Air-Fried Roast Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook a roast chicken, with most recipes taking just under an hour. The chicken is cooked breast-side down for the first half of the cooking time, which keeps the breast meat moist, and then flipped over to finish cooking. The short cooking time means the chicken stays juicy, while the air fryer crisps up the skin to a perfect golden finish.

How to get the skin crispy

To get the skin of your roast chicken crispy in an air fryer, you'll need to do a few things. Firstly, make sure the chicken is well-coated in oil. You can use a pastry brush to ensure the oil is spread evenly and coats all parts of the chicken. This is important because any part of the chicken that isn't oiled won't crisp up. You don't need to use a lot of oil—even just a tablespoon or two will be enough.

Next, you'll want to add some seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mixed herbs, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, or simply salt and pepper. Mix your chosen seasonings with the oil and brush the mixture all over the chicken.

Now, you're ready to cook the chicken. Place it in the air fryer basket breast-side down and cook for 30-45 minutes at 180°C/350°F. Then, carefully flip the chicken breast-side up and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it's cooked through.

Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This resting period helps the juices absorb back into the meat, keeping it juicy and tender.

By following these steps, you'll end up with a roast chicken that has super crispy skin on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside. Enjoy!

How long to cook for a smaller chicken

How Long to Cook a Smaller Chicken in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for a smaller chicken in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the chicken and the size of the air fryer. It's important to ensure that your air fryer is large enough to accommodate the chicken, allowing some space for air to circulate.

For a chicken weighing around 1.3kg to 1.5kg, the cooking time will typically be between 50 minutes to one hour. Here's a suggested breakdown of cooking times:

• Cook the chicken breast-side down for 30 minutes at 180°C.
• Flip the chicken breast-side up and cook for an additional 20 to 35 minutes at the same temperature.
• Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 74°C to 75°C (or 165°F).
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

It's worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer, so it's always a good idea to check the chicken periodically and adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, if you're cooking a smaller chicken, you may need to adjust the amount of spice and oil used.

When in doubt, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through. A whole chicken is safely cooked when the thickest part of the breast and thigh reach an internal temperature of 74°C, and the juices run clear when pierced with a skewer or knife.

How to check if the chicken is cooked

Checking if your roast chicken is cooked through is an important step in the cooking process. Here are some ways to ensure your chicken is cooked properly:

Use a Meat Thermometer

An instant-read or meat thermometer is a great way to check if your chicken is cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, such as the breast or thigh, and ensure that the internal temperature reaches 70°C (155-165°F). This temperature ensures that any bacteria are eliminated, making the chicken safe to eat.

Check the Juices

Pierce the thickest part of the chicken with a skewer, knife, or fork, and check the juices that come out. If the juices run clear, your chicken is cooked. If the juices are pink or have a red tint, the chicken needs further cooking.

Rest and Check Again

After removing your chicken from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before carving. During this resting period, the chicken continues to cook due to carry-over cooking. This means that even if your chicken is slightly under the target temperature, it will continue to cook and reach a safe temperature while resting.

Cut and Check

If you are still unsure, the best way to check is to cut into the thickest part of the chicken. If the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear, it is cooked. If the meat is still pink, return it to the air fryer and cook in short intervals until done.

Remember, it is always better to cook your chicken a little longer than risk serving undercooked meat. By following these steps and using your best judgment, you can ensure that your roast chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely.

How to prepare the chicken before cooking

Preparing your chicken before cooking is an important step in the process. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your chicken for the best results:

Firstly, ensure that your chicken is the right size for your air fryer. It's important to leave a little space for the air to circulate, so don't overcrowd the basket. If your chicken is too big, consider cutting it into halves or pieces. You can also adjust the spice and oil mix accordingly.

Next, remove any string or giblets from the cavity of the chicken. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This will help the oil and seasoning stick to the skin. Take your chosen oil—olive oil or vegetable oil will work well—and coat the chicken generously. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered, as any part of the chicken that isn't oiled won't crisp up. You can use a pastry brush or your hands to ensure an even coating.

Now it's time to season the chicken. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or get creative with your favourite spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried mixed herbs, garlic salt, and garlic granules. Mix your chosen spices together and sprinkle or paste them over the oiled chicken. Again, use your hands or a brush to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

At this point, you can also add some classic roast chicken flavours to the cavity of the chicken. Try garlic cloves, thyme, and a pierced lemon. These ingredients will add moisture and flavour to the meat.

Finally, if you have time, let the chicken come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This step is not essential, but it can help the chicken cook more evenly.

Now your chicken is prepared and ready for the air fryer! Remember to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your chicken and always ensure it is cooked through before serving.

What to serve with roast chicken

Cooking a roast chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy chicken with a crispy skin. It's a great option for a weeknight roast, taking under an hour to cook.

Now, what to serve with roast chicken? Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your air-fried roast chicken:

Vegetables

• Roast potatoes
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Asparagus
• Peas
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Radishes
• Fennel
• Baby carrots
• Mushrooms
• Spinach

Starch-based Sides

• Rice pilaf
• Couscous
• Mashed potatoes
• Smashed potatoes
• Potato salad
• Bread
• Pasta
• Salad with starch (pasta, chickpeas, white beans)
• Orzo

Salads

• Tomato and basil salad
• Fig and goat cheese salad
• Fennel, orange and artichoke salad
• Tabbouleh (couscous salad)
• Potato and spinach salad

Other

• Ratatouille
• Yorkshire pudding
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Cheese sauce
• Mac and cheese

Frequently asked questions