Make Rotisserie Chicken In Your Air Fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make a juicy and flavourful rotisserie chicken with a crispy skin. The cooking time is about 50 minutes, depending on the size of the bird, and you don't need to wait for the oven to preheat. You can make a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer with or without a rotisserie function.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food with less oil, and they're especially useful for those who are short on time. They're also versatile, allowing you to cook everything from chicken to roasted vegetables. When choosing an air fryer, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get one that suits your needs.

Basket vs Oven Style

The first decision to make is whether to go for a basket-style or oven-style air fryer. Basket-style air fryers are more basic and affordable, but they take up more space on your countertop. They usually have a single basket, but some larger models have two. Oven-style air fryers, also known as multi-ovens, are essentially toaster ovens with additional features. They tend to be more high-tech, have more functions, and are more expensive.

Size

The size of the air fryer you choose will depend on how many people you typically cook for. A 2- or 3-quart air fryer is sufficient for one or two people, and you can add a quart of capacity for each additional person. Keep in mind that a smaller air fryer may require cooking in batches.

Features

Air fryers come with various features and presets, such as dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking. Consider what types of food you plan to cook and choose an air fryer with the functions you need. Some models also have a "keep warm" function, which can be handy if you're cooking for a crowd.

Price

Air fryers can range in price from $30 to several hundred dollars. You don't need to spend a lot to get a good basic model, but if you want additional features or a larger capacity, you'll likely need to spend more.

Brand

When it comes to brands, there are many options to choose from. Some popular air fryer brands include Philips, Instant Pot, Cosori, Ninja, and Breville. Reading reviews and comparing prices from different brands can help you make an informed decision.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients and ensure your chicken is ready. For a standard air fryer, choose a small to medium-sized chicken, weighing under 4.5 pounds or 2 kilos. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, a slightly larger chicken can be used. Remove any giblets from the chicken and clean out the cavity. You can also place half a lemon inside the cavity of the chicken for added flavour.

Next, prepare your spice rub. 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 ingredients like dried oregano, dried Italian herbs, cumin, garlic granules, celery salt, and brown sugar. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl.

Now, it's time to rub the spices onto the chicken. Drizzle or spritz the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil, ensuring it is well coated. Then, use your hands to rub the spice mixture all over the outside and inside of the chicken's cavity. Make sure to get an even coating, so the chicken is fully covered.

At this point, you can also choose to tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine or butcher's string. This step is optional but can help create a prettier presentation when serving the chicken.

Once your chicken is seasoned and prepared, it's almost ready for the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, place your chicken in the air fryer basket or on the rotisserie spit, ensuring it is secure and able to rotate freely if using the rotisserie function. If using a basket-style air fryer, place the chicken breast side down. For an oven-style air fryer with a rotisserie function, use a drip tray to catch any juices.

Now your chicken is prepared and ready for cooking! Follow the cooking instructions provided with your air fryer, or use one of the many available online recipes, for the perfect rotisserie chicken.

Making the spice rub

For a basic spice rub, you will need to mix together a small bowl of salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne, and garlic powder. You can also add dried oregano, dried thyme, and ground sage to your spice rub for extra flavour.

Once you have your spice blend, pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then spritz or drizzle with olive oil and rub the seasoning all over the outside and inside of the chicken's cavity. You can also tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine for a neater appearance.

If you want a shiny and crispy skin, you can glaze the chicken with a mixture of honey and soy sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

Cooking the chicken

If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, you can secure the chicken on the spit, tying the legs with butcher's string to ensure it can rotate freely. Place a drip tray underneath the spit to catch any juices, and cook for around 40 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Check the chicken with a meat thermometer after 35 minutes—it is cooked when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74-75°C).

If your air fryer does not have a rotisserie function, you can still achieve a delicious rotisserie-style chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 355°F (180°C). Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for a further 20-25 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink near the bone. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F (74-75°C).

Regardless of the method you use, always allow your chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will ensure the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

There are endless spice combinations you can use to flavour your chicken. A simple option is to combine sea salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add olive oil or avocado oil spray to the outside of the chicken before applying the spice rub.

For a shiny, crispy skin, you can glaze the chicken with a mixture of honey and soy sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer rotisserie chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes and flavours. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Latin-inspired feast

Try a Latin-inspired meal with Peruvian green sauce, rice, and beans. You can also add sweet plantains to the mix for a touch of sweetness.

Traditional dinner

For a more traditional approach, serve the chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans or roasted broccoli and herb-roasted carrots. Baked potatoes are also a great option.

BBQ spread

If you're in the mood for some BBQ, pair the chicken with brown sugar baked beans and potato salad. You can also add some grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Low-carb option

For a low-carb alternative, serve the chicken with a chopped wedge salad, mashed cauliflower, or roasted asparagus. You can also add other low-carb vegetables like green beans or a big salad.

Mediterranean flavours

Go Mediterranean with a Greek pasta salad, Mediterranean bean salad, or lentil salad. You can also add some grilled chicken or fish to these salads for a more substantial meal.

Leftovers

Leftover chicken is great for sandwiches, chicken salad, soups, or enchiladas. You can also use it in chicken noodle soup or any other soup that calls for shredded chicken. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and dishes!

Frequently asked questions