Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer yields a succulent, flavorful bird with a crispy skin, all while being easy and efficient. This method is perfect for a delicious, quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal any time. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you achieve the best results with your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh lemon slices and rosemary for the cavity
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Rub the chicken all over with olive oil.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Season:
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible. For extra flavor, you can also stuff the cavity of the chicken with fresh lemon slices and rosemary.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Place in Air Fryer:
- Place the seasoned chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. This helps keep the breast meat juicy.
- Air Fry:
- Cook the chicken at 360°F (182°C) for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip the chicken to cook breast side up.
- Check for Doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If necessary, cook in additional 5-minute increments until the chicken reaches the correct temperature.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Rest the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
- Serve:
- Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Dry the Skin Well: Patting the chicken dry helps achieve a crispy skin. Moisture on the skin can prevent it from getting crispy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the chicken fits comfortably in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches or use a larger air fryer.
- Season Under the Skin: For deeper flavor, carefully loosen the skin and rub some seasoning directly onto the meat.
Conclusion
Air fryer whole chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that combines convenience with delicious results. The air fryer cooks the chicken quickly while giving it a perfect crispy skin and juicy interior. With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is ideal for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer whole chicken with your favorite sides and garnishes for a hearty and flavorful dinner!