Roast A Fryer Chicken: A Beginner's Guide To Perfection

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook a whole chicken, and they produce a juicy, tender, and flavourful roast with a crispy skin. The cooking time is usually under an hour, and the process is straightforward, requiring only a few simple ingredients. The size of the chicken and the air fryer are important considerations, as they will determine whether the chicken fits and how long it needs to cook.

How to prepare the chicken for roasting

Preparing a fryer chicken for roasting is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a guide on how to prepare your chicken for roasting:

Step 1: Pat the Chicken Dry

Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. This step is important as it helps to ensure that the skin crisps up nicely during roasting. You can also use a paper towel to gently absorb any excess moisture from the chicken's cavity.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Seasoning the chicken is key to adding flavour. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, or rosemary. Be generous with the seasoning and make sure to rub it inside and outside the chicken, as well as under the skin. You can also stuff the cavity with aromatics like lemon, garlic, or herbs for added flavour.

Step 3: Truss the Chicken (Optional)

Trussing the chicken is not necessary, but it can help the chicken cook more evenly and prevent the breast meat from drying out. If you choose to truss, simply tie the legs together at the ankles with kitchen twine, and then use another piece of twine to tie the wings to the breast.

Step 4: Coat with Oil

Coating the chicken with oil helps the seasonings stick to the skin and promotes even browning. Use a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil, and rub it all over the chicken, making sure to get underneath as well.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken (Optional)

If you have the time, it's a good idea to let the seasoned chicken rest in the refrigerator, uncovered, before cooking. This step helps to dry out the skin, leading to a crispier texture. Aim for at least an hour, but up to 24 hours is even better.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer or Oven

Preheat your air fryer or oven to the desired temperature. For air frying, a temperature of around 350-370°F is ideal. For oven roasting, you can go for a lower temperature (300-350°F) for a longer cooking time, or a higher temperature (375-500°F) for a shorter cooking time.

Step 7: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer or Roasting Pan

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket or roasting pan. If using a roasting pan, you can use a rack to elevate the chicken and allow for even cooking. Make sure the chicken is breast-side up, unless you are using a specific technique like spatchcocking, where the chicken is cooked breast-side down.

Now your chicken is prepared and ready for roasting! Simply follow your chosen recipe's cooking instructions, and you'll have a delicious, juicy roast chicken to enjoy.

The best oils to use

When roasting a fryer chicken, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent the oil from burning and turning rancid. A high smoke point will also help you achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy interior that fried chicken is known for.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a slightly nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of the chicken. It is also a healthy choice due to its high levels of monounsaturated fats, which are more stable and less reactive with oxygen when exposed to high heat. This oil is perfect for both pan-frying and deep-frying chicken.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a cost-effective option that is perfect for those with an electric deep fryer. It has a neutral flavor, which allows the taste of the chicken and seasonings to shine through. Vegetable oil has a smoke point of around 450°F, so you can fry your chicken without worrying about reaching the smoke point.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying chicken due to its high smoke point and mild nutty flavor. It is also one of the least expensive oils, making it a great option if you need to use a large amount of oil for deep-frying. Peanut oil does not impart any harsh flavors to the chicken, and it has zero grams of trans fat per serving.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is another great option if you are looking for a neutral-tasting oil. It has a high smoke point of 475-520°F, making it ideal for frying chicken without burning. It is also free of GMOs and naturally derived, with a high amount of monounsaturated fats that make it suitable for high-heat cooking.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a good choice for frying chicken because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. It is also a healthier option, as it has high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids while being low in saturated fats.

Other Options

Other oils that can be used for frying chicken include olive oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, and corn oil. Each of these oils has its own unique benefits, such as high smoke points, mild flavors, and health benefits.

The best seasonings to use

Seasoning a fryer chicken is a great way to add flavour and make the most of your roast. Here are some of the best seasonings to use:

Salt and Pepper

A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is a great base for any roast chicken. You can use regular salt, or kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavour.

Paprika, Garlic and Onion Powder

A blend of paprika, garlic powder and onion powder makes for a delicious, savoury roast chicken. You can add dried thyme and celery flakes to this mixture for an even more complex flavour profile.

Herbs

Fresh or dried herbs can be used to season your chicken. Rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, tarragon, dill and parsley all work well. You can also fill the chicken's cavity with sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme or sage for a more subtle perfume of these herbs.

Other Seasonings

Other seasonings that can be used include dried basil, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, lemon zest and rosemary. You can also add olive oil or avocado oil to help the seasoning stick to the chicken and promote a crisp skin.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for roasting a fryer chicken in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the chicken and the wattage, size, and type of your air fryer.

For a 3-4 lb chicken, you should air fry at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, flipping the chicken over halfway through. For a larger chicken (5-6 lbs), air fry at 360°F for 50 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat (usually the breast or thigh). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 350°F before adding the chicken.

Tips for Juicy and Crispy Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. This will help the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken and ensure crispier skin.
• Apply a dry brine a day before cooking by spreading a couple of tablespoons of salt directly on the fresh or thawed bird and leaving it uncovered in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavour and juiciness of the meat.
• Remove the grate from the bottom of the air fryer, if possible. This will allow for a bigger chicken and the breast will marinate in the juices released during cooking, resulting in juicier meat.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken early to prevent overcooking.
• Let the chicken rest for 5-15 minutes after cooking before carving or serving.

What to serve with roast chicken

There are many options for what to serve alongside roast chicken. Here are some ideas:

Starch-based sides

• Roasted potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Smashed potatoes
• French mashed potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Couscous
• Orzo
• Bread
• Stuffing
• Yorkshire pudding

Vegetable-based sides

• Roasted vegetables (e.g. fennel, carrots, parsnips, turnips, onions, garlic, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower)
• Green beans
• French green beans (haricots verts)
• Brussels sprouts
• Asparagus
• Salad (e.g. tomato burrata salad, fennel and tomato salad, chickpea salad, white bean salad)
• Spinach
• Peas
• Cabbage
• Fennel
• Artichoke
• Citrus-glazed carrots
• Roasted baby carrots
• Mushrooms
• Ratatouille

Fruit-based sides

• Figs
• Apples

Other sides

• Gravy
• Soup
• Lobster mac and cheese

Frequently asked questions