Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer

If you’ve picked up Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs and are wondering how to cook them easily, this air fryer recipe is perfect for you! These pre-marinated chicken thighs are packed with Middle Eastern spices and cook up crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—with zero effort! No flipping, no babysitting—just pop them in the air fryer, and in 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked shawarma chicken that’s ready to enjoy in bowls, wraps, or on its own.

Why You’ll Love Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

• So quick and easy to make!: Since the chicken is already marinated, all you have to do is place it in the air fryer and set the timer. There’s no prep work or mess involved, making this perfect for busy nights. The air fryer does all the cooking for you—no flipping or watching needed!

• Amazing flavor with zero effort: Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs are packed with bold Middle Eastern spices, and cooking them in the air fryer makes the outside perfectly browned while keeping the inside juicy and tender. You’ll get restaurant-quality results without lifting a finger! Every bite is full of deep, delicious flavor.

• Perfectly cooked every time: The air fryer gives these chicken thighs a beautiful char and crispy edges, just like traditional shawarma. You don’t have to worry about undercooking or drying them out. Plus, if you want to be sure, you can easily check with a thermometer—165°F means they’re ready to eat!

• Super versatile for meals: Slice the chicken for rice bowls, wraps, salads, or even pita sandwiches. You can also serve them whole for a simple main dish. However you decide to enjoy them, they’ll add so much flavor and protein to your meal!

• No cleanup or hassle: Since it’s cooked in the air fryer basket, cleanup is a breeze—just remove the basket and wash it. No greasy pans or stovetop splatters to worry about! You get a delicious, home-cooked meal without all the extra work.

Ingredients For Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

• Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs – These come pre-marinated with delicious Middle Eastern spices, making them full of flavor and ready to cook with no prep needed.

For the exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

• Air Fryer – The perfect appliance to cook the chicken evenly, giving it a crispy outside and juicy inside.
• Tongs – Helpful for removing the hot chicken from the air fryer basket safely.
• Knife – To slice the chicken thighs into strips if you prefer serving them that way.
• Cutting Board – A clean surface to slice the chicken after it’s cooked.
• Instant-Read Thermometer (Optional) – Great for checking that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How To Make Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

• Open the package of Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 20 minutes.
• Once done, check to make sure the chicken is fully cooked—if you have a thermometer, it should read at least 165°F inside.
• If the chicken needs more time, simply return it to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes at 400°F, then check again.
• When fully cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute.
• You can slice the chicken into strips for bowls, wraps, or salads, or leave them whole to serve as a main dish.
• Enjoy your flavorful and juicy shawarma chicken!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of brown jasmine rice or couscous for a hearty and flavorful meal.
• Add the sliced shawarma chicken to soft homemade pita bread or flatbread wraps, along with veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, white cucumbers, and a drizzle of homemade tzatziki sauce or creamy horseradish sauce for a delicious sandwich.
• Use it as a protein topping for a Mediterranean chickpea salad, with greens, feta cheese, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette.
• Pair the chicken with roasted rainbow veggies or grilled broccoli for a low-carb, balanced plate.
• Serve whole thighs alongside creamy homemade hummus, cauliflower tabbouleh, and warm naan bread or fluffy homemade pita for a simple but impressive Middle Eastern-inspired dinner.

Variations And Substitutions

• Use different pre-marinated chicken flavors: If you can’t find Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs or want to change things up, you can use any other pre-marinated chicken thighs. Options like Trader Joe’s Garlic Herb, Lemon Pepper, or Spicy Chicken Thighs would work great in this same air fryer method. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed, depending on the thickness of the pieces.

• Substitute with boneless skinless chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, you can swap the thighs for boneless skinless chicken breasts. Keep in mind that breasts may cook a bit faster, so start checking them around the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F inside.

• Make it from scratch with homemade marinade: If you don’t have access to Trader Joe’s shawarma chicken, you can marinate plain chicken thighs yourself. Use a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a homemade shawarma flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least a few hours or overnight before air frying.

• Try with bone-in chicken thighs: If you prefer bone-in chicken, this recipe still works well! Just be aware that bone-in pieces will take a bit longer to cook, usually about 25-30 minutes at 400°F. Always check with a thermometer to ensure the meat near the bone is fully cooked.

• Use for different diets: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and high in protein. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can serve this chicken with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies instead of rice or pita. For dairy-free options, make sure any sauces or toppings you add (like tzatziki) are dairy-free versions.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: While Trader Joe’s shawarma chicken is pre-seasoned, once cooked, you can still add a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a drizzle of yogurt sauce for added flavor.

