Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Full of flavor, quick, and easy, these Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs are the perfect 20-minute family dinner! If you're someone who loves a good Middle Eastern meal (or just anything that is jam-packed with flavor), you're definitely going to want to try this delicious recipe. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy, and of course. It’s quickly become one of our favorite meals to make in the air fryer.
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Why I Love This Recipe
The marinating has already been done for you! The best part is that the chicken thighs already come pre-seasoned and ready to go, so you don't have to spend time waiting for the flavors to marinate.
Full of flavor! They're packed with spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garlic, making this feel like the best chicken shawarma you can get without going to a restaurant.
Easy protein to add to any meal. If you're looking to add more protein into your meals, these chicken shawarma thighs are perfect for just that! They can easily be served along a variety of different sides, making it so easy to create a balanced meal.
Air-fried and ready in just 20 minutes! This recipe is made in the air fryer, which means it’s not only quick and easy but also a little healthier since it uses less oil. Best of all, it comes together in only 20 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight family dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need
1 package of Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma thighs: These boneless skinless chicken thighs can be found in Trader Joe’s refrigerated meats section.
Note: A single package yields about 2–3 adult portions plus 1–2 kid portions, so it’s just the right amount for a quick family dinner.
My Go-To Kitchen Tools for this Recipe:
How To Make Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs
Remove the Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma from the packaging.
Place the chicken in an even layer in the air fry basket.
Cook at 400F for 18-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Notes
All air fryers are slightly different. So it is best to check it after 15 minutes to see if it is cooked through. I like using a thermometer to check. Just pop it into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it reads 165F or higher.
Store any leftover shawarma chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just heat in the microwave for 60 seconds or in the air fryer at 350 for 2-3 minutes.
What to Serve with Chicken Shawarma
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve chicken shawarma:
White Rice: Try my fluffy rice recipe!
Salad Shirazi: This is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that's made with cucumbers, tomato, and onion. I have a recipe for it up on my Substack here.
Trader Joe’s Tzatziki creamy garlic cucumber dip: pairs perfectly with this chicken shawarma!
My Simple House Salad: you can find the recipe in my cookbook here!
Other Great Pairing Suggestions!
Hummus
Tahini sauce
Tzatziki sauce
Creamy garlic sauce
Yogurt sauce
On a pita
Over a Greek salad
With cherry tomatoes and cucumber
My Favorite Air Fryers!
Since this recipe is all about convenience, I wanted to share a few of my favorite air fryers that make cooking easier and meals turn out perfectly every time. I’ve linked them all in this Amazon folder so you can compare and pick the one that works best for you.
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart DualZone Air Fryer
This one’s a powerhouse! With two independent baskets, you can cook different foods at the same time, perfect if you want your shawarma and veggies ready together. It’s a bit more of an investment, but the best part is how extra crispy it makes your food.
Instant Pot Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer
If the Ninja is out of your price point, this compact option is always on sale and still delivers amazing results. It’s small, budget-friendly, and great if you’re cooking for just one or two people. It’s the easy way to get golden brown chicken without taking up much counter space.COSORI Air Fryer Pro 5QT (9-in-1)
A solid mid-size option that’s versatile and sleek. It cooks quickly at up to 450℉, and the glass panel is super easy to wipe clean. With 9 cooking functions and 130+ in-app recipes, this is great if you want more variety in one appliance. Think of it as chef-grade results at home.Our Place Wonder Oven
If you want something multifunctional and stylish, this 6-in-1 is both countertop-friendly and pretty enough to leave out. It can air fry, toast, roast, bake, reheat, and even broil—with steam infusion for extra moisture. It’s one of my favorite ways to cook when I want more than just air frying.Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (4QT)
A reliable, compact option if you don’t need anything huge. It’s perfect for quick family dinners and makes fries, veggies, and chicken come out beautifully crisp. This one is simple, dependable, and gets the job done every time.
You can check out all of these in my Amazon folder here!
More Air Fryer Recipes!
FAQs
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Serve the chicken shawarma in a shawarma wrap, on warm pita bread, or over a Greek salad with fresh veggies. I love serving mine with Trader Joe’s frozen Basmati Rice and Tzatziki dip!
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them for 25-30 minutes. Flip the thighs halfway through cooking for even browning, and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Yes, you can cook chicken shawarma on the stove! Simply heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the pre-marinated chicken thighs. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make option for any night of the week. They’re already seasoned and ready to cook, and the air fryer is the perfect easy way to get them crispy on the outside and juicy inside. In just 20 minutes, the chicken cooks up beautifully golden brown, ready to serve with your favorite sides. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs
Marinated, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Pair with your favorite sides for an easy, mess-free Middle Eastern-inspired meal in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma thighs
Instructions
- Remove the Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma from the packaging.
- Place the chicken in an even layer in the air fry basket.
- Cook at 400F for 18-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Notes
- All air fryers are slightly different. So it is best to check it after 15 minutes to see if it is cooked through. I like using a thermometer to check. Just pop it into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it reads 165F or higher.
- Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just heat in the microwave for 60 seconds or in the air fryer at 350 for 2-3 minutes.
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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Marinated, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Pair with your favorite sides for an easy, mess-free Middle Eastern-inspired meal in just 20 minutes!