Print

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Place in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket to start cooking on that side.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/air-fryer-whole-chicken-recipe/