Ella Walter
Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to get delicious, juicy meat with extra-crisp skin. It's a great alternative to using an oven, especially if you're short on time or want to save on electricity. The compact design of the air fryer means moisture is locked in, and the fast cooking time means the chicken doesn't dry out. You can use a variety of seasonings and spices to flavour the chicken, and it can be served with a range of side dishes, making it a versatile and tasty meal option.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken weight | 3-4 lbs |
| Chicken temperature | 165°F (74°C) |
| Air fryer temperature | 350°F-360°F (180°C-182°C) |
| Cooking time | 45-75 minutes |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, rosemary |
| Nutrition (4 oz serving) | Calories: 444, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 143mg, Sodium: 134mg, Potassium: 360mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 293IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 2mg |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right chicken
Size of the Chicken
The size of the chicken you choose will depend on the capacity of your air fryer. Most air fryers can comfortably fit a 3-4 lbs (1.5 kg) chicken. A larger chicken might not fit properly, resulting in uneven cooking. Therefore, it is important to check the size specifications of your air fryer before purchasing a chicken. If you have a smaller air fryer, consider buying a smaller chicken or even cutting a larger chicken in half.
Space for Air Circulation
When placing the chicken in the air fryer, ensure that it fits comfortably without touching the sides or the heating element. This allows for proper air circulation, ensuring even cooking. The chicken should be placed with sufficient space around it for the hot air to circulate, preventing uneven cooking.
Type of Chicken
Opting for organic or free-range chickens is recommended. These chickens tend to have better flavour and are free of harmful chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics that commercially raised chickens may contain.
Fresh or Frozen
While it is preferable to use a thawed chicken for even cooking, you can cook a frozen whole chicken in the air fryer if necessary. Just be aware that it will take longer, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Chicken Preparation
Before cooking, ensure that the chicken is properly prepared. Remove any giblets or string from the cavity, and pat the skin dry with paper towels. This will help the seasonings stick better and promote even cooking.
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Preparing the chicken
Firstly, ensure you select a chicken that weighs around 3-4 lbs, as this size will fit comfortably in most air fryers. It is important to check that your chicken will fit in your air fryer before starting. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken or consider cooking a couple of smaller chickens for better results.
Once you have the right size chicken, remove any string or giblets from the cavity, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the skin and promotes even cooking. Tuck the wings under the chicken to prevent them from burning.
Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a simple mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, or get creative with other seasonings like onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary. Combine your chosen seasonings with the oil in a small bowl to make a paste. You can also add some minced garlic and herbs to the mix for extra flavour.
Now it's time to season the chicken. Use a basting brush to coat the breast side of the chicken with half of the seasoning rub. You can also loosen the skin over the breasts and drumsticks and rub some of the seasoning underneath for extra flavour. Then, pick up the chicken by the legs and place it breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Use the basting brush to coat the rest of the chicken with the remaining seasoning rub.
Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, remember to preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin, as it ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, locking in juices and flavours.
And that's it! Your chicken is now prepared and ready to be cooked in the air fryer.
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Seasoning and marinating
Firstly, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the skin and also help the skin crisp up. Tuck the wings under the chicken and ensure the cavity is empty.
For the seasoning, you can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. You could also add onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary. If you have a favourite blend of herbs and spices, this will also work well. Combine the seasoning with oil in a small bowl to make a paste. You can also add minced garlic and fresh lemon juice to the paste. Loosen the skin over the breasts and drumsticks and rub some of the paste onto the meat.
Rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken, making sure to cover the breast side first, then turn the chicken over and coat the rest of the bird. You can use a basting brush to do this, or use your hands. Leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, or cook straight away.
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Cooking the chicken
First, select a chicken that weighs around 3-4 lbs, as this size will fit comfortably in most air fryers. If your chicken is larger, it might not fit properly and you could end up with uneven cooking.
Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels and tuck the wings under. In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings with oil to make a paste. You can use a pre-made seasoning blend, or make your own using spices such as salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.
Now, use a basting brush to spread half of the seasoning paste all over the breast side of the chicken. Pick the chicken up by the legs and place it breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Use the basting brush to coat the rest of the chicken with the seasoning paste.
Close the air fryer and set the temperature to between 350°F and 360°F (180°C). Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin, as it ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, locking in juices and flavors.
Once preheated, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and set the timer for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breast-side up and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken.
To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to take a temperature reading at the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74-75°C). If the chicken is not yet fully cooked, continue cooking and check the temperature again in 10-15 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to absorb back into the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful final product.
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Resting and serving
Resting the chicken is an important step as it allows the juices to absorb back into the meat. Depending on the size of your chicken, you should let the chicken rest for at least 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.
While the chicken rests, you can prepare some side dishes. The chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower. You can also pour the chicken drippings over vegetables and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.
To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The chicken is fully cooked when the thermometer reads 165°F (74-75°C).
Once the chicken has rested and you have checked that it is fully cooked, you can carve and serve it with your chosen side dishes. Enjoy your juicy, crispy air-fried whole chicken!
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Frequently asked questions
First, pat the chicken dry with paper towels and tuck the wings underneath. Next, rub the chicken with oil and seasonings, or a paste made from oil and seasonings. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast-side down, and cook at 350-360°F/180°C for 30 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 10-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F/74-75°C. Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Most air fryers are designed to fit chickens that weigh around 3-4 pounds. If your chicken is larger, it might not fit properly, and you may need to cut it in half or cook smaller chickens.
It's best to thaw your chicken first, but you can cook a frozen whole chicken in the air fryer if necessary. It will just take longer, around 60-70 minutes, and you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken.
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone, and make sure it reaches 165°F/74-75°C.
Air fryer whole chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad. You can also use the chicken in sandwiches, soups, or chicken salad.
