Air-Fryer Whole Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook a whole chicken, and it turns out perfect every time. The chicken comes out with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. It's also cheaper than buying a rotisserie chicken and can be customised with different seasonings. The size of the chicken and the air fryer are important factors to consider, as the chicken needs to fit inside the air fryer with enough space for air to circulate. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken, but it typically takes around an hour.

Choosing the right size chicken

Most standard fryer chickens weigh around 4 to 5 pounds, and this size should fit comfortably in a 5-quart air fryer. If your air fryer is smaller than 5 quarts, you may need to opt for a smaller chicken, such as a Cornish hen. Organic chickens tend to be smaller, typically weighing around 4 pounds.

On the other hand, if your air fryer is larger, you may be able to fit a bigger chicken. Some people have successfully cooked chickens weighing 5.5 to 6 pounds in 8-quart or 6-quart air fryers. However, it's important to ensure that the chicken doesn't touch the top of the air fryer, as this can cause it to burn. If your chicken is too large, you may need to untie the legs or gently press the breastbone to flatten it slightly.

Additionally, consider the size of your household or the number of people you plan to serve. A larger chicken will yield more meat, so if you're cooking for a bigger group or want leftovers, opt for a bigger bird. Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two people, a smaller chicken may be more suitable.

When in doubt, it's always better to choose a slightly smaller chicken rather than risking a chicken that's too big for your air fryer. By selecting the right size chicken, you'll ensure that it cooks evenly and safely in your air fryer.

Removing giblets and patting the chicken dry

Removing giblets from a chicken is an important step in preparing a whole chicken for air frying. The giblets can be saved and frozen to make giblet gravy. After removing the giblets, it is also important to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken, and it also helps to crisp the skin. If there is extra moisture on the skin, it will steam instead of crisping.

Some recipes suggest tucking the wings of the chicken under before patting it dry. This helps ensure even cooking and can also help the seasonings stick to the chicken.

After patting the chicken dry, it is time to season the bird. This can be done by combining the seasonings and oil in a small bowl to make a paste, then using a basting brush to coat the chicken. It is important to be generous with the seasonings and to cover the chicken completely so that it will taste amazing. The breast side of the chicken should be coated first, and then the rest of the chicken can be coated after it is placed in the air fryer basket, breast side down.

Applying oil and seasoning

Choose Your Oil

The type of oil you use can vary depending on your preference and what you have available. Common choices include vegetable oil, olive oil, or even melted butter if your recipe calls for it.

Prepare Your Chicken

Before applying any oil or seasoning, it's essential to prepare your chicken properly. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Ensuring that the chicken is thoroughly dried will help create that sought-after crispy skin.

Combine Oil and Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine your chosen oil with your preferred seasoning. You can use a pre-made poultry seasoning or create your own blend using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other herbs or spices to taste. Whisk the oil and seasoning together until well combined.

Coat the Chicken

Now, it's time to coat your chicken with the oil and seasoning mixture. Using a brush, generously apply the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get underneath the wings as well. You want to ensure an even coating, so don't be shy with the mixture!

Air Fryer Basket

While you're coating your chicken, take a moment to prepare the air fryer basket. Remove the basket from the unit and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This step will prevent your chicken from sticking to the basket and make cleanup a breeze.

Resting Period

Once your chicken is coated, let it rest for a few minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This resting period allows the oil and seasoning to truly soak into the meat, enhancing the flavour and moisture of your chicken.

Cooking Time

After the resting period, it's time to cook your chicken! Place it in the air fryer, ensuring that it's not too large for the fryer, as proper air circulation is crucial. Follow the recommended cooking time and temperature guidelines for a whole chicken, and don't forget to flip your chicken halfway through for even cooking.

Rest and Enjoy

Once your chicken has reached the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), carefully remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This final resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender chicken. Now, you're ready to carve, serve, and enjoy your delicious, flavourful, and crispy whole chicken!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air-frying a whole chicken will depend on the size of the chicken and the wattage of your air fryer. A chicken weighing 3-4 lbs will take around 45-60 minutes to cook, whereas a larger 5-6 lb chicken will need 50 minutes to an hour.

It is recommended that you cook the chicken breast-side down for the first half of the cooking time, before flipping it over to ensure the skin is crispy all over.

The temperature you cook at will depend on the model of your air fryer, but most sources recommend cooking at 350°F/180°C for the majority of the cooking time, before increasing the temperature to 400°F/200°C for the last 5-15 minutes to crisp up the skin.

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/74°C. You can check this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, usually the breast.

One source recommends preheating your air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 350°F before cooking.

Resting the chicken

During this time, you can make a gravy with the drippings, or pour the drippings over vegetables and cook them in the air fryer.

The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F, or 74°C, when it is cooked. It's important to check this with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.

Frequently asked questions