Air Fryer Lamb Gyro

Air Fryer Lamb Gyro —I’m a cook who loves experimenting with new recipes and flavors. My favorite food is lamb gyros, so I decided to see if I could make them in my air fryer. The results were fantastic!

Do you love gyros? You are not alone. Gyros are very popular in the United States, especially with people who enjoy Mediterranean-style cuisine. If you have never had a lamb gyro before, this is your perfect opportunity to try one! It’s delicious and easy to make at home.

Today, I made a great version of lamb gyros by making lamb patties out of ground lamb and perfectly seasoned them. They were terrific; if you love lamb, you will love them!

Then I added typical gyro fillings to pita bread and made a significant and delicious Air Fryer Lamb Gryo Sandwich! It was served with a Greek Salad and some tzatziki sauce, and it was an excellent and easy dinner–all made in the Air Fryer!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Easy Dinner Recipes, some of my favorite recipes are AIR FRYER FILET MIGNON, AIR FRYER BLACK PEPPER STEAK KABOB, EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN SANDWICH (CHICK-FIL-A COPYCAT), and AIR FRYER KUNG PAO CHICKEN.

What Is A Gyro?

Have you ever heard of a gyro? Gyros are one of the most popular Mediterranean dishes. They are usually beef or lamb cooked on a vertical rotisserie with other ingredients like onion and tomatoes.

As it turns out, there is quite an interesting story behind this dish! Have you ever wondered what makes the name “gyro”? The term “gyros” comes from the Greek word for a turn, which was initially spelled as γύρος. It simplified to “yiras” in Turkish, getting our modern word for “gyro”!

Why You Will Love Making Lamb Gyros In Air Fryer

Making Lamb Gyro in the Air Fryer offers a delightful culinary experience with several reasons to love it:

• Efficiency: The Air Fryer cooks the lamb gyro quickly and evenly, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious dish in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods.
• Crispy Texture: Air frying achieves the perfect balance of crispy and tender, giving your gyro that desirable contrast in texture.
• Healthier Option: Air frying uses less oil compared to traditional frying methods, making your lamb gyro a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable Flavors: You have full control over the seasoning and spice level, allowing you to customize the gyro to suit your taste preferences.
• Easy Cleanup: Air frying minimizes mess and splatter, making cleanup a breeze, and ensuring you can savor your gyro without worrying about a messy kitchen.
• Consistent Results: The Air Fryer consistently delivers well-cooked and flavorful gyros, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Versatility: Besides the lamb gyro, you can use the Air Fryer to prepare various components, such as pita bread and vegetables, making it a versatile cooking tool.
• Saves Energy: The Air Fryer uses less energy than a conventional oven, helping you reduce your carbon footprint while preparing a mouthwatering meal.

With the Air Fryer, you can easily recreate the classic flavors of a Lamb Gyro in the comfort of your kitchen, making it a convenient and satisfying choice for any mealtime.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Lamb Gyro

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of an Air Fryer Lamb Gyro, a delightful Greek-inspired dish that’s satisfying and easy to prepare. To embark on this culinary journey, gather the following key ingredients:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Ground Lamb: This tender and flavorful cut of lamb is the star of your gyro. It’s traditionally marinated and roasted to perfection.
• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a creamy and tangy element to the marinade, providing a luscious texture and enhancing the lamb’s taste.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil infuses the lamb with richness while helping seal in moisture during cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are minced and included in the marinade to impart a robust and aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice contributes a bright and citrusy zing to the marinade, enhancing the overall freshness of the gyro.
• Dried Oregano: Dried oregano brings an earthy and herbaceous note to the marinade, complementing the lamb’s natural flavors.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a touch of smokiness and a mild peppery flavor, elevating the gyro’s taste profile.
• Cumin: Ground cumin contributes warmth and depth to the marinade, creating a harmonious blend of spices.
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a hint of heat, cayenne pepper can be added to the marinade to provide a subtle kick.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings are essential for enhancing the overall taste and ensuring your gyro is perfectly seasoned.
• Flatbreads (Pita or Naan): Soft and pliable flatbreads serve as the gyro’s vessel, cradling the flavorful lamb and toppings.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Tzatziki, a refreshing yogurt-based sauce, is a quintessential gyro condiment, offering coolness and a hint of garlic.
• Sliced Vegetables: Fresh sliced vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions add crunch and freshness to your gyro.
• Lettuce (Optional): Crisp lettuce leaves can be included for extra texture and a touch of greenery.

How To Make Air Fryer Lamb Gyro

Add the ground lamb, oregano, basil, onion flakes, garlic powder, thyme, fennel, paprika, black pepper, and harissa seasoning in a small bowl. Mix well.

Shape the meat into 2-inch patties. Place into the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove them from the refrigerator, add your silicone liner down, spray the liner with cooking spray. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip halfway during the cooking process.

Check the meat with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 145 degrees F.

Assemble your gyro.

