Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken: Is It Possible?

You can definitely put a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer! In fact, it's one of the best ways to cook a whole chicken – it's super fast, energy-efficient, and the results are juicy and tender with irresistibly crispy skin. The prep time is quick, and you don't need to brine or marinate the chicken. You can also reheat rotisserie chicken in an air fryer to restore its crispy skin and juicy tenderness without drying it out.

How to make rotisserie chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 small to medium-sized whole chicken (3-4.5 lbs/1.3-2 kg)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Celery salt
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, Italian herbs)
• Black pepper
• White pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Red wine vinegar

Optional:

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Butcher's twine
• Meat thermometer

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF/193ºC for 5-10 minutes.
• Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub with your chosen spices on both sides.
• Secure the chicken on the spit and tie the legs tightly with butcher's twine.
• Place the spit in the air fryer and put a drip tray underneath.
• Cook for 40 minutes at 400ºF/200ºC, checking with a meat thermometer after 35 minutes.
• The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165-167ºF/74-75ºC in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone.
• If desired, brush the chicken with a honey-soy glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
• Rest the chicken for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• If your air fryer doesn't have a rotisserie function, place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes at 355ºF/180ºC. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for another 20 minutes or until cooked through.
• Always rest your chicken after roasting to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheating a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer

Reheating rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is a great way to restore its juicy tenderness and crispy skin without drying it out or making it rubbery. This method works for both bone-in and boneless rotisserie chicken pieces, as well as chicken tenders, wings, thighs, and all other cuts.

Steps to reheat rotisserie chicken in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even reheating of the chicken.
• If your rotisserie chicken is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove the chill and promote even reheating.
• You can pour a little oil over the chicken or use cooking spray to encourage crispiness.
• Place the rotisserie chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring proper air circulation. Reheat in batches if necessary.
• Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, flip the chicken for even reheating and cook for another 2-5 minutes.
• Monitor the chicken to prevent overcooking and adjust the reheating time for thicker pieces.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure thorough reheating and food safety.
• Once adequately reheated, remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and let it rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips for reheating rotisserie chicken in an air fryer:

• Ensure proper air circulation by giving the chicken pieces enough space in the air fryer basket. Cut the chicken into pieces if necessary.
• If your chicken pieces are coated with sauces or seasonings, use parchment paper to prevent any mess.
• Adjust the reheating time depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces. Always check the internal temperature, aiming for a safe minimum of 165°F (74°C).
• Play around with different seasonings or sauces to give your reheated chicken extra flavor.

Sides to serve with reheated rotisserie chicken:

• Candied Brussels Sprouts with Maple and Bacon
• Maple Five Spice Roasted Butternut Squash
• Mashed potatoes
• Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
• Turkey Giblet Gravy

Ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken:

• Pull the chicken apart for a chicken taco filling.
• Shred the chicken for sandwiches, salads, or wrap fillings.
• Serve the pieces with yam fries and slaw.
• Slice up the leftover chicken and add it to a bowl with miso and hot chicken broth.
• Turn it into a casserole with rice or tater tots.

How to make a spice rub for rotisserie chicken

A good spice rub can make your rotisserie chicken extra delicious. You can make your own spice rub with common spices, or buy a ready-made rotisserie spice mix. Here's a simple recipe for a rotisserie chicken spice rub, along with some tips on how to prepare and cook your chicken.

Ingredients

• Salt
• White pepper
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Thyme (or tarragon)

Optional Ingredients

• Cumin
• Celery salt
• Brown sugar
• Oregano
• Sage
• Dried Italian herbs

Instructions

Combine the ingredients in a jar and shake well to mix. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your taste, and omit or reduce the salt if you prefer a low-sodium blend. Store your spice rub in a cool, dark place.

Preparing the Chicken

Remove any giblets from the chicken and rinse the cavity. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then spritz or rub with olive oil. Rub your chosen spice blend all over the chicken, inside and out. For extra flavour and moisture, you can place a halved lemon and/or onion inside the chicken's cavity.

Cooking the Chicken

Place the chicken in a roasting pan and bake in the oven at 400°F until golden and crisp, or around 1 hour. Alternatively, cook in an air fryer at 350°F for 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the chicken. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, secure the chicken on the spit and tie the legs with string before cooking. Always allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

How to truss a chicken

Yes, you can cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer. Here's how to truss a chicken in four simple steps:

Step 1: Securing the Legs

Place the chicken with the legs facing you. Cut four lengths of kitchen twine – this should be long enough to span the neck to the tail four times. Start with the twine underneath the back of the chicken, midway between the head and the tail. Bring the twine down between the legs and the breast, then cross the string under the crown of the chicken (the bottom of the ribcage). Twist the twine around each leg and bring them together.

Step 2: Securing the Tail

Bring the twine down on either side of the tail. Flip the chicken over so that it is resting on its breast. Cross the twine around the tail and pull it tight. Wrap the twine around itself twice (instead of tying a knot) and flip the chicken back over onto its back. Bring the twine up on either side of the chicken, over the wings.

Step 3: Securing the Wings

Tuck the wing tips down between the thighs and the breast so that they don't rest on the breast. This allows the breast to brown evenly. Once the twine is over the outstretched wing, bring it back down towards the leg. This should wrap the twine around the wings. Tuck the wing tips into the space between the thigh and the breast and cross the twine underneath the crown of the chicken. Tie the twine in a knot securely under the crown and trim off any leftover twine.

Step 4: Placing the Chicken on the Spit

Put the tines secured to one end of the spit. Slide the spit down from the neck to the legs and ensure the other end comes through the space between the legs and the tail. Add the second set of rotisserie tines, inserting the spikes into the base of the chicken. Ensure the chicken is centred on the spit and tighten the rotisserie screws.

Now your chicken is ready for seasoning and cooking!

What to serve with rotisserie chicken

Rotisserie chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a wide variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Starchy Sides

If you're looking for a filling and comforting option, consider classic mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or roasted baby potatoes. These options provide a starchy and satisfying accompaniment to the juicy chicken. You could also try sweet potato fries, which offer a slightly sweet contrast to the savoury chicken. For something a little different, why not try mashed cauliflower? It's a healthier and lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, but still buttery and delicious.

Vegetables and Salads

Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash, make a great side dish. The caramelisation brings out their natural sweetness, creating a delicious balance with the chicken. You could also try grilled asparagus, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad, or a more exotic option like a cabbage-fennel salad with Honeycrisp apples. If you're looking for something healthy and refreshing, a spinach salad with strawberries, red onions, and goat cheese, or a watermelon strawberry salad are great options.

Comforting and Creamy Sides

Creamed spinach is a delicious and comforting addition to any meal, especially when paired with rotisserie chicken. For a more indulgent option, try macaroni and cheese, which provides a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken.

Rice and Grains

Rice is a perfect way to round out your meal. A simple rice pilaf, prepared with herbs, spices, and vegetables, adds an aromatic and satisfying side dish. Alternatively, try quinoa, either in a salad with fresh vegetables or on its own as a simple, nutritious, and versatile side.

Other Ideas

Other options include corn on the cob, coleslaw, Caesar salad, grilled mushrooms, or grilled corn with butter, cheese, and bacon bits.

With so many options to choose from, you can easily mix and match to create a well-rounded and memorable dining experience.

Frequently asked questions