Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to make a rotisserie chicken that's tender, juicy, and flavourful. It's a quick and easy method that produces a delicious, crispy skin. You can use a standard air fryer or one with a rotisserie function. The prep time is minimal, and you can use a range of seasonings to add flavour. The cooking time is around 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken and the wattage of your air fryer. It's a convenient way to cook a whole chicken, and you can use any leftovers in salads, sandwiches, or soups.

How to prepare the chicken

Preparing a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, you'll want to ensure you have a chicken that is the right size for your air fryer. A medium or small chicken (under 4.5 pounds) is best, but if your air fryer is large enough, you can go up to 5-6 pounds.

Next, you'll want to create a spice rub for your chicken. There are many different spice combinations you can use, but a typical blend includes salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add in some oil and vinegar to create a paste that will be easier to spread on the chicken.

Once you have your spice rub ready, it's time to prepare the chicken. Remove any giblets and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If you want to get the crispiest skin, you can truss the chicken with butcher's twine. Alternatively, you can simply tie the legs together to make it easier to handle.

Now, it's time to apply the spice rub. Use your hands or a basting brush to coat the chicken evenly with the spice rub, making sure to get all sides. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, secure the chicken on the spit and tie the legs tightly with trussing string, ensuring it can rotate freely.

If your air fryer does not have a rotisserie function, place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. For either method, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to between 350-380ºF.

Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your chicken and your air fryer, but a good rule of thumb is to cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes per side. For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It's done when the thickest part of the breast or thigh registers 165-167ºF.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-20 minutes before carving and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.

What temperature to cook at

The cooking temperature will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the size of the chicken, and the desired level of crispiness.

If you have an air fryer with a rotisserie function, you can cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer after 35 minutes. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165-167°F (74-75°C).

If you have a standard air fryer, preheat it to 350-380°F (175-190°C). Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket and cook for 25-30 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

For a crispier skin, you can increase the cooking temperature to 360°F (182°C) and cook the chicken breast-side down for 50 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your air fryer, the wattage, and the size of the chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for rotisserie chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken and the wattage of the air fryer. A good rule of thumb is to allow 12-15 minutes of cooking time per pound of chicken.

For a small to medium-sized chicken (under 4.5 pounds), cooking time will be around 35-40 minutes. For a larger bird, it may take up to 50 minutes or longer.

When cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook the chicken breast-side down for the first half of the cooking time, and then flip it over to breast-side up for the remaining time. This ensures even cooking and helps to crisp up the skin.

It is important to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through. The chicken is done when the thickest part of the thigh or breast registers a temperature of 165°F (74°C).

It is also recommended to let the chicken rest for 10-20 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier final product.

How to make the skin crispy

To make the skin of your rotisserie chicken crispy in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken is well-seasoned and that the air fryer is at the right temperature.

Firstly, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Then, combine your desired seasonings with oil in a small bowl to make a paste. You can use a basting brush to spread half of the seasoning paste all over the breast side of the chicken.

Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F-400°F for 25-30 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

If you want to add a bit of extra crispiness to the skin, you can remove the grate from the bottom of the air fryer. This will allow the breast meat to marinate in the juices released during cooking, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin.

Additionally, you can use a combination of spices such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to enhance the flavour and crispiness of the skin. However, it is recommended to only season the chicken with salt before air frying, as other spices may burn at high temperatures. You can always add more spices after the chicken is done cooking.

What to serve with the chicken

There are many side dishes that go well with rotisserie chicken. Here are some ideas:

Traditional Sides

• Mashed potatoes with peas and carrots
• Baked potatoes
• Roasted broccoli
• Herb-roasted carrots
• Roasted potatoes
• Mac and cheese
• Rice
• Beans
• Green beans

Latin-Inspired Sides

• Black beans and rice
• Sweet plantains
• Peruvian green sauce

BBQ Sides

• Brown sugar baked beans
• Potato salad
• Wedge fries
• Coleslaw
• Fried potatoes
• Potato wedges
• Boiled potatoes

Low-Carb Sides

• Chopped wedge salad
• Mashed cauliflower
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted veggies

Mediterranean Sides

• Greek pasta salad
• Mediterranean bean salad
• Lentil salad

Other Sides

• Salad
• Carrots and mashed potatoes
• Yellow rice
• Red or black beans
• Corn on the cob
• Grilled sweet potatoes
• Scalloped potatoes
• Pan-fried potatoes
• Brussel sprouts
• Strawberry spinach salad
• Air fryer baked potato
• Parmesan roasted zucchini
• Potato salad
• Corn casserole

Frequently asked questions