Air-Frying A Whole Chicken: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook a whole chicken in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to achieve a whole roast chicken with a crispy skin and juicy meat. The size of your air fryer and chicken will determine whether this cooking method is suitable. A 5-quart air fryer should fit a 3-4 pound chicken.

Choosing the right chicken size

If you have a smaller air fryer, aim for a chicken that is around 3 to 4 pounds. This will ensure that the chicken fits comfortably in the air fryer basket and doesn't touch the top heating element. Keep in mind that if your chicken is too close to the heating element, it may burn or cook unevenly.

On the other hand, if you have a larger air fryer, typically those with a capacity of 5 quarts or more, you can opt for a bigger chicken. Chickens ranging from 5 to 6 pounds should fit well in these larger air fryers. However, it's important to check the specific dimensions of your air fryer to ensure the chicken will fit properly.

Additionally, consider the type of chicken you choose. Organic chickens tend to be smaller, usually around 4 pounds, so they may be a better option if you have a smaller air fryer.

When selecting a chicken, it's also important to consider the number of people you will be serving. A 3 to 4-pound chicken will typically serve 4 to 6 people, while a larger 5 to 6-pound chicken can serve up to 8 people.

In summary, choosing the right chicken size for your air fryer is essential to ensure even cooking and the best results. Opt for a smaller chicken if you have a standard-sized air fryer, and go for a larger chicken if you have a bigger model. Always check the dimensions of your air fryer and the size of the chicken to ensure a perfect fit.

Preparing the chicken for cooking

Firstly, choose the right size of chicken. Most recipes recommend a chicken weighing between 3 to 6 pounds. This is because the chicken needs to fit comfortably in your air fryer, without touching the heating element. If your chicken is too large, it may burn. So, check your air fryer's capacity before purchasing your chicken.

Once you have the right-sized chicken, it's time to remove any giblets from the cavity. Some chickens come with giblets inside, which are usually frozen and need to be taken out. You can save these giblets for making gravy if you wish.

Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the skin and ensures crispy skin.

Now, it's time to season the chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, rosemary, or even a store-bought seasoning blend. Get creative and experiment with different flavours! You can also add oil to the seasoning to make a paste or rub, which will help the skin crisp up nicely. Make sure to rub the seasoning all over the chicken, including under the wings and, if desired, under the skin above the breast meat.

After seasoning, some recipes recommend marinating the chicken in the refrigerator for at least an hour or up to two days. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat and can result in a more tender and juicy chicken.

Finally, if your air fryer has a basket, you may want to spray it with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. This step is not necessary, but it can help prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier.

Now your chicken is prepared and ready for cooking in your air fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-frying a whole chicken depend on the size of the chicken and the size of the air fryer. It is recommended to use a chicken that is between 3 and 6 pounds and an air fryer that is at least 5 quarts.

Most recipes recommend cooking the chicken for around an hour, with the temperature set between 350°F and 400°F. The chicken is usually cooked breast-side down for the first half of the cooking time and then flipped over to cook breast-side up for the remaining time. This ensures that the white meat does not dry out.

For example, one recipe suggests cooking a 5-pound chicken in an air fryer set to 360°F for 50 minutes breast-side down, and then flipping it and cooking for an additional 20 minutes. Another recipe for a 3.5- to 4-pound chicken cooked in an air fryer set to 375°F recommends cooking breast-side down for 30 minutes and then flipping and cooking breast-side up for 10 to 15 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to make sure it is fully cooked. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. If the chicken is not fully cooked, it can be returned to the air fryer until it reaches the correct temperature.

Resting the chicken

During the resting period, you can also make a gravy using the juices from the chicken. Pour the drippings from the air fryer over vegetables like asparagus or cauliflower and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.

If you want to minimise food waste, you can remove the meat from the bones after letting the chicken rest. You can then use the carcass to make bone broth.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried whole chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Classic Roast Dinner

For a classic roast dinner, serve the chicken with roasted potatoes and your choice of vegetables. Some options include roasted sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower. Don't forget to pour the chicken drippings over the veggies for extra flavour!

Salads

For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, shred the chicken meat and serve it on a salad. You can also add other ingredients such as avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Sandwiches

Use the leftover chicken to make sandwiches. Add some mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato for a simple yet delicious option.

Soups

Chicken noodle soup is always a comforting option. You can also add the chicken to other soups, such as a vegetable soup or a creamy chicken and rice soup.

Chicken Dishes

Create chicken dishes such as enchiladas, chicken salad, or chicken sandwiches. You can also use the leftover chicken in recipes such as chicken tikka masala or chicken fried rice.

Sides

Serve the chicken with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes and a side salad. You can also offer a variety of sauces or dips, such as a gravy, barbecue sauce, or a tangy yogurt dip.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions to get you started. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and ingredients to find your favourite serving combinations!

Frequently asked questions