Air Fryer Greek Chicken
Experience the flavor of Greek cuisine with this easy Air Fryer Greek Chicken recipe. Juicy, herb-infused chicken paired with creamy tzatziki, ready in under 30 minutes, makes a perfect weeknight dinner!
Suitable for gluten free and low carb diets. Weight Watchers points included.
So, what is Souvlaki? Oh, it’s just this amaaaaazing Greek street food classic. Think juicy, marinated meat, in this case, chicken grilled to perfection on a skewer. Yum!
And here’s the scoop. This Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki isn’t just another chicken recipe. It’s a flavorful chicken recipe. The chicken gets a zesty kick from a marinade loaded with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a mix of herbs. This blend not only adds depth to the flavor but also ensures each bite is tender and bursting with taste.
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If you prefer an Asian twist, make these Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs Recipe. Once you make kabobs, kebabs, or whatever you wish to call them in the Air Fryer, there is no going back to the oven!
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Why Make This Air Fryer Greek Chicken Recipe
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Marinate the chicken ahead, and you have a quick meal ready for busy days.
- Customizable – Swap out herbs or add your favorite veggies to the skewers for a different meal.
- Healthy and Flavorful – Enjoy a protein-rich, low-carb meal without sacrificing taste.
- Family-Friendly – It’s a dish that adults and kids alike will love, making mealtime a breeze.
Ingredient Notes
For the Tzatziki:
- Greek Yogurt – Opt for full-fat for a richer tzatziki. Low-fat works, but it’s less creamy.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of flavor. Adjust according to your taste preference.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a bright, tangy flavor.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Use a good quality oil for the best taste and richness in your tzatziki.
- Dill – Fresh dill adds a herby freshness; if using dried, remember it’s more potent, so use less.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Season to taste, but remember the flavors will meld and intensify, especially after chilling.
- Cucumber – Grate and squeeze out water to keep tzatziki thick and not watery.
For The Greek Chicken:
- Garlic – Fresh minced for a robust flavor. Adjust to taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed, adds zest. But bottled is okay.
- Olive Oil – Extra-virgin for the best flavor in marinade and tzatziki.
- Dill – Fresh for vibrant flavor, dried for convenience.
- Chicken Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make tender, juicy bites. You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Seasoning (Salt and Pepper) and Spices (Oregano, Thyme, Paprika) – Dried works great. Adjust ratios to suit your taste.
- Skewers – Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning in the air fryer for at least 30 minutes, or use metal instead.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
How To Make Air Fryer Greek Chicken
Don’t forget to check out my best air fryer tips to get better results with every recipe.
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.
How To Make The Tzatziki Dip
Step 1. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze the excess moisture. This will prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
Step 2. Combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3. Taste the tzatziki sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4. Give the tzatziki sauce a good stir. Serve the tzatziki sauce alongside the Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki as a delicious cooling dip.
How To Make the Chicken Kebabs
Step 1. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well to create the marinade.
Step 2. Add the chicken breast cubes to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Step 3. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C for about 5 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers.
Step 4. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden brown exterior.
Expert Tips
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This infuses the flavors deeply, making each bite a flavor bomb.
- Really wring out the grated cucumber for the tzatziki. Extra moisture can turn your sauce from fab to drab. You can also use whipped feta.
- Don’t crowd the chicken in the air fryer. Good air circulation equals perfectly cooked souvlaki.
- Give your cooked souvlaki a few minutes to rest before serving. This keeps the juices locked in for tender, succulent bites.
Delicious Variations
- Veggie Skewers – Thread some bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers with the chicken for a colorful and tasty twist.
- Spicy Souvlaki: Love a bit of heat? Add some chili flakes to the marinade for chicken souvlaki for a spicy kick.
Prep And Storage
- Prep Ahead – For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken cubes with the herby, lemony mix for up to 4 hours before air frying. Make the tzatziki in advance, too; it can store well for 3-4 days.
- Store – Keep leftover chicken souvlaki and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When stored properly, enjoy it for 3-4 days. Ensure it’s cooled down to avoid moisture.
- Freeze – Freeze the cooked chicken souvlaki in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out thair. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Rubbery chicken in the air fryer usually boils down to overcooking or too high a temperature. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket for even cooking. A good marinade can also help keep it juicy and tender.
Souvlaki and gyros are both beloved Greek dishes, but they differ in preparation and presentation.
Souvlaki consists of small pieces of meat (often chicken, pork, lamb, or beef) that are marinated, then grilled on skewers. It’s typically served with pita bread, vegetables, and sauces like tzatziki on the side or wrapped together.
Gyros, on the other hand, involve meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, thinly sliced, and served in a pita wrap with similar accompaniments as souvlaki. The main difference lies in the cooking method and how the meat is served.
For a classic serving, serve Greek Chicken in a warm pita with tzatziki, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of feta.
Or, lay it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a crisp Greek salad for a lighter touch.
Similar Recipes
Looking for more EASY, delicious, and flavorful recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out my full collection of air fryer recipes, or start a few of my most popular recipes:
Serve Air Fryer Greek Chicken with:
- Greek Potato Salad – These zesty spuds are the perfect side to your souvlaki. Their bold flavor complements the chicken beautifully.
- Cucumber Salad – This simple yet flavorful salad adds a refreshing touch to your meal. It’s a great way to balance the hearty souvlaki.
- Warm Pita Bread – Nothing beats scooping up, that extra tzatziki with some soft, warm pita. It’s a must for a truly authentic experience. Or add some garlic bread for an extra punch of garlic (warn your partner).
Weight Watchers Points
There are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Recommended Tools
- Use an Air fryer to cook your chicken to perfection.
- Skewers for cooking the Greek chicken kabobs.
- Kitchen tongs to safely remove the skewers from the air fryer, they do get pretty hot.
- For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Take a look at more of my easy air fryer recipes.
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Air Fryer Greek Chicken
Ingredients
For the Tzatziki
- 1 cup (250ml) Greek yogurt
- ½ cup (125ml) cucumber grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Souvlaki
- 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
For the Tzatziki
- Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess moisture. This will prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
- Taste the tzatziki sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the tzatziki sauce a good stir. If desired, garnish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
- Serve the tzatziki sauce alongside the Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki as a delicious and cooling dip.
For the Chicken Souvlaki
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken breast cubes to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C for about 5 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Place the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding.
- Cook the chicken souvlaki in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden brown exterior.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken souvlaki from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and any other desired accompaniments.
Video
Notes
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This infuses the flavors deeply, making each bite a flavor bomb.
- Really wring out the grated cucumber for the tzatziki. Extra moisture can turn your sauce from fab to drab. You can also use whipped feta.
- Don’t crowd the chicken in the air fryer. Good air circulation equals perfectly cooked souvlaki.
- Give your cooked souvlaki a few minutes to rest before serving. This keeps the juices locked in for tender, succulent bites.
- Store – Keep leftover chicken souvlaki and tzatziki in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- There are 9 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
