Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer might sound ambitious, but it’s actually one of the easiest ways to get juicy, flavorful meat- with perfectly crispy skin!
This Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe delivers all the comfort of a classic roasted chicken dinner in a fraction of the time, and without heating up your whole kitchen. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests!
Can you really cook a whole chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! As long as your bird fits comfortably inside the basket, the air fryer circulates hot air around it to create golden, crispy skin and tender, evenly cooked meat. This recipe really proves just how versatile an air fryer can be!
What size chicken should I use?
A 3-4 pound chicken works best as far as fitting most standard-sized air fryers. Anything larger may not allow for proper air circulation, which is key for even cooking and of course for food safety. Always make sure your chicken sits flat without touching the heating element!
How do I make this air fryer chicken dairy-free?
This recipe is actually already dairy-free since it uses avocado oil!
How long does it take to cook a whole chicken in the air fryer?
Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken, but plan for about 60–75 minutes at 375°F. The most reliable way to know it’s done is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
What’s the best way to season a whole chicken for the air fryer?
A mix of rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper gives this chicken amazing flavor and color. You can always adjust the seasoning to match your taste- try Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist or a smoky BBQ rub for summer dinners!
How should I store and reheat leftover air fryer chicken?
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place pieces back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to restore that crispy skin.
What You’ll Need:
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How to Make It
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine rosemary, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and avocado oil. {Or your favorite mix of seasonings.} Mix well.
Rub the mixture all over the chicken, coating it evenly.
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
Cook for 60–75 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides evenly.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Enjoy!
Once you try cooking a whole chicken in your air fryer, you may never go back to the oven version! The skin gets wonderfully crispy, the meat stays juicy, and cleanup is minimal. It’s a perfect all-in-one dinner option- just add a simple side of roasted veggies or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a cozy, satisfying meal with almost no effort.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
This Air Fryer Whole Chicken delivers all the flavor of a traditional roast chicken in a fraction of the time. With a savory blend of herbs and spices, it’s juicy, crispy, and easy enough for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- • 1 small whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- • 2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- • 1 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and avocado oil. Mix well.
Rub the skin of the chicken with the mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Gently place the seasoned whole chicken into the preheated air fryer basket, breast side down.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size and weight of the chicken. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Once cooked, carefully remove the whole chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before
carving.
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