Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Whole Chicken delivers crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven. It’s a simple, hands-off way to make a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday roasts, this recipe gives you the taste of rotisserie chicken right at home.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

whole chickenolive oilpaprikagarlic powderonion powdersaltblack pepperdried thymelemon (optional)fresh herbs for stuffing (optional)

directions

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture.

Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, coating it evenly.

In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken, rubbing it into all sides.

Optional: Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for added aroma.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.

Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes.

Flip the chicken breast-side up and cook for another 20–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to retain its juices.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50–60 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Use different spice blends like Cajun, lemon pepper, or Italian seasoning.

Brush with barbecue sauce in the last 10 minutes for a smoky glaze.

Add chopped veggies to the air fryer basket halfway through for a one-pan meal.

Use butter instead of oil for a richer flavor.

Stuff with garlic cloves and onion halves for deeper savory notes.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat slices in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
You can also shred the chicken and freeze for up to 2 months for future meals.

FAQs

What size chicken fits in an air fryer?
A 3.5–4.5 lb chicken typically fits most standard air fryer baskets.

Do I need to truss the chicken?
Not necessary, but it helps keep the shape and ensures even cooking.

Can I cook a frozen chicken in the air fryer?
It’s best to fully thaw the chicken for even cooking and seasoning penetration.

How do I get crispy skin?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and don’t overcrowd the basket.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, but adjust cooking times accordingly for smaller pieces.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and evenly.

Can I stuff the chicken?
Stick to aromatics like lemon and herbs—avoid bread stuffing as it may not cook properly.

Why is my chicken dry?
It was likely overcooked—use a thermometer and rest the meat after cooking.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely, for even more flavor and moisture.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and suitable for keto diets.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Whole Chicken is a game-changer for home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort. With its crispy skin, juicy meat, and customizable seasonings, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing—this dish checks all the boxes for a winning meal.

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