks can be marinated alongside the chicken. They cook beautifully in the air fryer and soak up all those fabulous flavors.
Citrus Variety
Switching up the citrus is another easy way to refresh the dish. Instead of lemon juice, try orange juice for a sweeter, more tropical vibe. You can even combine the two for a unique citrus blend!
Different Proteins
Not a chicken fan? No problem! This marinade works wonders with shrimp or even cubed pork. Just be mindful of cooking times—shrimp will cook much faster, so keep an eye on them!
Skewers for Fun
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, thread the marinated chicken and veggies onto skewers before air frying. Not only do they look gorgeous, but they also make for easy flipping and serving!
The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so much fun! Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers from your delicious Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Proper storage and reheating will ensure you enjoy that amazing flavor all over again.
First off, let your chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Simply place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it should last for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it was made!
Now, when it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of great options. For the best results, I recommend reheating in the air fryer again. Just preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in the basket in a single layer. Heat it for about 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method helps retain that crispy texture!
If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki even days later. Enjoy every bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out my Pinterest page!
Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 lemon, juiced lemon juice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.