Air Frying A Whole Chicken: Is It Possible?

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a great way to get juicy meat with a crispy skin. It's a simple process that yields amazing results. You can use a variety of seasonings, oils, and sauces to flavour the chicken, and it only takes about an hour to cook. You'll want to make sure your air fryer is large enough to fit a whole chicken, and that you dry the chicken thoroughly to get that crispy skin.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a whole chicken in an air fryer depend on the weight of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. It is important to ensure that the chicken fits in the air fryer basket with a little space for air to circulate.

Most sources recommend cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer at around 180°C for 45 minutes, then turning the chicken over and cooking for a further 15 minutes at the same temperature. One source recommends cooking at 350°F for 30 minutes, then flipping the chicken and cooking for another 20-30 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 360°F for 55 minutes for a 5-pound chicken.

After the initial cooking time, some sources recommend increasing the temperature to 200°C and cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp the skin. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through before serving. This can be checked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 70°C or 165°F. Alternatively, the chicken is cooked through when clear juices run out after piercing the thickest part of the breast and thigh with a skewer or knife.

It is worth noting that different air fryer models may produce different results, so it is important to check the chicken regularly during cooking to ensure it is not overcooked.

Chicken size and air fryer basket size

When it comes to cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, it is important to consider the size of the chicken and the capacity of your air fryer basket to ensure the chicken fits and cooks evenly.

Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that your air fryer basket is large enough to accommodate a whole chicken. Air fryer baskets within the 6- to 10-quart size range are typically suitable for roasting a whole chicken. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken or consider cutting it into smaller pieces before cooking. For example, a 3- to 4-quart air fryer may not fit a whole chicken, but it can accommodate chicken pieces or a smaller chicken of around 3-4 pounds.

Additionally, the size of the chicken you choose will also impact the cooking time. A larger chicken will take longer to cook than a smaller one. It is important to follow a recipe or guidelines that are specific to the size of your chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

To avoid overcrowding the basket, it is recommended to leave enough space for air to circulate around the chicken. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent unevenly fried or undercooked areas. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the size of your air fryer basket and choose a chicken that fits comfortably with some space around it.

Finally, it is worth noting that the shape of the air fryer basket can also impact the cooking process. Some air fryers have a rack at the bottom of the drawer instead of a basket. This design may affect how easily you can remove the cooked chicken and how evenly it cooks, so consider this when choosing an air fryer for cooking whole chickens.

Marinating and seasoning

Marinating a whole chicken before air frying is a great way to enhance the flavour and texture of the meat. It is recommended that you marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a more intense flavour.

To prepare the chicken for marinating, remove any giblets, gizzards, or neck from the cavity of the chicken and pat the skin dry with paper towels.

There are several options for marinating your chicken. One method is to use a dry rub. You can create a spice blend using your favourite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary. Mix these spices with a small amount of oil to create a paste, and then use a basting brush to coat the chicken with the rub. Make sure to get inside the cavity and under the skin, so that every inch of the chicken is covered.

Another option is to use a wet marinade. One recipe suggests combining buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic, and salt in a large bowl. Cover the chicken with this mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, flipping the chicken halfway through. After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shake off the excess, and then coat the chicken with a spice blend before placing it in the air fryer.

Injectable marinades are also an option if you want to season the chicken from the inside out.

Once you have marinated your chicken, it is important to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the chicken in the basket, breast-side down. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken and your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 50-60 minutes for a whole chicken to cook through. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F to ensure it is cooked safely.

Carving and serving

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. This will give you time to prepare your sides, such as roasted sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, a tossed salad, or vegetables cooked in chicken drippings.

Place the chicken on a cutting board set inside a rimmed sheet pan to catch the drips. Put on a clean pair of rubber gloves if you need to handle the chicken, or use a carving fork to hold it in place. Start by removing the legs. Place the carving fork into the breast and wiggle your knife between the joint of the thigh where it connects to the breast. Separate the whole leg, then cut the thigh and drumstick apart. Find the joint between the thigh and the leg, and cut through to get two pieces. Repeat on the other side.

Now, you can slice off the breast meat. Slice down the center, running the knife against the center bone. Cut straight down the center, then slice the breast along the bottom to remove it from the center dividing bone. You can either angle the knife and carve the breast meat in slices or remove the breast whole and slice. To do the latter, run the knife down the breastbone, cutting the meat from the bone, and use the knife to lift the breast away from the bone in one piece.

Don't forget to remove the wishbone and make a wish! Pick off any remaining meat to use in a pie or soup, or freeze it for another day. You can also save the carcass to make a delicious homemade chicken stock for soups or stews.

Sides and leftovers

While your chicken is cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare some side dishes. Mashed potatoes and veggies are a great option, especially if you pour the chicken drippings over them. Green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower are all good choices. You can also serve the chicken with rice and vegetables, or a big salad for a keto/paleo/low-carb option.

Once you've enjoyed your meal, you can store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the air fryer again to get the skin crispy! Leftover chicken is very versatile and can be used in tons of recipes. You can add it to salads, tacos, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, or even turn it into an appetizer like chicken fritters or quesadillas.

Frequently asked questions