Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Name: Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp paprika; 2 tsp garlic powder

What is this air fry chicken? If you’re like me and sometimes stare blankly into the fridge at 6 PM wondering what on earth to make for dinner, this recipe is about to become your new best friend. Is it easier than roasting a chicken in the oven? I like rotisserie chicken, but even better because you get to control all the seasonings. I used to be intimidated by the thought of cooking a whole chicken, but trust me, this method is foolproof. I think it’s easier than making my grandma’s famous fried chicken (don’t tell her I said that!).

What is an Air Fryer Whole Chicken?

What exactly are we talking about when we say **Air Fryer Whole Chicken**? What’s a super-fast, super-delicious way to get that classic Sunday roast chicken flavor any night of the week? What is the magic of air frying? The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, resulting in a golden-brown, crispy skin that you just can’t get in the oven alone. It’s seriously amazing!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

I know there are a million recipes out there for chicken, but this **Air Fryer Whole Chicken**?

Flavor explosion:I’m talking juicy, tender meat infused with all the delicious herbs and spices you can imagine. The skin is crispy, salty, and just begging to be devoured. I love using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs de Provence, but feel free to get creative!
Ridiculously easy:Seriously, this is a dump-and-go kind of recipe. You’re basically just seasoning and tossing it in the air fryer. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. What is a lifesaver on a busy weeknight?
Budget-friendly:Is it cheaper to buy a whole chicken instead of individual pieces?
Super versatile:Can you serve this chicken with just about anything. Roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, a simple salad, even just some crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices? The possibilities are endless.

What I love most is that it delivers the satisfying comfort of a Sunday roast without the hours of roasting. I actually prefer it to rotisserie chicken from the store – it tastes fresher and I know exactly what’s in it. Plus, my kids gobble it up! And honestly, that’s the biggest win of all. Sometimes I even prep the chicken with the seasoning the night before so it’s even faster to throw in the Air Fryer when I get home from work.

How do I make an air fryer for chicken?

Quick Overview

How do you make an Air Fryer whole chicken? The air fryer circulates hot air, cooking the chicken quickly and evenly, and giving you that unbelievably crispy skin that everyone raves about. Don’t be intimidated – I promise it’s practically foolproof!

Ingredients

For the Air Fryer Whole Chicken:

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds): 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds): 1 whole chickenI usually take it out of the freezer two days before I plan to cook it and let it thaw in the fridge. Make sure it’s fully thawed! How do I get crispy skin?

2 tablespoons olive oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil: 1 tablespoon olive oilIs avocado oil a good substitute for melted butter?

How much garlic powder should I use?What’s better with garlic?

2 teaspoons onion powder: 2 teaspoons garlic powder: 2 teaspoonsAdds a nice depth of flavor.

1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness and beautiful color.

1 teaspoon dried thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thymeI love the earthy flavor of thyme with chicken. You can also use oregano or rosemary.

1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a woody flavor.

1/2 teaspoon salt: Don’t skimp on the salt! It really brings out the flavor of the chicken.

1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:Fresh ground is always best, if you have it.

Optional: 1 lemon, quartered: Optional:Stuffing the cavity with lemon adds a citrusy flavor.

What are the steps to follow for

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First, take your thawed chicken out of the packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is SUPER important for getting crispy skin! Remove any giblets or neck from the cavity. If you’re using a lemon, quarter it and set it aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a paste. If you’re using a lemon, stuff the lemon quarters into the cavity of the chicken. Rub the paste all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin of the breast and thighs.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side up. Air fry for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of chicken. It’s the only way to know if the chicken is cooked through. If the skin starts to get brown, you can loosely cover the chicken with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. What is the best way to re-distribute chicken juices?

Step 5: Carve and Serve

I like to serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Don’t forget to drizzle some of those delicious pan juices over the top!

What should I serve it with?

What’s your favorite way to serve Air Fryer Whole Chicken?

For a Classic Sunday Dinner:Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and green beans. Don’t forget the gravy!

What’s a quick weeknight meal?Serve with a salad and crusty bread.

For a BBQ: Serve it alongside your favorite BBQ sides, like corn on the cob, coleslaw, and potato salad.

For a Special Occasion:Serve with roasted asparagus, wild rice pilaf, and a glass of wine.

My family loves it with a big bowl of mac and cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food combination! And if you’re feeling fancy, you can make a chicken pot pie with the leftovers.

How do you perfect an air fryer for chicken?

How do I make sure my Air Fryer Whole Chicken is a total success?

How do you dry chicken thoroughly?What is the best way to get crispy skin on chicken?

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Don’t overcrowd If your air fryer is too small to fit the whole chicken, you may need to cut it in half or cook it in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and the skin won’t get as crispy.

Use a meat thermometer:How do you check if a chicken is cooked through with a meat thermometer? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Let the chicken rest? Letting the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful chicken. Tent it with foil while it rests to keep it warm.

What are some creative seasonings?What are some of my favorite combinations of herbs and spices?

Basting:Can you baste chicken with its own juice every 15-20 minutes for added moisture? Just be careful not to open the air fryer too often, as this can lower the temperature and increase the cooking time. I usually skip this step for ease.

I also find that spatchcocking (removing the backbone and flattening it) helps it cook even faster and more evenly in the air fryer. It also makes it easier to carve!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you store leftovers in an air fryer?

Refrigerating:Can you store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days?

Freezing:How do I freeze leftover chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months?

Reheating:Is it safe to reheat leftover chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes?

Crispy Skin Hack:How do you get the skin crispy in an air fryer?

What’s a good way to use leftover chicken in tacos?

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I use frozen chicken?

No, you must fully thaw the chicken before air frying. Cooking a frozen chicken can be unsafe because the outside will cook much faster than the inside, potentially leaving the inside undercooked.

My air fryer is small. Can I still make this?

How do you cut a chicken in half? Make sure there’s room for air to circulate around the chicken for even cooking.

How do you know when a chicken is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the chicken?

Can you add them in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get overcooked?

What should I do if my skin is getting brown?

Cover chicken with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This will prevent the skin from burning.

Final Thoughts

What is a good recipe for air fry whole chicken? What are some of the best ways to get a healthy meal on the table quickly and easily? If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes – I’m always experimenting with new ways to use this amazing appliance. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any fun variations, be sure to share them with me!

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