Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This air fryer whole chicken recipe delivers a perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort. Using simple seasonings and an air fryer, you can have a delicious roast chicken ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3 ½ to 4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅙ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty and pat the skin dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Rub the chicken skin evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle the salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme over it. Massage the seasoning into the skin.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket.
- Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the chicken for 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Flip the chicken over so it is breast-side up, then continue cooking for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
- Step 6: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, season inside the cavity with a halved lemon and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken size; smaller birds may need less time, larger birds more.
- Try swapping paprika for smoked paprika or adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Make sure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded for even cooking and crispiness.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through to maintain crispy skin. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook a frozen whole chicken in the air fryer?
It’s best to fully thaw the chicken before air frying to ensure even cooking and food safety. Cooking from frozen can result in unevenly cooked meat.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
PrintAir Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
A simple and flavorful air fryer whole chicken recipe that yields a juicy and crispy bird with minimal effort. Seasoned with basic herbs and spices, this method uses the air fryer to cook a 3 ½ to 4-pound chicken evenly and quickly, ensuring a perfect golden skin and tender meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 60-70 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Whole Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (3 ½ to 4 pounds)
Seasoning and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅙ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning (optional substitute for above spices)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Ensure the cavity of the chicken is completely empty and pat the skin dry with paper towels. This step is important to help achieve crispy skin.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken evenly all over the skin with olive oil. Then sprinkle the seasoning mix (kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, dried thyme) or use the prepared chicken seasoning, making sure to cover all surfaces for maximum flavor.
- Place in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket to start cooking on that side.
- Cook First Side: Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook the chicken for 30 minutes. This initial cooking helps render fat and brown the bottom side well.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken so the breast side is up. Continue cooking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest uncovered for 10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat for optimal juiciness and tenderness before carving.
Notes
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer for best results to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste or replace dried thyme with fresh herbs if preferred.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking is essential for juicy meat.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and size of the chicken, so monitor the temperature accordingly.
- For extra crispy skin, you can spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
Keywords: Air Fryer Whole Chicken, Crispy Air Fryer Chicken, Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipe, Juicy Air Fried Chicken
