Air Frying A Whole Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook a whole chicken, resulting in a juicy meat and extra-crispy skin. The compact design of an air fryer means there isn't much room for moisture to escape, and the fast cooking time means the chicken stays moist. It's important to check that your air fryer is big enough for a whole chicken, as sizes vary. You can also adapt the recipe to your liking, using different seasonings and oils.

Air fryer whole chicken recipes

Air fryers are great for cooking a whole chicken, keeping the meat juicy and the skin crispy. Here are some recipes and tips to help you get the best results.

Preparation

Firstly, check that your air fryer is big enough for a whole chicken. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken. You can also try removing the grate from the bottom of the air fryer to create more space.

When choosing a chicken, go for one that is around 3-5 pounds in size. You can also use a 6-pound chicken if your air fryer is 8 quarts or more. Ensure that you remove any giblets from the cavity before cooking.

Seasoning

There are endless options for seasoning your chicken. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Olive oil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, paprika, and salt
• Avocado oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme
• Vegetable oil, smoked paprika, dried mixed herbs, and garlic granules
• Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
• Orange pepper rub, cilantro lime and garlic rub, or a mushroom umami rub

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F. Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-30 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes. Finally, turn the heat up to 400°F and cook for a further 5-15 minutes to crisp up the skin. Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F before removing it from the air fryer.

Let the chicken rest for 10-20 minutes before carving. Enjoy!

Air fryer chicken cooking times

Air fryers are a great way to cook a whole chicken, keeping the meat juicy and the skin crispy.

Firstly, it's important to check that your air fryer will fit a whole chicken, as air fryer sizes vary. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to purchase a smaller chicken.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken. A 3-pound chicken will need 45-50 minutes, while a 4-pound chicken will need closer to 60 minutes.

Preparation

Look inside the chicken and remove giblets (these can be saved for giblet gravy). Not all chickens have them, so don't worry if you don't see any.

Many chickens come tied with string. If your chicken is bigger (closer to 4 pounds) it may be too big and touch the top of the air fryer. If this is the case, untie it before cooking. If it's still touching the top, gently press the chicken breast with your palm to slightly crack the breast bone.

Pat the chicken dry using paper towels.

Seasoning

You'll need just three ingredients: chicken, oil, and your favourite seasoning. Oil helps the seasoning stick to the skin and makes it crisp better. A little seasoning before cooking adds flavour to the skin.

You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, or add your own favourite seasonings, including onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.

Rub the chicken with oil and sprinkle with seasoning.

Cooking

Place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket.

For a 3-pound chicken, cook at 350°F for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F.

For a 4-pound chicken, cook at 360°F for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

Serving

Serve with your favourite veggies or mashed potatoes and a side salad.

You can also pour the chicken drippings over veggies (like asparagus or cauliflower) and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.

Air fryer chicken seasoning

Air-frying a whole chicken is a great way to get juicy meat and crispy skin. There are a few different ways to season your chicken, depending on your taste preferences and how much time you have.

Dry Brine

If you have the time, dry brining your chicken is a great way to ensure that the salt penetrates deeper into the meat, resulting in more complete seasoning. Simply apply a couple of tablespoons of salt directly to the chicken, then place it in the refrigerator, uncovered, for a day.

Herb and Spice Blends

There are a variety of herb and spice blends that you can use to flavour your chicken. Here are some options:

• Italian seasoning
• Trader Joe's BBQ rub
• A blend of olive oil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, paprika, and salt
• A blend of vegetable oil, smoked paprika, dried mixed herbs, garlic granules, salt, and pepper
• A blend of coarse sea salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder

Marinade

Another option is to marinate your chicken in buttermilk, which will help to tenderize the meat and make it more juicy and flavorful. Simply soak the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and your preferred seasonings for several hours or overnight.

Tips

• If you're using fresh herbs instead of dried, increase the amount as they are less potent.
• Don't skip the resting step after cooking, as this allows the juices to absorb back into the meat.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken to ensure the proper temperature is reached.

Air fryer chicken leftovers

So, you've cooked a whole chicken in your air fryer, and it was delicious. But what do you do with the leftovers? Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your air-fried chicken:

Storing Leftovers

It is important to store your leftover chicken properly to maintain its quality and safety. Firstly, let the chicken cool down to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than 2 hours. Then, divide the chicken into smaller portions and store them in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Label the containers with the date and content and place them in the refrigerator. Aim to consume the leftovers within 2 to 3 days or freeze them for later use.

Reheating Chicken in the Air Fryer

You can definitely reheat your chicken in the air fryer! This method helps retain moisture and gives a better texture than a microwave. Here are the steps:

• Let the chicken come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
• Brush the chicken with oil or cooking spray (optional, but it helps with crispiness).
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring proper spacing for airflow.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and reheat.
• Flip the chicken after 6 minutes for even heating.
• Continue heating and check the internal temperature after 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute.

Getting Creative with Leftovers

Now that you have your reheated chicken, what can you do with it? Here are some ideas:

• Salads: Shred or dice the chicken and use it as a salad topping.
• Chicken Tacos: Wrap the chicken in a tortilla with your favourite fillings for a tasty taco.
• Chicken Pasta: Slice or shred the chicken and toss it with cooked pasta, olive oil, and garlic.
• Chicken Sandwiches/Wraps: Layer the chicken with fresh veggies and condiments in bread or a wrap.
• Chicken Stir-Fry: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry with veggies and your choice of seasoning.
• Chicken Soup/Stew: Add the chicken to a pot of broth, veggies, noodles, and herbs for a comforting soup or stew.
• Chicken Quesadillas: Use the chicken as a filling for quesadillas, along with cheese, veggies, and spices.
• Chicken Pizza: Top a pizza crust with sauce, cheese, and sliced chicken, along with your favourite toppings.
• Chicken Fried Rice: Chop the chicken into small pieces and stir-fry it with cooked rice, veggies, eggs, and soy sauce.

There you have it! A few simple ways to store, reheat, and repurpose your air fryer chicken leftovers into delicious new meals. Enjoy!

Air fryer chicken side dishes

Yes, you can cook a whole chicken in an air fryer! It's a great way to keep the meat juicy and achieve crispy skin.

Now, onto the side dishes. Here are some ideas for air fryer chicken side dishes to accompany your whole roast chicken:

Vegetables

Air fryers are excellent for cooking vegetables, and you can cook them in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven. Here are some vegetable side dishes that pair well with chicken:

• Broccoli with Parmesan cheese. You can also add some chilli flakes for a bit of heat.
• Asparagus with a lemon-garlic dressing.
• Okra with smoked paprika and lemon juice.
• Corn on the cob with a little butter, salt and pepper.
• Zucchini chips.
• Brussels sprouts with red wine vinegar, butter, shallots, olive oil, and salt.
• Cauliflower with turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Baked potatoes with a garlic butter mixture.
• Sweet potato tots with cumin, coriander, and panko breadcrumbs.
• Green beans wrapped in bacon.
• Italian stuffed tomatoes with brown rice, parmesan cheese, goat cheese, walnuts, basil, garlic, and Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.

Starchy Sides

The air fryer is also great for making starchy sides like potatoes and dumplings:

• Potato wedges with paprika, parsley flakes, chilli powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
• Sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
• Garlic parmesan carrot fries with red pepper.
• Dumplings – try making frozen dumplings in the air fryer for a quick and tasty side.
• Hash browns – these are nice and crispy when made in the air fryer.

So, there you have it! A range of tasty side dishes to accompany your air fryer whole chicken. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions