Air Frying Small Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a great way to get juicy meat and crispy skin. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken and the air fryer, but it usually takes around an hour. A 3-pound chicken will need 45-50 minutes, while a 4-pound chicken will need closer to 60 minutes. It's important to check that your air fryer is big enough to fit a whole chicken, and to adjust the size of the chicken to the air fryer's capacity.

Choosing the right air fryer

Type of Air Fryer

There are two primary types of air fryers: those with baskets (or drawers) and those with mesh trays or racks. Basket air fryers are more common and typically have a tub that you slide in and out to put food in. They come in digital and manual forms, with digital models offering more advanced features and presets. Mesh tray air fryers, on the other hand, cook food on a flat or shallow receptacle, similar to a countertop toaster oven, and often have clear glass doors. Some models even come with multiple racks or attachments for rotisserie cooking, dehydrating, and grilling.

Capacity

Air fryers come in various capacities, typically ranging from 2 quarts to over 5 quarts. When choosing an air fryer, consider how many people you will be cooking for regularly. A 2- or 3-quart air fryer is suitable for one or two people, while a 5-quart model can comfortably feed a family. If you have a large family or want to cook for a crowd, consider a larger air fryer or one with multiple racks.

Advanced Features

Air fryers can have a variety of advanced features, such as dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking modes, as well as preset buttons for specific foods. Some models also have a "keep warm" function to keep your food hot and crispy. Consider which features are important to you and whether you will utilise them.

Price

Air fryers can range in price from $30 to $400, but most models tend to hover around $100. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a high-performing air fryer, but keep in mind that more expensive models may offer larger capacities, more advanced features, or better warranties.

Brand

When it comes to brands, there are many reputable options to choose from, including Philips, Instant Pot, Ninja, Cosori, Cuisinart, and Black+Decker, among others. Consider researching specific brands and models to find one that aligns with your needs and budget.

Selecting the right chicken size

When selecting a chicken to cook in your air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken fits comfortably in the appliance. While it is fine for the chicken to fill the whole basket, it is important to leave a little space for the air to circulate. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken.

Most chickens bought in stores are around 4 to 6 pounds. If your air fryer is smaller than 5 quarts, you may need to find a smaller chicken. Organic chickens tend to be smaller, usually around 4 pounds.

For a 3.5- to 4-pound chicken, you will need to cook it for about an hour. A 3-pound chicken will need 45 to 50 minutes, while a 4-pound chicken will need closer to 60 minutes.

If your chicken is too large and touches the top element of the air fryer, you can try a few things. Firstly, untie the legs if needed and/or gently press the chicken breast to flatten it slightly until it fits. You can also try removing the grate from the bottom of the air fryer if your model allows. This will allow for a bigger chicken, and the breast will marinate in the released juices as it cooks.

It is also important to note that different air fryer machines can behave differently, so always check that your chicken is cooked through before eating. A meat thermometer can be a helpful tool to ensure your chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165°F.

Preparing the chicken

Once you have the right-sized chicken, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary. Simply mix your chosen seasonings with a bit of olive oil to help the seasoning stick to the skin and encourage crispiness. You can also use cooking spray instead of oil. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get underneath the wings.

After seasoning, your chicken is ready to go into the air fryer. Place it breast-side down in the air fryer basket. You don't need to preheat the air fryer, but if you want to, five minutes should be enough.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a small chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken and the air fryer model. It's important to ensure that your air fryer is large enough to accommodate a whole chicken, with a little space for air to circulate.

As a general guide, for a 3-4 pound chicken, cook at 350°F (180°C) for 45-50 minutes breast side down, then flip and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes at the same temperature. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If not, return to the air fryer and cook in 5-minute increments until the safe temperature is achieved.

For a larger chicken, around 5-6 pounds, the cooking time will be longer. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 50 minutes breast side down, then flip and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes. Again, ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

It is worth noting that different air fryer machines may behave differently, so it is always important to check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Additionally, some recipes suggest increasing the temperature to 200°C for the final 10-15 minutes to crisp the skin. This can be done after the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through while achieving a crispy skin.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your air-fried chicken, and it goes well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables and Salad

You can serve your chicken with roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower. You can also cook these vegetables in the chicken drippings for extra flavour. If you prefer a salad, a simple tossed salad or a green salad can accompany the chicken.

Potatoes

Roasted potatoes or potato wedges are a great option to serve with your chicken. You can also make air fryer roast potatoes or even air fryer chips. If you're feeling adventurous, try making air fryer potato wedges or sweet potato fries.

Rice and Noodles

Rice is always a good option to serve with chicken. You can make it plain or fry it in the chicken drippings for extra flavour. If you're in the mood for noodles, chicken noodle soup is a great choice, and you can use the leftover chicken to make it.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in sandwiches and wraps. You can use the leftover chicken to make sandwiches or even chicken salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Soups and Stews

Chicken is a great addition to soups and stews. You can make a simple chicken soup or get creative with ingredients like shredded chicken, vegetables, and spices.

Experiment with Seasonings

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasoning rubs for your chicken. You can change up the taste each time by using different combinations of spices and herbs. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and onion powder.

Remember, the beauty of cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is its versatility. You can serve it with almost anything, and it's a great way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for later. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions and creating your own unique combinations!

Frequently asked questions