Rotisserie Chicken In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook rotisserie chicken in an air fryer. It is an easy and quick way to cook a whole chicken, and you will be blown away by how delicious it is. The air fryer method is also healthier than buying one from the store, as stores inject a salt solution into the cooked chickens to enhance flavour and tenderness. It is also faster than using an oven, as there is no need to wait for the oven to preheat.

How to make a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 small to medium-sized whole chicken (3-4.5 pounds)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary, Italian herbs)
• White pepper
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Celery salt
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Honey (optional)

Method

• Prepare the chicken by removing the giblets and patting the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl. The exact blend of spices is up to you, but a typical rotisserie chicken seasoning includes salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried herbs, and pepper.
• Drizzle or brush the chicken with olive oil and rub the spice mixture all over the outside and inside of the chicken's cavity.
• If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, secure the chicken on the spit and tie the legs together with butcher's string. Ensure the chicken can rotate freely. If your air fryer does not have a rotisserie function, skip this step.
• Place the spit in the air fryer, putting a drip tray underneath to catch any juices. If your air fryer does not have a rotisserie function, place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
• Cook the chicken at 350-400°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165-167°F. If using an air fryer without a rotisserie, cook for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until done.
• Rest the chicken for 10-20 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips

• If you want a shiny, crispy skin, brush the chicken with a honey and soy glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
• 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.

How to reheat 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, and thighs. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is important as it ensures even reheating and prevents the chicken from drying out. It should preheat for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Allow Chicken to Reach Room Temperature

If your rotisserie chicken is refrigerated, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps remove the chill and promotes more even reheating.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken (Optional)

You can brush the chicken with a little oil or use a cooking spray to encourage crispiness. You can also add different seasonings or sauces to give your chicken a flavour boost.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the rotisserie chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there is space between each piece for proper air circulation. For larger pieces, you may need to reheat them in batches.

Step 5: Reheat the Chicken

Set the temperature of your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 5 minutes. Then, flip the pieces over for even reheating and cook for another 2-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking, and adjust the time accordingly for thicker pieces.

Step 6: Check the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure thorough reheating and food safety.

Step 7: Remove and Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is adequately reheated, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

Optional: Crisp the Skin Further

If you want extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken.

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. If needed, cut the chicken into smaller pieces.
• If your chicken is coated with sauces or seasonings, consider using parchment paper to prevent any mess or sticking.
• Adjust the reheating time based on the thickness and size of the chicken pieces. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as per USDA guidelines.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or sauces to enhance the flavour of your reheated chicken.

Spice rubs for rotisserie chicken

Yes, you can rotisserie a chicken in an air fryer! Here are some spice rub ideas for your chicken:

Spice Rub Ideas for Rotisserie Chicken

A good spice rub will ensure your rotisserie chicken is packed with flavour and has a beautiful colour. You can make your own spice rub or use a store-bought one. Here are some ideas for spice rubs to use on your rotisserie chicken:

Homemade Spice Rub

A basic homemade spice rub for rotisserie chicken can be made with just four ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. If you want to get more creative, you can try adding other spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, cumin, celery salt, dried oregano, ground sage, or mustard powder. Play around with different combinations and amounts to find your perfect spice rub.

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Store-Bought Spice Rub

If you don't want to make your own spice rub, you can buy a pre-made spice blend at the store. Look for blends that are specifically designed for chicken or rotisserie chicken. These blends will usually have a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Just follow the instructions on the package for how much to use and how to apply it to your chicken.

Tips for Applying the Spice Rub

• Make sure the chicken is dry before applying the spice rub. You can pat it down with paper towels.
• Drizzle the chicken with olive oil or another cooking oil before rubbing on the spices. This will help the spices stick to the chicken and also add some extra flavour and moisture.
• Use your hands to rub the spices all over the chicken, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
• If you have time, let the spiced chicken sit in the refrigerator for a while before cooking. This will allow the flavours to really penetrate the meat.

Now that you have some spice rub ideas, you can get started on making your own rotisserie chicken in your air fryer!

What to serve with rotisserie chicken

Yes, you can cook a whole chicken in an air fryer, and it is a quick and easy way to achieve a tender, juicy, and flavourful rotisserie chicken with a crispy skin.

Now, what to serve with your air fryer rotisserie chicken? Here are some side dish ideas to accompany your chicken:

Latin-inspired

• Black beans and rice
• Sweet plantains
• Peruvian green sauce

Traditional

• Baked potatoes or mashed potatoes
• Peas and carrots
• Roasted broccoli or herb-roasted carrots

BBQ

• Brown sugar baked beans
• Potato salad

Low-carb

• Chopped wedge salad
• Mashed cauliflower
• Roasted asparagus

Mediterranean

• Greek pasta salad
• Mediterranean bean salad
• Lentil salad

Other ideas

• Stuffing
• Yellow rice and red or black beans
• Carrots and mashed potatoes
• Wedge fries
• Cabbage lime slaw with peanuts
• Roasted potatoes
• Fried potatoes
• Potato wedges
• Boiled potatoes
• Baked paprika
• Cabbage sour salad
• Salad with homemade dressing
• French carrot salad
• Steamed herbed baby potatoes
• Instant mashed potatoes and canned corn
• Cornbread
• Tomato and cucumber salad

How to truss a chicken

Trussing a chicken is a critical step in making a delicious rotisserie chicken. It involves tying the bird with kitchen twine to keep the wings and legs close to the body, ensuring even cooking and a presentable shape. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to truss a chicken:

Step 1: Gather Tools and Ingredients

You will need a clean work surface, a whole chicken, and a piece of clean, natural kitchen twine that is long enough to loosely wrap around the chicken without touching it. The twine should be made from a material that won't melt, discolour, or be unfit for contact with food or heat, such as cotton or hemp.

Step 2: Secure the Legs

Place the chicken with the legs facing you. Start with the twine under the back of the chicken, midway between the head and tail. Bring the twine down between the legs and breast, then cross it under the crown of the chicken (the bottom of the ribcage). Twist the twine around each leg and bring them together.

Step 3: Secure the Tail

Bring the twine down on either side of the tail and flip the chicken over so it's resting on its breast. Cross the twine around the tail and pull it tight. Wrap the twine around itself twice, then flip the chicken back over onto its back. Bring the twine up and over the wings.

Step 4: Secure the Wings

Tuck the wing tips down between the thighs and breast, ensuring they don't rest on the breast. This allows the breast to brown evenly. Bring the twine out and back down towards the leg, wrapping it around the wings. Cross the twine underneath the crown of the chicken and tie a knot to secure it.

Step 5: Trimming and Finishing

Snip and discard any excess twine. Your chicken is now ready for roasting or placing on a rotisserie spit.

Trussing a chicken may seem like an extra step, but it is essential for ensuring even cooking and preventing the wings and legs from burning. It also helps the chicken maintain its shape and prevents it from flopping around if using a rotisserie.

Frequently asked questions