Air-Frying A Whole Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook a whole chicken, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a crispy skin. The process is simple and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for a satisfying dinner. The chicken is seasoned and placed in the air fryer basket, typically breast-side down, and cooked for around an hour, depending on its size. The air fryer's ability to crisp the skin while keeping the meat moist has made it a popular choice for those seeking an easy and delicious roast chicken.

Choosing the right chicken size

Firstly, it's important to measure the size of your air fryer basket before purchasing a chicken. Each air fryer model has a different basket size, so measuring beforehand will help you select the right chicken size. A 4L air fryer, for instance, can typically accommodate a 3-pound chicken.

When selecting a chicken, aim for one that is around 3 to 4 pounds. A larger chicken, closer to 4 pounds, may touch the top of the air fryer, in which case you can untie it if it was tied with string. If it still touches the top, gently press the chicken breast with your palm to slightly crack the breast bone, creating a bit more space.

If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken. For example, a 5.8-quart air fryer can fit a 3.75-pound chicken. A 5-pound chicken can fit in some air fryers, but it depends on the specific model and size of your air fryer.

Keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken. A 3-pound chicken will typically need 45 to 50 minutes, while a 4-pound chicken may require closer to 60 minutes. It's important to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Preparing the chicken

Next, remove the neck, giblets, and any other contents from the chicken cavity. It is also important to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken and crisps the skin. After this, you can season the chicken. Combine all of the seasonings with the oil in a small bowl to make a paste. Use a basting brush to spread half of the seasoning all over the breast side of the chicken.

Now, pick up the chicken by the legs and place it breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Use the basting brush to coat the rest of the chicken with the seasoning rub. If you want to make the spices easier to coat the chicken evenly, you can add a little oil to the chicken.

Seasoning the chicken

Seasoning a whole chicken before air frying is a crucial step in adding flavour to the dish. The type and amount of seasoning to be used depend on personal preference. One can use a favourite store-bought seasoning blend or make their own. A simple seasoning mixture can be made by combining salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. Additional seasonings such as onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary can also be added to enhance the flavour.

To prepare the chicken for seasoning, it is important to first remove any string or giblets from the cavity and pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This helps the oil and seasonings adhere better to the chicken and also promotes crispier skin. After the chicken is dry, the next step is to rub it with oil. Olive oil is a popular choice as it helps the seasoning stick to the skin and enhances crispness.

Once the chicken is dry and oiled, it is time to apply the seasoning. Combine the seasoning blend with oil to make a paste, which can then be applied generously and completely to the chicken. A basting brush can be used to coat the breast side of the chicken with half of the seasoning paste. Then, lift the chicken by the legs and place it in the air fryer basket breast side down. Use the basting brush again to coat the rest of the chicken with the seasoning paste.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the seasoning paste to achieve a delicious and flavourful dish. This step can be customized to personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends and techniques to find what works best for your taste buds!

Cooking the chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a straightforward process that yields excellent results. The chicken will be tender and juicy, with a crispy skin.

First, you need to prepare the chicken. Choose a chicken that is about 3-4 lbs in size. If your chicken comes tied with string, untie it before cooking. Remove the neck, giblets, and anything else in the cavity of the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and tuck the wings under.

Next, you need to season the chicken. In a small bowl, combine olive oil with your chosen seasonings. 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. Mix the oil and seasonings to make a paste, then use a basting brush to coat the chicken generously and completely. Make sure to get the seasoning paste under the wings and all over the chicken.

Now, you're ready to cook the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket and cook for 30-40 minutes. Then, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs and cook for a further 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (usually the breast) reads an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to absorb back into the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender chicken.

Your air-fried whole chicken is now ready to serve! Enjoy it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried chicken pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile main course for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your juicy, tender, and crispy air-fried whole chicken:

Vegetables

The drippings from the chicken can be poured over vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower. These vegetables can be cooked in the air fryer alongside the chicken or as a side dish. Other vegetable options include air fryer carrots, acorn squash, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Starch

For a comforting combination, serve the chicken with sliced potatoes cooked in the air fryer, or mashed potatoes on the side. Baked sweet potatoes in the air fryer are also a tasty option. Rolls or bread are another choice to round out the meal and catch the chicken drippings.

Salad

A fresh side salad or chicken salad is a great addition to the meal. You can also get creative and use the chicken in a variety of salad dishes, such as an avocado chicken salad or a chicken Caesar salad.

Gravy

Don't forget about the chicken drippings! Use them to make a delicious gravy to pour over the chicken or as a side.

Leftovers

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Use these leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, soups, or salads. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for a quick and convenient meal.

Frequently asked questions