Air-Frying A Whole Chicken: Is It Possible?

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, rotisserie-style chicken with super crispy skin. It's a convenient alternative to oven-roasting a chicken, and it's ready in under an hour.

Choosing the right chicken size

Most standard air fryers can accommodate chickens ranging from 3 to 5 pounds. If your air fryer is smaller than 5 quarts, opt for a smaller chicken, around 3 to 4 pounds. This will ensure that the chicken fits comfortably in the air fryer and doesn't touch the top element, which could cause uneven cooking or even burning.

On the other hand, if you have a larger air fryer, such as an 8-quart model, you can comfortably fit a 5 to 6-pound chicken. Some air fryers also come with a removable grate, which provides more space and allows for a larger chicken. Additionally, organic chickens tend to be smaller, usually around 4 pounds, so they may be a better option if you have a smaller air fryer.

When selecting a chicken, it's also important to consider the number of servings you need. A 3 to 4-pound chicken will typically serve 4 to 6 people, while a larger 5 to 6-pound chicken can serve up to 8 people.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken. A smaller chicken, around 3 pounds, will require approximately 45 to 50 minutes of cooking time, while a larger 4-pound chicken may need up to 60 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

Oil options

Yes, you can cook a whole chicken in an air fryer. The air fryer will give the chicken a crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

While you can cook chicken in an air fryer without oil, adding a small amount of oil will help the chicken to crisp up and develop an appetizing brown colour. You can use any type of oil you like, such as canola, safflower, olive, or avocado oil.

If you want to add oil to your chicken, you have a few options for applying it:

• Use a basting brush to apply the oil to the chicken before placing it in the air fryer
• Put the oil in a reusable spray bottle and spritz the chicken
• Drizzle oil over the chicken and rub it in with your hands

If you are using a nonstick cooking spray, avoid aerosol sprays as these can damage the nonstick coating on the air fryer basket. Instead, use an oil sprayer bottle filled with your choice of oil.

You can also add oil to your chicken during the cooking process by lightly spraying it with oil and then continuing to air fry. This will help the chicken to crisp up and ensure that the breading crisps up rather than burning.

In addition to oil, you can also brush or mist your chicken with extra virgin olive oil before adding seasonings to ensure they stick.

Seasoning options

Seasoning a whole chicken before air frying is a crucial step in adding flavour to the skin. You can use a favourite store-bought seasoning blend or make your own.

A simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder is a great option. You can also add other seasonings such as onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary to suit your taste preferences.

For a zesty option, you can use an Italian salad dressing seasoning mix, which includes salt, sugar, garlic, onion, and citric acid. This can be easily found in most pantries and adds a tangy flavour to the chicken.

If you're looking for something more herby, a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme can be used. You can also add garlic powder to this mixture for an extra kick of flavour.

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, a combination of four teaspoons of barbecue rub and two teaspoons of instant coffee will create a coffee barbecue seasoning that is sure to impress.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and blends to find your favourite. You can also try dry brining the chicken a day before cooking by applying a couple of tablespoons of salt and letting it sit in the refrigerator. This technique helps the salt penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in more flavourful and juicy chicken.

Cooking times and temperatures

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy meat with a crispy skin. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken and the wattage and size of your air fryer, but there are some general guidelines to follow.

Firstly, you'll want to preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend a temperature of 350°F–360°F (180°C), but one source suggests 400°F. Place the chicken in the basket breast-side down and cook for 30 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 10–30 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. Check the temperature early to ensure the chicken doesn't overcook. You can also check that the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced.

One source recommends cooking the chicken at 180°C for 30 minutes, then turning the heat up to 200°C and cooking for a final 10–15 minutes to crisp the skin.

Resting the chicken

• Purpose of Resting: Resting the chicken after air frying allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This ensures that each bite is tender, moist, and flavourful. It also gives the proteins in the meat time to relax and reabsorb some of the lost moisture, preventing the chicken from becoming dry and tough.
• Resting Time: Aim for a resting time of 5 to 10 minutes. This duration allows the juices to redistribute properly and prevents the meat from cooling down too much.
• Resting Place: Place the cooked chicken on a cutting board or platter. You can also rest it on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Don't Skip the Resting Step: While it may be tempting to serve the chicken immediately, especially if you're hungry, don't skip the resting step. This step is crucial for ensuring juicy and tender meat.
• Use Resting Time Wisely: While the chicken is resting, you can use that time to prepare side dishes, set the table, or clean up your cooking area.
• Carving and Serving: After the resting period, you can carve the chicken and serve it. The resting time helps ensure that the chicken remains hot and juicy when served.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, remove the meat from the carcass and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Alternatively, place it in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Remember, resting the chicken is an essential step in achieving the perfect air-fried whole chicken. By allowing the meat to rest, you'll be rewarded with juicy, tender, and flavourful results every time.

Frequently asked questions