These air fryer chicken gyros are honestly one of those meals that look way more impressive than the effort involved. Marinated chicken on skewers, basted in seasoned butter straight out of the air fryer, then loaded into warm naan with tzatziki and fresh veggies. The whole thing comes together in under an hour, and if you marinate the chicken the night before, you're looking at a 20 minute dinner.
The marinade is everything here. I tested a few versions to get the spice balance right, and you want to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you can let it go for a couple of hours, the chicken comes out so much more flavorful. Trust me on this one.
Ogi took one bite and said it tasted like something off one of his favorite food truck in Belgrade, which from him is about as good as a compliment gets. Even Medena was glued to my side the whole time that seasoned butter was melting, which says a lot since she is usually pretty chill in the kitchen. If you want to round it out into a fuller meal, my Greek Chicken Bowl has pairs perfectly alongside these.
Updated link bridge for Air Fryer Chicken Gyros:
If you love quick chicken dinners like this one, you are also going to love my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, my Crispy Chicken Wrap & my Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes!!
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Ingredients
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: thighs stay juicier on the skewer. Chicken breasts work too, just watch them closely since they dry out faster in the air fryer.
- Greek Yogurt: tenderizes the chicken during the marinade and gives it that authentic gyros flavor. Do not skip this.
- Lemon Juice: fresh is best here, it makes a real difference in the marinade. Lime juice or white vinegar both work in a pinch.
- Softened Butter: basting the hot chicken straight out of the air fryer with seasoned butter is the step that makes these restaurant quality. Do not skip it.
- Naan Bread: pita works too if you prefer a more traditional wrap.
- Tzatziki: store-bought is completely fine here, nobody needs to make it from scratch on a weeknight.
See recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities!
Instructions & Video
Marinate the cubed chicken thighs
Slide them onto soaked, wooden skewers & bake for 20 minutes!
Layer everything onto Naan Bread!
Wrap up & enjoy!
Easy Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with all the ingredients for marinating. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Air fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the seasoned butter, combining softened butter with all the listed ingredients mixing well. Set aside.
- Once the chicken is done, baste it generously with the seasoned butter while still hot for an extra boost of flavor.
- Heat the naan bread in a skillet or air fryer until soft enough to fold easily.
- Lay the naan flat and spread a generous layer of tzatziki. Add a handful of French fries, the buttery chicken pieces, and all the veggies. Wrap the naan tightly with parchment paper.
- Serve these delicious homemade chicken gyros fresh and warm. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Nutrition
Notes
To Store:
Chicken: Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Sauces: Keep tzatziki and seasoned butter in separate containers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Prep fresh veggies when you are ready to eat rather than storing them pre-cut. Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. The air fryer also works well for 3 to 4 minutes if you want it crispy again. Warm the naan in a skillet, microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or in the oven for a few minutes. Let the tzatziki come to room temperature before serving and give it a stir. Freeze: The marinated raw chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh. Do not freeze assembled gyros, the naan and veggies do not hold up.Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Frequently Asked Questions for Air Fryer Chicken Gyros
What is a gyro?
A gyro is a Greek dish made with seasoned meat cooked on a rotating spit, traditionally served in warm flatbread with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onion. This version brings all those flavors home using the air fryer!Add image
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely. Chicken breast works if you watch the cook time closely, and if you want something closer to traditional gyros, lamb or pork tenderloin are both great options too, just adjust the marinate and cook time slightly depending on what you choose.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked through. You can also bake them at 400°F for 20 minutes flipping halfway.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook fresh when you are ready, or reheat cooked chicken in the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes to get it crispy again.
Related
Looking for other savoury recipes like this? Try these:
Dessert Pairing
These are my favorite desserts to serve with this chicken gyros:
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