Gyros, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, are traditionally known for their rich, savoury flavours and perfectly seasoned meat, often served with a side of warm pita, wraps or flat bread and creamy tzatziki sauce. While the classic method of cooking gyros involves a rotating spit, there’s a modern twist that brings the essence of this dish to your kitchen with ease and a healthier approach: air-fried gyros. By using the air fryer, you can achieve that same tender, flavourful chicken with a fraction of the oil, if any at all! This recipe will save you time, all while maintaining the delicious, crispy edges that make gyros irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, air-fried gyros offer a convenient and satisfying way to enjoy this classic dish with a contemporary touch.
Serves 2
5 min prep time
Cook Time 20 mins
I used a dual air fryer for this, but if you add your chicken to the centre and then, providing you have space, add your chips around the edges of your air fryer basket.
Ingredients
X4 Boneless Chicken thighs
X1 Large lemon
1 tbs Paprika
1 tbs Garlic puree
1 tbs Oregano
1 tbs Ground coriander
1 tbs Ground cumin
X 6 Cherry tomatoes – quartered
¼ Cucumber- diced
X1 Small red onion – thinly sliced
A handful of fresh mint
Homemade Tzatziki (Of course to make things easier, you can buy some ready-made too1)
150g Greek yogurt
Tablespoon chopped Dill
1/4 Cucumber grated
1 Garlic glove grated
X1 juice of lemon
100g Frozen chips (Not French fries, as they won’t take that long to cook)
Side salad to serve
X2 Flat breads
X2 Wooden skewers (Making sure they fit inside your air fryer)
Kitchen roll
Method
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. 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. Fold over your wrap and serve with your side salad.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, then check out more air fryer recipes on my website or visit my Amazon shop to order your copy of my Sunday Times best seller The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook.