Air Fryer Chicken: Does It Fit?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for their ability to cook food quickly and evenly. They use rapid air technology to circulate hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy and golden exterior. Many people have started wondering if a whole chicken can fit in an air fryer.

The answer is yes, you can roast a whole chicken in an air fryer. However, the size of the air fryer and the chicken will determine whether it will fit. Most standard-sized air fryers have a capacity of 2-6 quarts, which can comfortably fit chicken parts like wings or drumsticks. For a whole chicken, you will need an air fryer of at least 5 quarts.

To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to break down the chicken into smaller pieces by removing the backbone and cutting it into quarters or eighths.

What size chicken can fit in an air fryer?

The size of the chicken that can fit in an air fryer depends on the size of the air fryer. Most standard-sized air fryers have a capacity of 2-6 quarts, which can fit chicken parts like wings or drumsticks.

For a whole chicken, you will need an air fryer of at least 5 quarts. A 5-quart air fryer can fit a 3-4 pound chicken. If you have an 8-quart air fryer, you can fit a 5.5-6 pound chicken. A 6-quart air fryer can fit a 5-pound chicken.

If your air fryer is smaller than 5 quarts, you may need to find a smaller chicken. You can also try removing the grate from the bottom of the air fryer to fit a larger chicken. Organic chickens tend to be smaller, around 4 pounds.

When cooking chicken in an air fryer, it is important to ensure proper air circulation and not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

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

Yes, you can fit a chicken in an air fryer! However, the size of the chicken and the fryer will determine whether this is possible. Most standard-sized air fryers have a capacity of 2-6 quarts, which can fit chicken wings and drumsticks comfortably. For a whole chicken, you'll need an air fryer that's at least 5 quarts.

Now, how long does it take to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer? Well, that depends on the size of the chicken. A 3-pound chicken will need 45-50 minutes, while a 4-pound chicken will need closer to 60 minutes. A 5-pound chicken will take about 55 minutes. However, it's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and wattage.

To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, usually the breast. If it hasn't reached the right temperature, continue cooking and check every few minutes to avoid overcooking.

Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (180°C).
• Prepare the chicken by removing the giblets and patting it dry with paper towels.
• Create a dry rub by mixing your chosen seasonings with a little oil. Apply the spice mixture all over the chicken.
• Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 30-40 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and cook for another 20-30 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If it hasn't reached 165°F, continue cooking and check every few minutes.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

What temperature should an air fryer be to cook a whole chicken?

The ideal temperature to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C).

A whole chicken in an air fryer will take around 45 minutes to an hour to cook, depending on the size of the chicken. For example, a 3-4 lb chicken will take around 40 minutes to cook, while a 5-6 lb chicken will take around an hour.

It's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. To check this, use an instant-read thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, usually the breast. If the temperature hasn't reached 165°F, continue cooking the chicken in the air fryer until it reaches the desired temperature.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken breast-side down for the majority of the cooking time and then flipping it over for the last 10-20 minutes. This helps keep the breast meat juicy and prevents it from drying out.

Additionally, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken and to let the cooked chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How do you prepare a chicken to go in an air fryer?

Preparing chicken for the air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, you will need to decide if you are cooking a whole chicken or chicken breasts. If you are cooking a whole chicken, you will need to ensure the chicken is around 3-4 lbs in weight. For chicken breasts, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of around 7-8 oz.

Before cooking, you will need to season the chicken. For a whole chicken, rub the skin with olive oil and sprinkle with a seasoning of your choice. For chicken breasts, brush or mist the chicken with extra virgin olive oil and add your desired seasonings. Alternatively, you can marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for up to 24 hours before cooking.

You can now cook the chicken in your air fryer. For a whole chicken, place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 30 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for a further 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For chicken breasts, cook at 360°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping the chicken halfway through.

Your air-fried chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!

What can you serve with air-fried chicken?

Air-fried chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to make a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Roasted vegetables

Roasted vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or other root vegetables make a great side dish for air-fried chicken. They can be cooked in the air fryer along with the chicken, saving time and effort. This method produces crispy, tasty vegetables that complement the chicken perfectly.

Salads

A fresh salad is a great way to round out your meal and add some extra nutrients. Try a spinach and strawberry salad, or a simple garden salad with your favourite vegetables.

Rice

Rice is a great option to serve with air-fried chicken, especially if you're looking for something more filling. Cook the rice separately and serve it as a side dish, or make a rice-based dish such as a veggie pasta or stir fry.

Sandwiches or wraps

Air-fried chicken is an excellent filling for sandwiches or wraps. Try a chicken Caesar wrap or add some avocado and herb goat cheese for extra flavour.

Pasta

Add some extra protein to your pasta dish by tossing in some air-fried chicken. It would be delicious in a Brussels sprouts pasta with brown butter or a simple pasta salad.

Pizza

Use your air-fried chicken to top a pizza! Try a Buffalo chicken pizza or create your own unique combination.

Stovetop dishes

If you're looking for a more substantial side dish, consider making stovetop baked beans or mac and cheese. These comforting dishes pair well with the crispy, juicy chicken.

Soups

Shredded air-fried chicken can be added to soups, such as chicken noodle soup or any soup that calls for shredded chicken.

Other air-fried dishes

If you're looking for a fun, fried meal, try air-fried chicken with a side of air-fried French fries, Brussels sprouts, or chicken wings.

With so many options to choose from, you can get creative and find the perfect sides to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and exploring the versatility of air-fried chicken!

Frequently asked questions