Air-Frying A Whole Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a great way to cook a whole chicken, resulting in tender, juicy meat and crispy skin. The cooking time depends on the weight of the chicken and the temperature of the air fryer, but it usually takes around an hour. Before cooking, the chicken should be seasoned and coated in oil to help the skin crisp up. It's important to ensure that the air fryer is big enough to fit a whole chicken, and to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F before serving.

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F/180°C

Preheating your air fryer to 360°F/180°C is a crucial step in cooking a whole chicken. This temperature ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect preheat for your air fryer whole chicken:

• Set the Temperature: Adjust the temperature dial or buttons on your air fryer to reach 360°F (180°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking a whole chicken, as it allows for thorough cooking without drying out the meat.
• Allow for Preheating Time: Give your air fryer sufficient time to reach the desired temperature. Depending on the model, it may take around 5 to 10 minutes for the air fryer to preheat completely. Refer to your manufacturer's instructions for precise preheating guidelines.
• Prepare the Chicken: While the air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to prepare your chicken. Remove any giblets or packaging from the cavity of the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, as this will help the seasonings stick to the skin and promote even cooking.
• Season the Chicken: Create a delicious seasoning blend by mixing your favourite herbs and spices with a bit of oil. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper or get creative with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, or other seasonings of your choice. Apply the seasoning blend generously all over the chicken, ensuring it coats the entire surface.
• Check Preheat Status: Keep an eye on your air fryer's preheat indicator light or use a temperature probe to ensure it has reached the desired temperature of 360°F (180°C). This is important because placing the chicken in the air fryer before it's fully preheated may affect the cooking time and the overall doneness of your chicken.
• Consistency is Key: For the best results, aim for consistency in both temperature and preheating time. Each time you cook a whole chicken in your air fryer, try to maintain the same temperature settings and preheating duration. This will help you establish a reliable cooking routine and ensure delicious results every time.

Remember, preheating your air fryer to 360°F/180°C is a fundamental step in the cooking process. It ensures your chicken cooks evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering air fryer whole chicken dishes.

Cook breast-side down for 30 minutes

When cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, it's important to get the timing right. You want to ensure the chicken is cooked through, but you don't want to overcook it, as this will dry out the meat.

Cooking the chicken breast-side down for 30 minutes is a crucial step. This helps the juices keep the white meat juicier as it cooks. If you start with the breasts up, the chicken will be drier. Cooking breast-side down for the first 30 minutes also helps the skin get crispy all over.

After 30 minutes, you'll want to flip the chicken and cook it for another 20-30 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken. A 3-pound chicken will take 45-50 minutes to cook, while a 4-pound chicken will need closer to 60 minutes.

It's important to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's cooked through. You'll know the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, usually the breast, to check the temperature.

Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier, more flavorful chicken.

By following these steps and timing your cook just right, you'll end up with a perfectly cooked, juicy and flavorful whole chicken with crispy skin.

Flip the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes

So, you've prepped your chicken, seasoned it generously, and placed it breast-side down in the air fryer. You've cooked it for 30 minutes at 350°F, or 45 minutes at 360°F, and now it's time to flip the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes.

Flipping the chicken is a crucial step in ensuring that the skin gets crispy all over. By cooking the chicken breast-side down for the first half of the cooking time, you allow the juices to keep the white meat juicier. Starting with the breasts up will result in a drier bird, so don't skip the flip!

When you flip the chicken, you'll want to cook it for another 10 minutes at the same temperature. This will give the skin a chance to crisp up and turn golden brown. Depending on the size of your chicken and the wattage of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. If you're using a meat thermometer, you'll want to make sure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

While the chicken is cooking, you can use the drippings to cook some vegetables. Pour the drippings over veggies like asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower, and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.

Once the 10 minutes are up, it's time to remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest. Place it on a cutting board or platter and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, ensuring that your chicken is juicy and tender.

And that's it! You've successfully air-fried a whole chicken. Now you can carve it up and enjoy the delicious, crispy, juicy results.

Turn up the heat to 400°F/200°C and cook for a final 10-15 minutes

So, you've prepped your chicken, patted it dry, rubbed it with oil and seasoning, and cooked it for the majority of the time. Now, it's time to turn up the heat and finish it off.

If you're using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, usually the breast. You may need to add extra time to the air fryer until the temperature is reached.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure the chicken is juicy and tender.

Now you're ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy, and crispy air-fried whole chicken!

Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes

So, you've cooked your chicken, and now it's time to let it rest. This is an important step, as it allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, making the chicken even more juicy and tender. Depending on the size of your chicken, you'll want to let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

During this time, you can prepare any sides or sauces to go with your chicken. Some suggestions include roasted root vegetables, a Caprese salad, or a gazpacho in the summer. If you're looking for something more comforting, try mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. You could also use this time to make a quick gravy to serve with your chicken.

If you're serving the chicken with roasted vegetables, you can pour the chicken drippings over them and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests. This will add extra flavour to your veggies.

Once the resting time is up, your chicken is ready to be carved and served!

Frequently asked questions