Air Frying A Whole Chicken: Kmart Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason—they're a great way to cook food quickly, easily, and with minimal cleanup. One of the most popular dishes to make in an air fryer is a whole chicken, which results in juicy meat and crispy skin. But can you cook a whole chicken in a Kmart air fryer? The answer is yes! In fact, many people have had success cooking a whole chicken in their air fryer, and it's a great way to save time and effort in the kitchen.

Air fryer size and chicken weight

The size of your air fryer will determine the weight of the chicken you can cook in it. It is important to check that your air fryer will fit a whole chicken as air fryer sizes vary. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to purchase a smaller chicken.

Small compact air fryers are suitable for single individuals, dorm rooms, or recreational vehicles. These air fryers are typically between 1-2 quarts in size and can cook a maximum of two chicken breasts at once.

The upper range of small air fryers, those between 2-3 quarts in size, can cook 4-6 chicken wings at once, or even 7 in some cases. An air fryer smaller than 3 quarts provides enough space for a couple, but a larger air fryer may be more comfortable for a couple who plan on using it regularly.

Air fryers at the lower end of the range (3-4 quarts) may not be able to fit a whole chicken, and you may need to cut it into smaller pieces. However, they should be large enough to cook french fries for 3-4 people.

Air fryers at and slightly above 5 quarts are big enough to cook 4-5 chicken breasts at once, or enough fries for 5-7 people. Air fryers in this size range are the most common and are large enough to cook for a family of 3-5 members.

A 5.8-quart air fryer, for example, can fit a 3.75-pound chicken. A 5-pound chicken will take around an hour to cook, while a 6.5-pound chicken will take 75 minutes. If your chicken is bigger than 6.5 pounds, you may need to check if it will fit in your air fryer basket.

Therefore, it is important to consider the size of your air fryer and the weight of the chicken you wish to cook. For a whole chicken, a larger air fryer of at least 5 quarts is recommended.

Chicken preparation

Firstly, select a chicken that is around 3-4 lbs in weight. This size should fit comfortably in most air fryers, but always check your specific model to ensure it can accommodate a whole chicken. Many chickens come tied with string, so untie it if your chicken is close to 4 lbs to avoid it touching the top of the air fryer. If it is still too big, gently press the chicken breast with your palm to slightly crack the breast bone.

Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. It is important to ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty and dry. You can then rub the chicken with oil and seasonings. Olive oil is a popular choice, but other options such as avocado oil can also be used. For seasonings, a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder is recommended. However, feel free to add your own twist with seasonings like onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.

Once your chicken is seasoned, place it in the basket of the air fryer, breast side down. If possible, remove the grate from the bottom of the air fryer to allow the chicken to cook in its juices, resulting in juicier meat.

Now your chicken is prepared and ready to be cooked in the Kmart air fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a whole chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size of your chicken and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to use a chicken that is about 3-4 lbs in size. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to purchase a smaller chicken.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken at 350°F/180°C for 30 minutes, then flipping the chicken and cooking for another 20-30 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden and the meat is cooked. The chicken should then be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Other recipes suggest cooking the chicken at 360°F/180°C for 45 minutes, then flipping the chicken and cooking for a further 20 minutes. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C on a meat thermometer.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken and the model of your air fryer, so it is always best to check the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.

Seasoning and spices

A simple seasoning mixture can be made by combining salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary to this mixture. If you want to add more heat, include some red cayenne pepper or chilli. For a Mediterranean twist, add some dried oregano and make your own taco seasoning.

If you're looking for a more herby flavour, you can combine garlic powder, Creole Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, Herbs de Provence, and smoked paprika. This blend will give your chicken a unique and complex flavour. You can also use Italian seasoning, which typically includes basil, oregano, and rosemary, or experiment with individual spices like parsley, oregano, or Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute.

Don't forget to pat your chicken dry with a paper towel before applying the seasoning. This step is crucial in achieving crispy chicken skin. After applying the seasoning, rub a thin layer of olive oil over the chicken to help the seasonings stick and ensure the chicken crisps up nicely.

Serving suggestions

While your chicken is cooking in the Kmart air fryer, you can prepare some side dishes. You can cook vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower in the air fryer by pouring the chicken drippings over them. You can also make mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or glazed carrots to go with the chicken. A tossed or side salad would also be a great addition to the meal. If you want to get extra crispy skin, you can turn the temperature up to 400 degrees F for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. You can also make gravy with the drippings to serve on top of the chicken. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze them in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

If you want to get creative, you can use the leftover carcass to make a homemade chicken broth by simmering it with vegetables and herbs. You can also use any leftover chicken in soups, sandwiches, or salads.

Frequently asked questions