Air-Fried Chicken: Perfectly Roasted In Your Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook a whole chicken, and they can cut cooking time by 15-20% compared to a conventional oven. The hot air envelops the chicken, resulting in a golden brown, crispy-skinned, juicy chicken. The process is simple: prepare the chicken, rub it with oil and seasonings, and cook according to the recipe instructions. The size of the chicken and the air fryer are important considerations, as the chicken should fit comfortably inside the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken, but it typically takes around an hour. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is cooked properly.

How long does it take to roast a chicken in an air fryer?

Air-frying a whole chicken is a quick and easy way to get a juicy roast chicken with crispy skin. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken and your air fryer, but you can generally expect it to take around an hour.

How to roast a chicken in an air fryer

First, check that your air fryer is big enough for a whole chicken. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken. You'll also want to make sure that you remove any giblets from the cavity of the chicken before cooking.

To get started, prepare your chicken by removing any string and taking out anything in the cavity. You can also pat the chicken dry with paper towels and tuck the wings under. Then, combine your choice of oil and seasonings in a small bowl. Rub the spiced oil all over the chicken.

When your chicken is prepared, heat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Then, place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, turn the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes. Finally, turn the heat up to 400°F (200°C) and cook for a final 5-15 minutes to crisp up the skin. Your chicken is done when a temperature probe inserted into the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tips for roasting a chicken in an air fryer

• If your chicken is touching the top of your air fryer, try removing the grate from the bottom of the basket if your model allows it. This will give you more space and allow the breast to marinate in the juices as it cooks.
• You can use any seasonings you like, but fresh garlic can sometimes burn in the air fryer.
• It's important to keep an eye on your chicken towards the end of cooking, as the high heat of the air fryer can burn the skin if you leave it too long.
• If your chicken is larger, you may need to increase the cooking time.

What are some good spice mixes for an air fryer roast chicken?

There are many different spice mixes that can be used to flavour a roast chicken in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Spicy

• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Cumin powder
• Dried oregano
• Red chilli flakes
• Black pepper
• Salt

Herby

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Coriander
• Basil

Zesty

• Lemon zest
• Lemon pepper
• Sumac
• Chilli powder
• Lime juice
• Lemon juice

Savoury

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic granules
• Poultry seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt

Blends

• Italian dressing
• Tandoori seasoning
• Ginger garlic paste
• Brazilian spice mix
• Taco seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Greek seasoning

Other

• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Gochujang
• Sesame oil
• Coffee barbecue seasoning
• Avocado oil
• Olive oil

How do you prepare a chicken for an air fryer?

Preparing a chicken for the air fryer is simple and can be done in just a few steps.

Firstly, you'll want to choose a chicken that is around 3-4 lbs in size. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken to ensure it fits.

Next, you'll want to prepare the chicken by removing any giblets from the cavity. Giblets can be saved to make giblet gravy. Many chickens also come tied with string, which may need to be removed if the chicken is too big for your air fryer.

Once your chicken is ready, you can rub it with olive oil and your choice of seasoning. You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, or get creative with other seasonings like onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.

After seasoning, let the chicken come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket and cook for 20-30 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

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

And that's it! Your juicy, crispy air-fried chicken is now ready to be enjoyed.

What size chicken can you fit in an air fryer?

Yes, you can roast a whole chicken in an air fryer. The size of the chicken you can fit in your air fryer depends on the size of the air fryer you have. Air fryers are typically measured by their cooking capacity, referred to as the "quart size". This refers to the volume of food that the air fryer can hold at once.

Most fryer chickens will fit in a 5-quart size air fryer. However, if your chicken is too big, it may touch the top of the air fryer and burn. If your chicken is too large, you can try untying the legs and/or gently pressing the chicken breast to flatten it. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken. A Cornish hen, for example, would fit in an air fryer that is smaller than 5 quarts.

When choosing an air fryer, it is important to consider the size of the chicken you plan to cook, as well as the number of servings you require and the available space in your kitchen. A large chicken, weighing around 4 to 5 pounds, typically requires a 5.3-quart air fryer. However, if you prefer to cook smaller chickens, such as a 3-pound bird, a 4-quart air fryer may be sufficient.

What are some good side dishes to serve with an air fryer roast chicken?

There are a variety of side dishes that can complement an air fryer roast chicken. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a healthy and delicious option to pair with your air fryer chicken. You can choose from a range of vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or green beans. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and your favourite herbs and spices before roasting. For a simple side, try air fryer green beans seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also use the chicken drippings to cook vegetables like asparagus or cauliflower in the air fryer.

Salads

A refreshing salad can provide a nice contrast to the rich and crispy air fryer chicken. Try a Caprese salad, a cucumber salad with red onion and dill, or a simple salad with baby spinach, feta cheese, and a whole-grain mustard dressing. If you're feeling adventurous, make an Asian slaw by shredding Napa cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper, then tossing them with a dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey.

Starch

Mashed potatoes are a timeless classic that goes perfectly with air fryer chicken. You can make them smooth or leave them slightly chunky, and add a sprinkle of chives or a dollop of sour cream. For a twist on the classic, try smashed potatoes in the air fryer or oven, or roasted sweet potatoes with a spiced maple glaze.

Sweet potato fries are another tasty option. Cut sweet potatoes into thin strips, toss them with olive oil and your favourite seasonings, then air fry until crispy and golden. Cornbread, steamed brown rice, and quinoa salad are also great choices to accompany your chicken.

Comforting Classics

Coleslaw is a tangy and crunchy side dish that pairs well with air fryer chicken. You can opt for a traditional mayo-based coleslaw or experiment with a vinegar-based dressing for a lighter option. Baked beans are another comforting choice, and you can add bacon or diced onions for extra flavour.

Creative Twists

If you're feeling creative, try a roasted butternut squash in the air fryer or oven. You can also make a cauliflower cheese, where the cauliflower is roasted instead of boiled for extra flavour. Parmesan-roasted cauliflower is another delicious option, where the nutty grated Parmesan enhances the vegetable's taste.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, ingredients, and cooking methods to create your own perfect side dishes to serve with an air fryer roast chicken!

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