Air Fryer Chicken Gyros

Gyros, a beloved staple of Mediterranean cuisine, are known for their rich flavours and perfectly seasoned meat, often served with warm pita, wraps, or flatbread and topped with creamy tzatziki sauce. Traditionally, gyros are cooked on a rotating spit, allowing the meat to slowly roast to perfection, but there’s now a modern twist that brings the essence of this dish right to your kitchen with ease and a healthier approach: air fryer chicken gyros.

Using the air fryer, you can achieve the same tender, juicy chicken that is bursting with flavour while significantly reducing the amount of oil used, making it a lighter option compared to traditional methods. The air fryer helps to seal in the delicious juices, ensuring the chicken stays moist while achieving those irresistibly crispy edges that make gyros so addictive. Plus, cooking gyros in the air fryer takes much less time, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving a delicious Mediterranean meal.

The beauty of air-fried gyros is how quickly and easily they come together, allowing you to recreate a restaurant-style dish at home with minimal effort. Simply season your chicken with a blend of Mediterranean spices like oregano, garlic, cumin, and paprika, and then let the air fryer work its magic. While the chicken cooks, you can prepare the toppings – slicing fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, and mixing up a batch of tangy tzatziki sauce.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, air fryer chicken gyros are a convenient and satisfying way to enjoy this classic Mediterranean dish with a contemporary twist. It’s a healthier, quicker, and delicious alternative that the family will love!

PREP 5 minutes

COOK 20 minutes

SERVES 2 people

KIT you will need an air-fryer, kitchen roll and wooden skewers.

Ingredients for air fryer chicken gyros

4 Boneless Chicken thighs

1 Large lemon

1 tablespoon of Paprika

A tablespoon of Garlic puree

1 tablespoon of Oregano

1 tablespoon of Ground coriander

A tablespoon of Ground cumin

6 Cherry tomatoes – quartered

¼ Cucumber- diced

1 Small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

A handful of fresh mint

Homemade Tzatziki (Of course to make things easier, you can buy some ready-made too1)

150g of Greek yogurt

A tablespoon of chopped Dill

1/4 Cucumber, grated

1 Garlic glove, peeled and grated

The juice of one lemon

To serve:

100g of Frozen chips (Not French fries, as they won’t take that long to cook)

Side salad

2 Flat breads

Method

So start by marinading your chicken things in the yogurt, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, cumin and paprika coating each piece. Leave to marinade either in the fridge over night or even just for an hour in an airtight container. Once ready, take the chicken out of the fridge and carefully place onto your skewers. Then add into your air fryer on 190c for 15/18 mins (Depending on the size of your chicken chunks, your timing may need adjusting) Turning halfway. At the same time add in your frozen chips, also turning them halfway to ensure an even cook. Whilst the chips and chicken are cooking, prepare your tzatziki.

Start by grating your cucumber and wrapping in some kitchen roll, pressing firmly to reduce the moisture and add to a bowl, follow by grating your garlic, rinsing and chopping your dill and adding your lemon juice. Add in your Greek yogurt and stir well. Chop your tomatoes, cucumber and onion ready to build your gyros. Once the chicken is cooked, (making sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving) carefully remove your chicken and leave to rest. Time to prepare your flat bread! Start with spreading your Tzatziki, evenly on the base of the flat bread, Then add in your chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions. With your chicken, carefully slice while still on the skewers and place on top of your chopped salad, finish with some fresh mint and a handful of your chips.

Finally fold over your wrap and serve your air fryer chicken gyros with your side salad.

Tips for Air fryer Chicken Gyros

1. Thin, Even Slices Cook Best
Cut meat (like chicken thighs, pork shoulder, or lamb) into thin, uniform strips or small chunks so it cooks quickly and evenly in the air fryer.

2. Marinate for Bold Flavour
A 30-minute (or overnight) marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and a little yogurt or vinegar makes the meat tender and authentic-tasting.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps sear the meat quickly and retain juices.

4. Use a Light Oil Coating
Toss the marinated meat in a small amount of oil before air frying to encourage browning and prevent drying out.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Cook in a single layer or small batches. Crowding = steaming, not browning. You want those crispy gyro-style edges!

6. Air Fry Time Guide

Chicken/pork/lamb strips: 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Plant-based or precooked alternatives: 375°F for 6–8 minutes or until lightly crisp.

7. Rest Before Serving
Let the meat rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and make it easier to slice or handle.

8. Toast the Pitas in the Air Fryer
Warm or toast pita bread for 1–2 minutes at 350°F to soften and add a touch of crispness. Wrap in foil if you want them soft and pliable.

9. Balance the Build
Add cool, fresh toppings to contrast the warm, spiced meat:

Tzatziki or garlic sauce

Sliced cucumber, tomato, onion

Lettuce or herbs (like mint or parsley)

Feta for a salty kick

10. Wrap and Serve Immediately
Gyro fillings are best enjoyed hot and juicy so assemble quickly and serve right away for the best texture and flavour.