Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
This Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe gives you perfectly cooked whole chicken with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. It’s quick, easy, and results in a deliciously seasoned chicken with minimal effort. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will leave your family asking for seconds.
With step-by-step images and a video tutorial, you’ll see just how simple it is to achieve rotisserie-style perfection right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Efficient: Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
- Healthier Option: Using minimal oil, this recipe provides a lighter alternative to traditional roasting.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite spices to suit your taste preferences.
How to Make Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly cooked chicken:
Step 1: Brine (Optional but Recommended)
For the juiciest chicken, brine it for one hour before air frying. If you’re short on time, a quick 30-minute brine will still work wonders.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Clean the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry with a kitchen towel. Dry skin is essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and taco seasoning.
Step 3: Season and Oil
- Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken.
- Pour 1 tbsp olive oil over one side of the chicken and massage it in to distribute the spices evenly. Repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and air fry the other side for an additional 23 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Cover the chicken with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step locks in the juices for tender, flavorful meat.
- Serve with your favorite sides like salad, bread, or pasta.
Notes & Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
- Size Matters: Larger chickens will require more time to cook. Adjust cooking times based on the weight of your chicken.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Get Creative with Spices: Don’t have taco seasoning? Try Italian herbs, Cajun seasoning, or even a simple lemon-pepper blend.
- Crispier Skin Tip: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning to get extra crispy skin.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer whole chicken pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh Caesar salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a hearty dinner.
- Butter garlic pasta for a comforting, indulgent pairing.
FAQs About Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. For every extra 250 grams, add about 5–7 minutes per side.
While preheating isn’t mandatory, it can help ensure even cooking, especially for larger chickens.
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes for crispy results.
Why Make This Recipe?
Making a whole chicken in the air fryer saves time and effort while delivering delicious results. No need to heat up your oven or deal with messy roasting pans—just season, cook, and enjoy!
Related Recipes
- Chicken Scampi.
- Tandoori Chicken.
- Southern Fried Chicken.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice.
- Grilled Spatchcock.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
- Pan Roasted Chicken and Rice.
⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
If you have tried this Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 1000 grams whole chicken with skin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon taco seasoning optional
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- For juicier and more tender chicken, it is recommended to brine the chicken for an hour before air frying, although this step is optional.
- Ensure the chicken is clean and pat it dry with a kitchen towel to achieve crispy, beautifully colored skin.
- Mix your choice of spices with salt and rub the mixture onto both sides of the chicken. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil on one side and rub it in to help distribute the spices evenly. Repeat the same process on the other side.
- Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and air fry the other side for an additional 23 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (or slightly higher).
- After cooking, cover the chicken with aluminum foil for 10 minutes to seal in the juices and enhance tenderness.
- Serve the chicken with salad, bread, or pasta.
Video
Notes
- A larger chicken will take longer to cook in the air fryer.
- If you can’t brine the chicken for a full hour, brining it for half an hour will also suffice.
- Feel free to get creative with the spices; you can use whatever you have on hand.
- I also have a great recipe for homemade taco seasoning on my blog that you can incorporate into this recipe.