Recipe Variations

Here are some recipe variations for Air Fryer Lamb Gyro that you can try to customize the dish to your taste:

• Greek-Inspired Marinade: Create a traditional Greek marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Marinate the ground lamb for a few hours or overnight for an authentic Greek flavor.
• Mediterranean Toppings: While assembling your gyro, consider adding Mediterranean toppings such as diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for added freshness and flavor.
• Spicy Harissa Gyro: Increase the heat by adding more Harissa Seasoning to the lamb mixture or by including a dollop of spicy Harissa sauce in your gyro for a fiery kick.
• Homemade Tzatziki: Elevate your gyro with a homemade Tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice. It adds a creamy and refreshing element to the dish.
• Lamb Kebabs: Instead of using ground lamb, marinate lamb cubes in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and herbs, then thread them onto skewers and air fry for lamb kebabs. Serve with pita bread and your favorite gyro toppings.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, replace the lamb with grilled or air-fried slices of halloumi cheese, a popular Mediterranean cheese known for its squeaky texture when cooked.
• Lamb and Beef Blend: Combine ground lamb with ground beef for a unique flavor profile that balances the richness of lamb with the milder taste of beef.
• Wrap Variation: Instead of traditional pita bread, use lettuce leaves or large collard green leaves as wraps for a low-carb option.
• Sweet and Spicy Gyro: Add a touch of sweetness and heat to your gyro by drizzling it with honey and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy contrast.
• Fry Toppings: Experiment with air-frying some of your gyro toppings like onions and peppers to enhance their flavors and textures.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own unique Air Fryer Lamb Gyro recipe. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the gyro to your preferences and dietary needs.

Pro Tips

. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Air Fryer Lamb Gyro turns out perfectly:

• Use Lean Ground Lamb: Choose lean ground lamb to minimize excess fat in your gyro. This will help prevent flare-ups and ensure a healthier dish.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your Air Fryer for a few minutes before cooking. This ensures that the lamb starts cooking immediately when it goes in, leading to better browning and flavor development.
• Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the ground lamb in your chosen marinade for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible. Marinating adds depth of flavor and keeps the meat tender.
• Don’t Overload the Basket: Avoid overcrowding the Air Fryer basket. Cook the lamb in batches if needed to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Shape the Lamb Patties Evenly: When forming lamb patties, ensure they are of uniform size and thickness. This helps them cook evenly and prevents any parts from overcooking or undercooking.
• Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the lamb. Lamb is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done.
• Sear for a Crispy Exterior: If you prefer an extra crispy exterior on your lamb gyro, you can sear the cooked patties in a hot skillet or grill pan for a minute or two on each side after air frying.
• Warm the Pita or Naan: Before assembling your gyro, warm the pita or naan bread in the Air Fryer for a minute or two to make it soft and pliable.
• Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: When assembling your gyro, layer the ingredients thoughtfully. Start with the lamb, followed by vegetables, Tzatziki sauce, and any additional toppings.
• Customize Toppings: Customize your gyro with your favorite toppings and condiments. Fresh herbs, hot sauce, or pickled vegetables can add extra flair.
• Rest Before Serving: Let your assembled gyro rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the gyro from falling apart when you take that first delicious bite.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering Air Fryer Lamb Gyro that’s bursting with flavor and texture, making every bite a delightful experience.

Faq’s

Can I use other meats besides lamb for gyro in the Air Fryer? Yes, you can use other meats like ground beef, chicken, or turkey to make gyro in the Air Fryer. Adjust the cooking time and seasoning to suit the meat you choose.

How long does it take to cook Lamb Gyro in the Air Fryer? The cooking time for Lamb Gyro in the Air Fryer can vary based on the thickness of the meat patties and the Air Fryer’s temperature settings. On average, it takes about 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for ground lamb gyro patties.

Can I prepare the gyro meat in advance and refrigerate it before air frying? Yes, you can prepare the gyro meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Shape the patties just before air frying for the best results.

What is the recommended internal temperature for cooked ground lamb? The recommended internal temperature for cooked ground lamb is 160°F (71°C) for medium. However, you can adjust it to your preferred level of doneness, such as medium-rare at 145°F (63°C) or well-done at 170°F (77°C).

Can I freeze leftover gyro meat for later use? Yes, you can freeze leftover gyro meat patties. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label with the date and use them within a few months.

What are some common gyro toppings and condiments? Common gyro toppings and condiments include Tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, lettuce, and hot sauce. Customize your gyro with your favorite toppings.

Can I make vegetarian or vegan gyros in the Air Fryer? Yes, you can make vegetarian or vegan gyros in the Air Fryer by using plant-based protein substitutes like textured vegetable protein (TVP), tempeh, or seitan. Season and cook them similarly to traditional gyro meat.

What type of bread is best for serving gyro? Pita bread and naan bread are popular choices for serving gyro. You can warm them in the Air Fryer before assembling your gyro for a soft and pliable texture.

Can I make a gluten-free gyro using the Air Fryer? Yes, you can make a gluten-free gyro by using gluten-free pita or naan bread and ensuring that your gyro meat seasoning and marinade are gluten-free. Check the labels of condiments and seasonings for any gluten-containing ingredients.

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• AIR FRYER COPYCAT MCDONALD’S FRENCH FRIES
• INSTANT POT GREEK LEMON RICE
• GREEK YOGURT BBQ SAUCE
• AIR FRYER STUFFED MINI PEPPERS

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