Today, I am excited to share with you my easy air fryer whole chicken recipe! This mouthwatering recipe is not only delicious but also guaranteed for your convenience and ultimate flavor! The aim is to create delicious, juicy, chicken. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a hassle-free weeknight meal, this Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe will become a regular favorite on your dining table.
I’m thrilled to share with you an incredibly simple yet impressive dish – an Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe. If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to roast a whole chicken with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend.
This recipe takes the hassle out of traditional oven-roasting and delivers a flavorful, succulent chicken that will have your family and guests coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into this delightful air fryer adventure together!
Enjoy the convenience, savor the flavors, and relish in the praise of your family and guests!
Ingredients needed for this air fryer whole chicken
You can totally make your whole chicken true to your taste by adding your regular seasonings. I usually love to have my chicken lightly seasoned to allow the natural flavor to do its magic.
1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings – You can customize the amount to your taste. I seasoned my whole chicken with
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme this time around)
- 1 tablespoon of Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Equipements needed for an air fryer chicken
Air Fryer: Of course, the air fryer itself. Choose a model with a large enough capacity to comfortably fit a whole chicken. Most air fryers can accommodate chickens weighing around 4 to 5 pounds. For this recipe, I am using Ninja Foodi
Kitchen Tongs – Tongs will help you handle the chicken easily without damaging the skin or causing any accidents.
Other desirable equipments include – Meat Thermometer, Cutting Board, Knife, and Paper Towels. If you can not lay your hands on any of these, you will still have a well-roasted chicken.
My PRO Tip for a yummy, perfectly cooked crisp whole chicken
- Marinate your chicken for about 1 – 24 hours for a perfect flavored chicken.
- To achieve a perfect internal temperature for an air fryer whole chicken, making it safe consumption, make sure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thickest part of the thigh reaches 175°F (80°C) on a meat thermometer.
- Turn the chicken halfway through.
- About 10 minutes to the end of roasting your chicken, apply your desired dressing – I prefer using barbecue sauce on mine.
How to Make an Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Start by ensuring the chicken is fully thawed if using a frozen one. Pat it dry with paper towels to help achieve crispy skin during the cooking process.
Step 2: Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning paste.
Step 3: Season the Chicken: Gently lift the skin of the chicken to create pockets and rub the seasoning paste evenly under the skin. This step will infuse the meat with delicious flavors and help keep the skin crispy.
Step 4: Season the Chicken: Next, rub the remaining seasoning paste all over the chicken’s exterior, ensuring it’s coated evenly for a balanced flavor profile.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the chicken retain its juiciness.
Step 6: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer: Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned whole chicken in the air fryer basket, breast-side up. Ensure that it fits comfortably without touching the walls of the air fryer.
Step 7: Air Fry the Chicken: Air fry the whole chicken at 360°F (180°C) for 30 minutes. After the first 30 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue air frying for an additional 20-25 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken and your air fryer model.
Step 8: Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thickest part of the thigh reaches 175°F (80°C).
Step 9: Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender chicken. Carve, serve, and watch your guests delight in the flavorful goodness of this Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken!
FAQ about Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Can I use a frozen whole chicken for the air fryer recipe?
It is not recommended to cook a whole frozen chicken in the air fryer. It is best to use a fresh or fully thawed chicken for even and safe cooking.
Can I use a marinade for the whole chicken before air frying?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken before air frying for additional flavor. Ensure that the chicken is thoroughly dried before applying the marinade to achieve crispy skin.
Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking?
It is not necessary to flip the chicken during cooking in the air fryer. The air circulation ensures even cooking on all sides.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach for safe consumption?
The chicken is safe to eat when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thickest part of the thigh reaches 175°F (80°C) on a meat thermometer.
How can I prevent the chicken skin from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, make sure the chicken skin is coated with oil or seasoning before placing it in the air fryer basket. Additionally, using parchment paper can help avoid sticking.
Can I add vegetables or potatoes to the air fryer with the chicken?
Yes, you can add vegetables or potatoes to the air fryer along with the chicken to create a complete meal. Make sure to cut the vegetables into even-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I use different herbs and spices for seasoning the chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your air fryer whole chicken.
Can I cook a stuffed whole chicken in the air fryer?
Make sure to check the internal temperature of your chicken, to make sure it is cooked properly. The stuffing may not reach the safe internal temperature during the air fryer’s cooking time.
Congratulations, there you have your Air Fryer Whole Chicken! With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a game-changer in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
