Air Frying A Whole Chicken: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook a full chicken in an air fryer. In fact, cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a great way to get tender, juicy meat with super crispy skin. The compact design of the air fryer means there isn't much room for moisture to escape, and the fast-cooking time means the chicken doesn't dry out. It's also quicker than cooking a chicken in a full-size oven, and you can get a full roast dinner on the table in less than an hour.

How long to cook a full chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a full chicken in an air fryer!

Preparation

Firstly, choose a chicken that is about 3-4 lbs in size. You will also need olive oil (or cooking spray) and your choice of seasoning. For a simple seasoning blend, use salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. You can also add your own choice of extra seasonings, such as onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.

Before cooking, remove the giblets from the chicken (if there are any). Many chickens come tied with string, so if your chicken is closer to 4 lbs, it may be too big for your air fryer. If this is the case, untie it before cooking. If it is still too big, gently press the chicken breast with your palm to slightly crack the breast bone.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (180°C).

Rub the chicken with oil and your chosen seasonings, including underneath the wings. Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74-75°C) on a meat thermometer.

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips

• The cooking time depends on the size of your chicken, so adjust accordingly.
• Don't skip the resting step, as this allows the juices to absorb back into the meat.
• You can use the drippings left behind to make a pan sauce or pour them over veggies and cook them in the air fryer.
• The chicken can be seasoned and kept covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Make sure to remove all giblets from the cavity before cooking. These can be frozen to make giblet gravy.
• If your chicken is too large and touches the top element of the air fryer, untie the legs and/or press it to flatten it before cooking.
• Use any seasonings you like, but be aware that fresh garlic can sometimes burn in the air fryer.
• Always check the internal temperature early to ensure the chicken doesn't overcook.
• To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your juicy, crispy air-fried chicken!

What temperature to cook a full chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a full chicken in an air fryer. The temperature and cooking time will depend on the weight of the chicken and the wattage, size, and type of your air fryer.

For a 3-4 lb chicken, you should air fry between 45-60 minutes. For a 5-6 lb chicken, you should air fry for about an hour.

It is recommended to cook the chicken breast side down for the first 30-50 minutes, and then flip it over and cook for the remaining time. You can also cook it breast side down for the entire duration of the cook.

The temperature should be set between 350-360°F (180°C) for most of the cooking time, and then increased to 400°F for the last 5-15 minutes to make the skin crispy.

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This can be checked using a meat thermometer.

What to serve with a full chicken cooked in an air fryer

A whole chicken cooked in an air fryer will result in juicy meat with a crispy skin. This is a perfect main course, but what should you serve with it? Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your air-fried chicken:

Vegetables

Green beans, asparagus, and cauliflower are all great options to serve with your chicken. You can even pour the chicken drippings over them and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests. If you want to keep things simple, serve your chicken with a side salad. For a more sophisticated option, try a fennel, orange, and artichoke salad with pine nuts and a citrus vinaigrette.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish, and there are many ways to prepare them. You could make mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes with truffle salt, or even smashed mini potatoes with rosemary and roasted garlic.

Breads

If you want to make your meal more filling, consider serving your chicken with some bread. Cheese and bacon rolls or savoury ham, cheese, and caramelized onion scrolls are sure to be a hit. For a quicker option, you could serve a freshly baked baguette or some soda bread.

Rice

Rice is another good option to bulk up your meal. Try making easy garlic butter rice, or, if you want to be more adventurous, cook a pesto orzo salad with tomatoes, greens, pine nuts, and burrata.

Other options

If you're looking for something a little different, why not try making ratatouille or a fava bean chickpea salad? Or, for a real treat, you could make lobster mac and cheese.

Whatever you choose to serve with your air-fried chicken, don't forget to rest your chicken before serving to allow the juices to absorb back into the meat.

How to prepare a full chicken for cooking in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a whole chicken in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a full chicken for cooking in an air fryer:

Firstly, ensure your chicken will fit in your air fryer. Air fryers typically have a capacity of 4 quarts or larger, and many models can handle a 3- or 4-pound chicken. If your chicken is too large, you can untie the legs or gently press the chicken breast to flatten it.

Next, prepare the chicken by removing any giblets, as well as any string or other materials from the cavity. You can save the giblets for gravy if you wish.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. At this stage, you can also apply a dry brine by spreading a couple of tablespoons of salt all over the bird and leaving it uncovered in the refrigerator for a day. This will help to season the meat more deeply and is well worth doing if you have the time.

Now it's time to rub your chicken with oil and seasonings. You can use olive oil or another oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado or canola oil. Avoid using olive oil here as it burns easily. For seasonings, you can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, lemon zest, or rosemary. You can also add some of the oil and seasonings under the skin of the breasts and drumsticks.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (180°C).

Place the chicken in the basket of the air fryer, breast side down, and cook for 30 minutes. Then, carefully flip the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74-75°C) on a meat thermometer.

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy!

What size chicken will fit in an air fryer

When it comes to cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, the size of the chicken you plan to cook will determine the size of the air fryer you need.

A large chicken, weighing around 4 to 5 pounds, typically requires a 5.3-quart air fryer or larger. However, if you prefer a smaller chicken, such as a 3-pound bird, a 4-quart air fryer may be sufficient. It is important to note that most air fryers can fit a small to medium-sized chicken, but larger birds may require a bigger air fryer or adjustments to your cooking technique.

To ensure your chicken fits, measure the height, width, and length of your chicken and compare it to the dimensions of the air fryer's cooking basket. If you have a larger chicken, you may need to untie the legs or gently press the chicken breast to flatten it slightly so it fits in the air fryer.

Additionally, consider the number of servings you require and the available space in your kitchen when choosing the right air fryer size. If you frequently cook for a larger group or have limited counter space, a larger air fryer with a higher quart size may be more suitable.

Frequently asked questions