Why I LOVE Cooking Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
Roasting a whole chicken in the oven is a classic go-to meal, but using an air fryer makes it even easier! This is by far my favorite way to cook chicken—it results in extra-crispy skin while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Why Cook a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer?
- Cooking chicken in the air fryer is simple and foolproof.
- It cooks faster than in the oven, and cleanup is a breeze.
- You only need three basic ingredients: chicken, oil, and seasoning.
- The skin turns out extra crispy, and the meat stays incredibly juicy.
- Perfect for dinner or meal prep—cook an extra chicken to replace a store-bought rotisserie chicken or to use in sandwiches, soups, or salads.
Pair your air-fried whole chicken with your favorite vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
CHICKEN: A whole chicken weighing between 3-4 pounds works best for this recipe.
OIL: A small amount of olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the skin and enhances crispiness. Alternatively, cooking spray can be used.
SEASONING: Seasoning before cooking adds great flavor to the skin. You can use your favorite blend or a simple mix of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. Feel free to customize it with onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.
How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
This recipe comes together in just three easy steps:
- Prepare the chicken: Remove any giblets from inside the cavity.
- Season: Rub the chicken with oil and season generously.
- Cook: Follow the cooking instructions for a perfectly juicy and crispy chicken.
For a well-balanced meal, serve it with roasted sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, and a side salad!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken
- Check for giblets inside the chicken before cooking. Some chickens come with them, while others do not.
- Trussing considerations: Many whole chickens come tied with string. If your chicken is closer to 4 pounds, it may touch the top of your air fryer. If needed, untie the string, or gently press down on the chicken breast to slightly crack the breastbone and make it fit better.
- Cook breast-side down first and flip it after 30 minutes for even cooking.
- Cooking time: A 3-pound chicken takes about 45-50 minutes, while a 4-pound chicken will need closer to 60 minutes.
- Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. Start checking early to avoid overcooking.
- Make use of the drippings: Pour the flavorful juices over vegetables like asparagus or cauliflower and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.
Storing Leftover Chicken
- Refrigeration: Remove the meat from the bones and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freezing: Place leftover chicken in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Save the carcass to make homemade broth!
- Reheating: Simply microwave the chicken or warm it up in the air fryer. Refresh the flavors with a little salt and pepper, or make a quick gravy to drizzle on top!
This air fryer whole chicken is a game-changer—crispy, juicy, and so easy to make! Whether you’re serving it fresh for dinner or using it for meal prep, it’s a must-try recipe.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
The air fryer is the perfect way to roast a whole chicken, delivering crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender meat every time.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment Needed:
- Air Fryer
- Instant-Read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3 ½ to 4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chicken Seasoning (or use 1 tablespoon pre-made chicken seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅙ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Instructions
- Ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty and pat the skin dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the entire chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the skin.
- Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F.
- Cook for 30 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes
- A 5.8-quart air fryer can fit a 3.75-pound chicken. Make sure your air fryer is large enough before starting.
- Remove any giblets from the cavity before cooking—these can be frozen for making giblet gravy later.
- If the chicken is too large and touches the heating element, untie the legs or gently press it down to fit.
- Use your favorite seasonings! Avoid fresh garlic, as it may burn in the air fryer.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- Pro Tip: Use the flavorful chicken drippings to coat vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower, and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.
Nutrition Information (Per ¼ of a whole chicken)
- Calories: 444
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 143mg
- Sodium: 134mg
- Potassium: 360mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 293 IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 31mg
- Iron: 2mg
Enjoy this delicious air fryer whole chicken for an easy, flavorful dinner! 🍗