Air-Fried Chicken: A Tasty, Crispy Whole Bird Treat?

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and tasty meal. The high heat of the air fryer means you can achieve a crispy skin without overcooking the meat, and the smaller cooking chamber means more consistent temperatures. You can also achieve that oven-roasted taste without the hassle.

Choosing the right size chicken

Most air fryers can fit a 3- to 4-pound chicken comfortably. For example, a 4-pound chicken fits well in a Dreo 6-quart ChefMaker smart air fryer oven. Similarly, a 5-pound chicken fits nicely in a 5.8-quart air fryer, while a 6-pound chicken can be cooked in an 8-quart air fryer.

If you have a smaller air fryer, there are still options for cooking a whole chicken. Some air fryers have a removable grate, which can provide extra space for a larger chicken. Organic chickens tend to be smaller, typically weighing around 4 pounds. Additionally, if your air fryer is smaller than 5 quarts, you may need to find a smaller chicken, such as a 3-pound bird.

When selecting a chicken, it is important to consider the number of servings you need. A 3- to 4-pound chicken typically yields around eight servings, while a 5- to 6-pound chicken can serve up to ten people.

In summary, when choosing the right size chicken for your air fryer, consider the capacity of your air fryer, the weight of the chicken, and the number of servings you require. By selecting the appropriate size chicken, you can ensure a successful cooking experience and enjoy a delicious, juicy, and crispy whole chicken cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, select a chicken that is the right size for your air fryer. Most recipes recommend a chicken weighing between 3 and 5 pounds. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to opt for a smaller chicken, around 3 pounds. It is important to ensure your chicken fits comfortably in the air fryer with enough space for the hot air to circulate.

Once you have selected the right-sized chicken, it is time to prepare the bird for cooking. Remove any giblets, neck, or string from the cavity of the chicken. You can save the giblets for gravy if you wish. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps to ensure the skin crisps up during cooking.

Next, you will want to add some flavour to your chicken. You can do this by rubbing the chicken with oil and seasonings. Some recipes suggest whisking together olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and other seasonings of your choice. You can also add some Mediterranean spices or grain mustard to the mix. Brush or rub this spice paste all over the chicken, making sure to get underneath the wings.

Finally, if your air fryer basket has a removable grate, it is recommended to remove it before cooking. This allows the breast of the chicken to marinate in the juices released during cooking, resulting in juicier meat. Now your chicken is ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked according to your chosen recipe!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for a whole chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken and the air fryer model.

For a 3-4 pound chicken, you should air fry for 45-60 minutes at 350-360°F. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

For a larger 5-6 pound chicken, cooking time will increase to 55-60 minutes at 360°F. Again, flip the chicken partway through and check that the internal temperature is 165°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer wattage and size, as well as the size of your chicken. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

Additionally, some recipes suggest removing the grate from the bottom of the air fryer to allow for a bigger chicken and to let the breast meat marinate in the juices released during cooking.

Resting the chicken

The chicken should be placed on a cutting board or platter and left to rest for approximately 10 minutes. This resting time gives the juices a chance to settle, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken.

While the chicken rests, you can use the drippings to cook vegetables in the air fryer. For example, you can pour the drippings over asparagus or cauliflower and cook them in the air fryer for a tasty side dish.

After the resting period, the chicken is ready to be carved and served. It is best to use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to carve the chicken into desired portions. The crispy skin, tender meat, and aromatic seasonings will undoubtedly impress your taste buds and those of your guests.

The resting period is a critical step in the cooking process, ensuring that your air-fried chicken is moist, juicy, and full of flavor.

Serving suggestions

The air-fried chicken can be served with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a hearty starch like mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or air-fryer baked potatoes. You can also serve it with rice or a chicken gravy made from the chicken drippings.

If you're looking for something more substantial, the chicken can be used in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, pasta, casseroles, or soups. Some specific suggestions include chicken noodle soup, chicken taco soup, white chili, basil pesto, chicken Caesar wraps, and avocado chicken salad.

For a complete meal, serve the chicken with potatoes, salad, and rolls.

The chicken can also be pulled from the bone and used in salads, sandwiches, or enchiladas, or the bones can be used to make chicken bone broth.

Frequently asked questions