Preparing Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma thighs in the air fryer is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The air fryer excels at creating a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy and tender on the inside, replicating some of the qualities of traditional spit-roasted shawarma without the fuss.

What You’ll Need:

• Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs: Look for a package in the refrigerated meat section. These pre-marinated thighs are the star of this convenient recipe, packed with authentic Middle Eastern spices.
• Shawarma Wrap/Bowl Filling Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, sauces, and optional cheeses will complete your meal.
• Flatbreads or Pita Pockets: Essential if you’re making wraps (skip for low-carb bowls).

The pre-marinated Trader Joe’s shawarma chicken thighs are a game-changer for busy cooks. They are brimming with authentic flavor, ensuring that every bite is tender, moist, and utterly delicious. This convenience makes homemade shawarma accessible to everyone.

Beyond the ingredients, you’ll also need an air fryer and a meat thermometer for this chicken shawarma air fryer recipe. Air fryers from brands like Ninja Foodi, Philips, Nuwave, Pampered Chef, Actifry, Instant Pot Vortex, Cosori, or Breville will all work. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific air fryer model, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.

The versatility of air fryer shawarma chicken thighs allows for various delicious serving options. Enjoy them simply over a bed of fluffy rice or a crisp salad for a lighter meal. For a truly authentic experience, create a classic shawarma wrap. Here’s a list of ingredients that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the chicken:

• Baby Lettuce: Provides a fresh, crisp base.
• Chopped Persian Cucumbers: Adds a refreshing crunch.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Offers a burst of juicy sweetness.
• Pitted Kalamata Olives: Delivers a briny, tangy counterpoint.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: Introduces a salty, creamy texture.
• Lebanese Pickles: These pink pickled turnips (or readily available dill pickle slices) are a signature component, adding a unique tang.
• Lemon-Tahini Sauce: A creamy, zesty dressing that ties all the flavors together.

• ▢ 1 package Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma thighs (1-1½ lbs or 454-680g)

For the shawarma wraps or bowls:

• ▢ 2-4 cups baby lettuce
• ▢ 4 Persian cucumbers, quartered and chopped
• ▢ 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
• ▢ 25-30 kalamata olives, pitted (packed in vinegar)
• ▢ 3 ounces fat-free feta, crumbled (85 grams)
• ▢ ½ cup Lebanese pickles
• ▢ 4 whole wheat pita bread (skip for bowls)

Tahini-lemon sauce:

• ▢ 2 tablespoons tahini
• ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ▢ 1 tablespoon water

1. Air fry Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Add additional air fryer time if the chicken hasn’t reached the minimum safe internal temp of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
2. While the chicken cooks, whisk the tahini-lemon sauce ingredients together. Set aside.
3. For chicken shawarma wraps: Pile the lettuce, chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, olives, and Lebanese pickles on pita bread. Drizzle with lemon-tahini sauce, wrap, and enjoy.
4. For chicken shawarma bowls: Divide the baby lettuce between the bowls. Top with the cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, olives, and Lebanese pickles. Add the chicken once it has finished cooking. Drizzle with tahini sauce and enjoy.

💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This recipe is a level 1 recipe, which may help support fat loss. The calorie count provided includes a whole-wheat pita. If you opt for an air fryer chicken bowl instead of a wrap, your meal will be approximately 324 calories, making it a smaller, low-calorie option.

In other words, if weight loss isn’t your primary goal, incorporating the pita adds about 180 calories to the meal. For a moderate-calorie, gluten-free option, you might consider serving your air fryer chicken shawarma bowls with rice.

When cooking for a family, adding grains can help ensure everyone’s energy needs are met, especially for children who require adequate calories for growth. A common approach is to prepare a shawarma salad bowl for yourself while offering flatbreads to the rest of the family.

For those following a low-carb eating plan, using a low-carb wrap alternative or simply enjoying the dish as a bowl is recommended. Another way to lighten the meal further is to omit the tahini sauce. The pre-marinated chicken and the vibrant pickles already provide a significant amount of flavor, making the sauce optional.

I truly love this meal as a versatile and healthy dinner idea, perfect for family meals or efficient meal prepping. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your personal preferences and dietary needs!

Nutrition information provided is for one air fryer chicken shawarma wrap.