• Serve in different ways: Instead of slicing for bowls or wraps, you can also shred the chicken to use in tacos, sandwiches, or meal prep containers. It’s a very flexible dish that works in many meals throughout the week.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: After cooking, let the shawarma chicken cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cooked shawarma chicken will last for up to 3 months.

• Reheating in Air Fryer: To reheat, place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps keep the chicken juicy while also crisping up the outside again.

• Reheating in Microwave: For a quick option, you can microwave the chicken. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave cover or paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through if sliced. Be careful not to overcook, as microwaving can dry out the chicken.

• Reheating on Stovetop: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Add the chicken and cover with a lid. Let it steam and heat through for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Serving reheated chicken: Once reheated, you can serve the shawarma chicken just like when it was freshly cooked—in bowls, wraps, salads, or on its own. You can also chop it up and add it to omelets, pasta, or soups to use up leftovers in new ways!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs from frozen in the air fryer?

It’s best to thaw Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs before cooking them in the air fryer for even results. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook them from frozen, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Start at 400°F and cook for about 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally. Keep in mind that cooking from frozen may result in less even browning compared to thawed chicken.

Do I need to marinate Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs before cooking?

No, Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs come fully marinated and ready to cook right out of the package. The flavorful blend of Middle Eastern spices is already infused into the chicken, so there’s no need for any extra marinating or seasoning. You can simply open the package, place them in the air fryer, and cook. This makes them a great option for a quick, no-prep dinner.

Do I need to flip the chicken during air frying?

No, you do not need to flip the chicken thighs while they cook in the air fryer. The air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly on all sides without flipping. The result is juicy, tender chicken with a beautifully browned exterior. This makes the recipe super simple and hands-off.

What should I do if my chicken isn’t cooked through after 20 minutes?

If the chicken isn’t fully cooked after the initial 20 minutes, simply return it to the air fryer and cook at 400°F for an additional 5 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for at least 165°F. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs and your specific air fryer model. Always check to make sure they are cooked through before serving.

How can I serve Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs?

There are so many ways to serve these flavorful chicken thighs! You can slice them into strips and add them to rice bowls with veggies and sauce, tuck them into pita or wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, or serve them whole with a side of roasted veggies or salad. You can even chop them up and use them in salads, pastas, or on top of flatbreads for a quick lunch or dinner. Their bold flavor makes them perfect for a variety of meals.

Can I meal prep with Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs?

Yes! These chicken thighs are excellent for meal prep. You can cook a batch in the air fryer and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slice or leave whole, then add to meal prep containers with rice, veggies, and sauces. They reheat well and make lunch or dinner quick and easy throughout the week.

Are Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs gluten-free?

Yes, Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs are labeled gluten-free, making them a great option for those avoiding gluten. Always double-check packaging for any updates to ingredients, but as of now, they are gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

What sides go well with shawarma chicken?

This shawarma chicken pairs perfectly with many side dishes! Serve it with rice, couscous, or quinoa for a hearty meal. Add a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or a cucumber yogurt salad for fresh, light flavors. Roasted veggies, like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, also make a great addition to a Middle Eastern-inspired plate.

Other Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Chicken Burritos – These frozen Trader Joe’s Chicken Burritos cook up hot and crispy in the air fryer for a fast and easy meal.

Crispy Trader Joe’s Potato Latkes Air Fryer – Make perfectly crispy and golden Trader Joe’s Potato Latkes in the air fryer without any oil or mess.

Easy Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Recipe – Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi turns out crispy on the outside and soft inside when cooked in the air fryer.

Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Fries – These frozen sweet potato fries from Trader Joe’s are easy to cook in the air fryer and come out perfectly crispy every time.

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Gyoza Dumplings – Air frying Trader Joe’s Gyoza Dumplings makes them crispy and delicious, ready to serve in just minutes.

Trader Joe’s Frozen Kimbap Sushi Rolls – Trader Joe’s Frozen Kimbap heats up beautifully in the microwave or skillet for a quick sushi-inspired meal.

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Bulgogi – Trader Joe’s Bulgogi cooks perfectly in the air fryer, turning out tender, juicy, and full of savory Korean BBQ flavor.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Crispy Air Fryer Orange Roughy Fish
• Air Fryer Orange Cauliflower
• Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins in Air Fryer