Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
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Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe: Crispy skin, juicy meat in under 1 hour! Easy, beginner-friendly method with simple seasonings for perfect rotisserie-style chicken.
This Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks. It delivers a perfectly roasted chicken with golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat in a fraction of the time of traditional oven roasting. As a busy mom and passionate cook, I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s a family favorite that never fails to impress!
If you’re searching for the best air fryer whole chicken recipe, you’ve found it. With simple seasonings and minimal prep, this dish is beginner-friendly yet delivers restaurant-quality results. The air fryer’s hot air circulation ensures even cooking, locking in flavor and moisture while creating that irresistible crispy exterior.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer creates a rotisserie-style chicken with perfectly crisp skin and moist meat.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with just 5 minutes of prep.
- Versatile: Use basic seasonings or customize with your favorite spices for endless variations.
- Family-Friendly: Gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and great for meal prep or gatherings.
I’ve perfected this recipe over time, drawing from classic roasting techniques but adapting them for the air fryer’s speed and efficiency. The result is a foolproof dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
For this air fryer whole chicken recipe, you’ll need two ingredients along with optional, yet recommended seasonings.
- Whole Chicken: Choose a 3 to 4-pound whole chicken. I prefer to use organic, grass-fed whenever possible.
- Olive oil: I prefer to use a high-quality olive oil to coat the chicken. You could also use an avocado oil, or melted butter if you prefer.
- Optional seasonings: I use Stone House Seasoning, my homemade blend of salt, pepper, and garlic as well as paprika (optional). You can also include dried thyme and rosemary or other seasoning blends if you’d like.
Step by Step Instructions
- Coat both sides of chicken with olive oil and season.
- Air fry with breast side down.
- Turn the whole chicken with tongs.
- Air fry with breast side up.
- Check for doneness with meat thermometer.
- Rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Crispy Skin Secret: Thoroughly dry the chicken and don’t skip the oil for the crispiest results.
- Flavor Variations: Try a BBQ rub for smoky flavor, add cayenne for heat, or use poultry seasoning for a classic rotisserie taste.
- Air Fryer Sizes: This recipe fits 5-6 quart air fryers. For larger chickens, ensure it fits without crowding and adjust cooking time.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, just double-check your spices for certifications.
- Lemon or Garlic Stuffing: Adds subtle flavor to the meat, but it’s optional if you prefer simplicity.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Shred or portion cooked chicken, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
- Make-Ahead: Season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate for deeper flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh—it should read 165°F (74°C).
Yes, but ensure it fits your air fryer. Increase cooking time and check the temperature to ensure doneness.
The air fryer cooks faster than an oven, creates crispier skin, and uses less oil than frying.
Flipping ensures even cooking and crispy skin on all sides, but if your air fryer circulates heat well and doesn’t recommend flipping in the user manual, you can skip it—just check for doneness.
Absolutely! With minimal prep and clear steps, it’s perfect for new cooks.
If you try this air fryer whole chicken recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out—leave a comment below or tag me on social media. For more easy dinner ideas, check out my Instant Pot Chicken or Baked Chicken Breasts.
Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Stone House Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, optional
Instructions
- Prep. Make sure to remove anything from the cavity of the chicken. Use paper towels to dry the skin of the chicken. Tuck the wings
- Season the chicken. With clean hands, spread the olive oil and Stone House Seasoning over the entire chicken.
- Arrange the chicken. Place the chicken, breast side down, into the air fryer basket. Make sure that the chicken does not touch the top heating element of the air fryer and fits properly.
- Air fry. Cook the chicken at 350º F for 30 minutes. Use tongs and turn the chicken over, and cook an additional 20 – 30 minutes until an instant-read thermometer registers 165º F.
- Serve. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Crispy Skin: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly and use oil or melted butter for the best texture.
- Variations: Try BBQ rub, cayenne, or poultry seasoning for different flavors.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Air Fryer Sizes: Fits 5-6 quart air fryers. Adjust time for larger chickens.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
