Air Fryer Chicken: Can You Fit A Whole Bird?

Air fryers have gained popularity for their convenience and ability to cook food with less oil than traditional frying methods. With the rising trend of air frying, many people wonder if it is possible to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer. While it may seem like a challenge due to the size and shape of a whole chicken, it is indeed possible to cook a delicious and crispy whole chicken in an air fryer. The key to success is choosing the right size of chicken that fits your air fryer and adjusting the cooking time and temperature accordingly. So, can a whole chicken fit in an air fryer? Let's explore the answer and discover the tips and tricks to master the art of cooking a whole chicken in this handy kitchen appliance.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-frying a whole chicken depend on the size of the chicken and the wattage, size, and model of the air fryer. A 3-pound chicken will need to cook for 45-50 minutes, while a 4-pound chicken will need closer to 60 minutes. A 5-pound chicken will need about 65 minutes, and a 6-pound chicken may take up to 75 minutes.

It's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee that it is fully cooked. To achieve this, the air fryer should be set to 350°F-360°F. Some recipes suggest increasing the temperature to 400°F for the last 5-15 minutes of cooking to ensure the skin is crispy.

It is recommended to cook the chicken breast-side down for the first half of the cooking time and then flip it over to breast-side up for the remainder of the cooking time. This helps to ensure even cooking and browning.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the wattage, so it is essential to keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking or burning.

Letting the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the air fryer is crucial, as it allows the juices to absorb back into the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender whole chicken.

Chicken size and weight

The size and weight of the chicken you can fit in an air fryer depend on the size of the air fryer. Most standard-sized air fryers have a capacity of 2-6 quarts, which can fit chicken parts like wings or drumsticks. If you have an air fryer that is smaller than 5 quarts, you may need to find a smaller chicken.

A 5-6 pound chicken will fit in an 8-quart air fryer with extra room. A 5-pound chicken will fit in a 6-quart air fryer perfectly. A 4-pound chicken will fit in a 5-quart air fryer. A 3-4 pound chicken may be too big for some air fryers and might touch the top. If this is the case, untie the string before cooking, and if it's still touching the top, gently press the chicken breast to slightly crack the breast bone.

If your air fryer has a removable grate, you may be able to fit a larger chicken. Organic chickens tend to be smaller, around 4 pounds. If your air fryer is smaller, you can also try breaking down the chicken into smaller pieces by removing the backbone and cutting it into quarters or eighths.

Air fryer size

Air fryers come in various sizes, typically measured in quarts. The size of the air fryer determines the amount of food it can accommodate. Most standard-sized air fryers have a capacity of around 2-6 quarts, which can comfortably fit chicken parts like wings or drumsticks.

For cooking a whole chicken, you will need at least a 5-quart air fryer. A 5-quart air fryer can fit a standard whole fryer chicken, which is typically around 4 pounds. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to find a smaller chicken or break down the chicken into smaller pieces.

Some newer conventional ovens now have air fry as a setting, so you can air fry any size of whole chicken in them.

If your air fryer has a removable grate, you may be able to fit a larger chicken. Additionally, organic chickens tend to be smaller, typically around 4 pounds, so they may be a better option if you have a smaller air fryer.

When choosing a chicken for your air fryer, it is important to consider the size of the air fryer and the size of the chicken to ensure that it will fit properly.

Chicken prep and seasoning

Choosing your Chicken

Select a whole chicken that is about 3-4 lbs in size. If you are cooking chicken breasts, the size will vary depending on whether they are small (5-7 oz), medium (8-10 oz), or large (11 oz or more).

Brining

Brining your chicken will ensure that it is juicy and well-seasoned throughout. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). If you are short on time, a dry brine will still do the trick.

Seasoning

There are endless options for seasoning your chicken. Here are some suggestions:

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red cayenne pepper
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and oregano
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cayenne pepper
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and cornstarch
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and poultry seasoning
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and coffee barbecue seasoning (combine with instant coffee)
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, orange pepper rub, cilantro lime, and garlic rub
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mushroom umami rub

Applying the Seasoning

If you are using a dry brine, sprinkle the salt all over the chicken and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.

For the rest of the seasonings, you can either mix them with the olive oil and brush the mixture over the chicken or toss the chicken in a bowl with the olive oil and spices. Make sure to coat the entire chicken, including underneath the wings.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F. Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-30 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 10-20 minutes before cutting and serving.

What to serve with the chicken

So, you've cooked a whole chicken in your air fryer—what to serve with it? Here are some ideas to complement your juicy, crispy-skinned chicken:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a classic side dish for chicken. You could try:

• Root vegetables (parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes)
• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Fennel
• Radishes
• Okra
• Cherry tomatoes
• Peas
• Mushrooms
• Peppers

Salads

A fresh salad can also be a great side for roast chicken. Try:

• Tabbouleh (or couscous salad)
• Fennel, orange, and artichoke salad with pine nuts
• Tomato, basil, and orange zest salad
• Fig and goat cheese salad
• Chickpea salad with kale, green onions, black olives, and a Mediterranean dressing
• White bean salad with cherry tomatoes and basil
• Potato salad
• Caprese salad
• Gazpacho

Starchy Sides

If you're looking for something more filling, you could try:

• Mashed potatoes
• Smashed potatoes
• Roasted baby carrots
• Honey-squash dinner rolls
• Lemon couscous
• Lemon mushroom orzo
• Parmesan asparagus
• Herbed rice pilaf
• Quinoa with peas and onion
• Brown sugar-glazed baby carrots
• Parmesan mashed potatoes
• Garlic-sesame green beans
• Roasted fennel and carrots
• Roasted herb and lemon cauliflower
• Yorkshire pudding
• Stuffing
• Rice
• Plantains

Extras

And, of course, don't forget the gravy!

Frequently asked questions