Let me show you how easy it is to make the juiciest, most flavorful chicken souvlaki in the air fryer! This recipe is incredibly simple, and the chicken comes out so tender and tasty—you won’t believe it!
Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki
Normally, you’d grill these skewers, but you can get fantastic results in the air fryer!
The chicken cooks in around 15 minutes, depending on how big the chunks are.
But don't worry, I provide other 2 methods below for cooking chicken souvlaki: stovetop and grill.
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Ingredients
This chicken souvlaki recipe uses a simple marinade that delivers tender, flavorful meat without needing yogurt like other traditional recipes.
I'll show you that cooking from scratch is so much easier and healthier!
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they’re juicy and tender, even when cooked in the air fryer. However, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- Oregano – Oregano is a classic herb in Greek cooking, giving the souvlaki that signature Mediterranean flavor.
- Oil – Olive oil helps to coat the chicken, adding richness and ensuring it gets that lovely golden crisp in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder (or fresh garlic) – Garlic brings in bold flavor and works well in this marinade without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt – Salt is essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and all the seasonings.
- Paprika (regular or smoked) – Paprika adds a mild, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Smoked paprika can add even more depth.
- Black pepper – Black pepper adds a subtle kick to balance the other flavors in the marinade.
- Lemon juice – Lemon juice not only gives a fresh, tangy flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken for a juicy result.
- Fresh parsley for garnish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish, and it looks great when serving!
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Chicken Souvlaki
What Kind of Skewers Should I Use?
Both wooden and metal ones are a great option. I like to use smaller metal skewers as they are more sturdy and can fit more chicken than bamboo skewers.
But you have to be careful - they'll get really hot!
- Prepare the souvlaki marinade: In a bowl, mix salt, spices, herbs, oil, and lemon juice. Set it aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel. Cut them into 1 ½ inch bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken in the marinade until well coated, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
- Thread the chicken: Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers until all the meat is on.
- Air fry: Place the chicken skewers in a parchment-lined air fryer basket (mine holds 5 at a time). Air fry at 400°F for 17 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach at least 155°F (chicken will have an internal temp about 165°F or more after resting). Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before cooking the next batch.
- Serve: Serve with your favorite sides, like this marinated cucumber tomato salad or its creamy version. Enjoy!
No Air Fryer?
No problem! You can grill, bake in the oven or pan-fry the chicken.
Just rotate the skewers occasionally until they’re lightly charred and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
Oven Method
Make it in the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the marinated chicken skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, or you can bake them directly on the rack in the sheet.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For an extra crispy finish, use the broil setting for the last minute or two.
Stovetop Method
Pan-fry on the stovetop: Use a cast iron grill pan to cook the chicken souvlaki. Simply pan-fry until fully cooked through.
This recipe makes 8-10 souvlaki chicken skewers.
Souvlaki vs. Gyros—What’s the Difference?
Both souvlaki and gyros are classic Greek street foods, but the key difference is in how the meat is cooked.
Souvlaki is made from skewered, grilled meat, while gyros come from meat shaved off a rotating spit. Souvlaki is often served on skewers, while gyros are served in pita wraps.
Tips
- No skewers? No problem! Just cook the marinated chicken directly in the air fryer basket. Shake it occasionally until it hits 155°F (after resting chicken will turn 165°F). It’ll take around 15-20 minutes.
- I love boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicy kebabs, but chicken breasts work too.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes for more flavor.
- If you'll be using bamboo skewers, you can soak them in water to prevent burning, but you don't have to - I haven't noticed a significant difference!
How I Serve Chicken Souvlaki
- A fresh, simple Greek salad makes the perfect side for souvlaki. Prep it while the chicken is cooking, so no extra time needed.
- If you're not in the mood for prepping more dishes, just chop the vegetables like in the photo!
- Once the chicken is ready, slice some onion and chop parsley. You can also whip up a quick tzatziki sauce or healthy yogurt dip.
- Warm up the pita, add some onion, tzatziki, and sliced tomatoes, then wrap up the chicken and enjoy!
- For a complete meal, you can also serve the chicken with Greek potatoes, fries, or Mediterranean pasta salad.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- Souvlaki is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Leftovers are great in salads, wraps, or burgers. To reheat, microwave at 30-second intervals, or use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
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Recipe Card
Chicken Souvlaki
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, about 1-2 cloves of garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika, regular or smoked
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- fresh parsley for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the souvlaki marinade: In a bowl, mix salt, spices, herbs, oil, and lemon juice. Set it aside.1 teaspoon oregano, 2 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare the chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel. Cut them into 1 ½-inch bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken in the marinade until well coated, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Thread the chicken: Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers until all the meat is on.
- Air fry: Place the chicken skewers in a parchment-lined air fryer basket (mine holds 5 at a time). Air fry at 400°F for 17 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach at least 155°F. Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before cooking the next batch (check the temp again, it should have reached 165°F or more).
- Serve: Serve with your favorite sides, like this marinated cucumber tomato salad, or its creamy version. Enjoy!fresh parsley for garnish
NOTES
- Souvlaki is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Leftovers are great in salads, wraps, or burgers. To reheat, microwave at 30-second intervals, or use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the marinated chicken skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, or you can bake them directly on the rack in the sheet.Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For an extra crispy finish, use the broil setting for the last minute or two.
- Use a cast iron grill pan to cook the chicken souvlaki. Simply pan-fry until fully cooked through.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Julia
perfect and delicious chicken skewers are always a great dinner idea!