Air-Fried Rotisserie Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

how do you cook rotisserie chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook a juicy and flavourful rotisserie chicken with a crispy skin. The process is simple and quick, and can be done in a standard air fryer or one with a rotisserie function. The size of the chicken and the air fryer are important considerations, as is the use of butcher's twine to truss the chicken for even cooking. A meat thermometer is also recommended to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.

Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken

Characteristics Values
Chicken Weight 3-4.5 lbs/under 2 kg
Chicken Type Fresh or frozen (thawed)
Chicken Preparation Pat dry with paper towels, tuck wings under, and coat with oil and seasoning
Air Fryer Type Basket or oven style with rotisserie function
Air Fryer Temperature 350-400°F/175-200°C
Air Fryer Time 30-90 minutes
Internal Temperature 165-167°F/74-75°C
Resting Time 10-20 minutes
Serving Suggestions Salads, soups, sandwiches, roast potatoes, green vegetables

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How to get the skin crispy

To get the skin of your rotisserie chicken extra crispy when using an air fryer, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, ensure you pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding the rub. This will help the rub to stick better and the skin to crisp. You can also truss the chicken with butcher's twine for the crispiest skin and most even cooking. If you don't want to fully truss the chicken, you can tie the legs together to make it easier to handle.

Another way to ensure crispy skin is to use a glaze. A honey and soy glaze will give your chicken a beautiful shine and extra crispy skin. Brush the chicken with the glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

It is also important to rest the chicken after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Resting the chicken on a wire rack for 10-20 minutes will ensure the skin stays crispy. If you are reheating leftover chicken in the air fryer, it will crisp back up at 360 degrees F for 5-10 minutes.

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Preparing the chicken

Now, it's time to make the rub. Combine your chosen seasonings with oil or ghee in a small bowl and stir until it becomes a thick paste. You can use a store-bought spice mix or make your own by mixing dried herbs, paprika, cumin, garlic granules, salt, and brown sugar. You can also add vinegar to your spice mix. Once you have your rub, cover the entire chicken with it, coating it evenly.

If you want to add a glaze to your chicken, you can do so during the last 5 minutes of cooking. A honey and soy glaze will give your chicken a beautifully shiny and crispy skin.

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Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for rotisserie chicken in an air fryer depend on the size of your chicken and the wattage, model, and size of your air fryer. For example, a larger chicken can take up to 50 minutes to cook, while a smaller one can cook in just 35 minutes. In general, you should allow roughly between 12 and 15 minutes per pound (450g) of chicken.

Before cooking, you should preheat your air fryer for 5-10 minutes. The optimal temperature for this varies across sources, with suggestions ranging from 350°F (175°C) to 400°F (200°C). One source suggests preheating to 380ºF, before cooking at the same temperature for 20-30 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 375°F for an hour.

The optimal final internal temperature of the chicken is consistent across sources, with most suggesting that the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). One source suggests aiming for 167°F (75°C).

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Resting the chicken

While the chicken is resting, you can cover it lightly with foil to keep it warm and prevent it from drying out. This is especially useful if you are concerned about the chicken getting cold, or if you are in a cool environment. However, it is not necessary to cover the chicken, and some people prefer to let it rest uncovered to allow the skin to stay crispy.

If you are using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, make sure to do so before resting. The temperature should read at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety, but keep in mind that the temperature will rise slightly as the chicken rests. This is because the chicken continues to cook even after being removed from the air fryer due to residual heat.

Finally, resting the chicken allows you to prepare any gravy or sauces to accompany the meal. You can use the resting time to collect and strain the juices from the air fryer, adding them to a gravy boat or sauce pan to create a delicious accompaniment to your rotisserie chicken.

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Carving and serving

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and cover it with foil. Let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

When you're ready to carve, place the chicken on a cutting board. You can season it with salt and black pepper to taste before you begin. Start by removing the legs. To do this, cut through the skin between the leg and the breast, then cut through the joint to separate the leg completely. Repeat on the other side.

Next, remove the wings. Cut through the skin between the wing and the breast, then cut through the joint to separate the wing. Again, repeat on the other side.

Now, you can slice the breast meat. Start by cutting down one side of the breastbone, as close to the bone as possible, to remove one side of the breast. Then, do the same on the other side. Slice the breast meat into your desired thickness.

Finally, separate the thighs from the backbone. Cut through the skin and then the joint to remove the thigh. Repeat on the other side. You can now slice the thigh meat off the bone.

Serve your carved chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, or a green salad. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and tuck the wings under. Combine the seasoning blend, spices, and oil in a small bowl to make a paste. Use a basting brush to coat the chicken with the rub. Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes at 355°F (180°C). Flip the chicken over and cook for another 20 minutes or until it registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

A larger chicken can take up to 50 minutes while a smaller one can cook in just 35 minutes. The cooking time also depends on the size, model, and wattage of your air fryer.

To ensure the chicken is juicy, let it rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. You can cover the chicken with aluminum foil to keep it warm.

To get extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before adding the spice rub. You can also brush the chicken with a honey-soy glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

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