Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki with a Greek yoghurt and lemon marinade. Easy to prepare ahead and perfect for busy weeknights.

Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki is one of my favourite make-ahead dinners for busy weeknights.

I'll often marinate the chicken and thread it onto skewers earlier in the day, then when we get home from school pickups and after-school activities all I need to do is pop it in the air fryer.

The marinade is simple but packed with flavour. Greek yoghurt helps tenderise the chicken, while lemon, garlic and oregano give it that classic Greek souvlaki taste.

The air fryer is perfect for cooking souvlaki because it creates beautifully charred edges while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside.

Serve it with warm pita bread, a Greek salad and plenty of tzatziki and you've got a dinner that feels a little bit special without requiring much effort.

Ingredients You'll Need

You will need the following ingredients for this recipe. Exact quantities can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken thigh fillets - chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe as they develop beautifully charred edges while staying juicy and tender inside. I also like the irregularity of the shape of the pieces as it encourages extra charring on the outside. You can substitute with chicken breast but be careful not to overcook as it dries out quicker than thigh meat.
• Greek Yoghurt – helps tenderise the chicken and gives it a wonderfully juicy texture. Full-fat Greek yoghurt works best.
• Lemon juice (from freshly squeezed lemons)
• Garlic
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Dried oregano – one of the key flavours in traditional Greek souvlaki.
• Salt & pepper

You will also need skewers to thread the chicken onto. Make sure you buy ones that are the right size to fit in your air fryer basket.

How to make Air Fryer Chicken Souvlaki

Full instructions with exact steps can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Making Chicken Souvlaki in the air fryer is so simple - the secret is all in the marinade, which not only adds loads of flavour but helps keep the chicken beautifully tender.

To make the marinade:

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
• Cut the chicken into pieces and add to the marinade.
• Leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, although a few hours or even all day will give the best flavour.

To make the Souvlaki:

Thread the chicken onto the skewers so the pieces sit snugly together, but don't pack them too tightly or they won't cook evenly.

To cook the Souvlaki:

• Pre-heat your air fryer for 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken skewers and cook for around 12–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on the outside.

Time Saving Tip: while the skewers look impressive when brought to the table, if you are just cooking for family and are short of time, skip the skewers. Just marinate and cook the chicken thighs whole, and then slice up after cooking.

Tips for the Best Chicken Souvlaki

• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results.
• Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Turn the skewers halfway through cooking if your air fryer cooks unevenly.
• Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken souvlaki is incredibly versatile and works equally well in wraps, rice bowls, salads and mezze platters.

• My favourite combination (in photo above) – Chicken Souvlaki, homemade Air Fryer Flatbread, tzatziki and Greek salad.
• Classic Greek Souvlaki Wraps – wrap the chicken in warm pita bread with lettuce, tomato, red onion and tzatziki.
• Greek Salad Bowl – serve with Greek salad, olives, cucumber and feta.
• With Rice and Tzatziki – a simple family-friendly option that's perfect for weeknights.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter – serve alongside hummus, pita bread, olives and grilled vegetables.
• Loaded Souvlaki Fries – pile sliced chicken over hot chips with tzatziki and crumbled feta.
• Low-Carb Salad Bowl – serve over lettuce, cucumber and tomato with extra herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, although chicken thighs stay juicier and are less likely to dry out. If using chicken breast, take care not to overcook it.

How long should I marinate Chicken Souvlaki?

At least 30 minutes, but 2–8 hours will give the best flavour.

Can I freeze Chicken Souvlaki?

Yes. Freeze the chicken in the marinade before cooking for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking.

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