Air-Fryer Roasted Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a convenient and easy way to cook a whole chicken, and the results are a juicy and tender bird with a crispy skin. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the chicken and the air fryer, but it generally takes around an hour.

How long to roast a chicken in an air fryer

Roasting a chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy chicken with a crispy skin. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken and your air fryer, but on average, it should take a little over an hour.

Preparation

Firstly, you'll want to ensure your chicken will fit in your air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken or cut a larger chicken in half. You'll also want to remove the giblets and any string from the cavity of the chicken.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/350°F. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, just run it for five minutes.

Next, rub your chicken with oil and your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, or dried herbs. Make sure every part of the chicken is coated, as any areas that aren't oiled won't crisp up.

Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes. Then, carefully flip the chicken over and cook for a further 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74-75°C/165°F.

Resting

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a carving board, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This step is important as it allows the juices to absorb back into the meat.

Carving

After resting, your chicken is ready to be carved and served!

Preparing the chicken

Take the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Remove any string or giblets from the cavity of the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Next, prepare your chosen seasoning. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, dried herbs, or thyme. Mix your chosen spices with olive oil or butter in a small bowl.

Now, it's time to rub the seasoning onto the chicken. Use your hands or a brush to coat the entire chicken with the spiced oil or butter, making sure to get underneath the wings. You can also place some herbs, garlic, or lemon inside the cavity of the chicken for added flavour.

Your chicken is now ready to be placed in the air fryer, breast-side down, and cooked according to your recipe instructions.

Choosing the right oil

To roast a whole chicken in an air fryer, it takes about an hour, or an hour and 10 minutes, depending on the weight of the chicken. You should always check that the chicken is cooked through by inserting a temperature probe into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when the probe reaches 70°C or 165°F.

When it comes to choosing the right oil for roasting chicken in an air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the smoke point of the oil is important. Different oils have different smoke points, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke. For air fryers, which cook at high temperatures, it is best to use an oil with a high smoke point. Here is a list of oils and their smoke points:

• Avocado oil – 570°F
• Ghee (clarified butter) – 485°F
• Extra light olive oil – 468°F
• Soybean oil – 460°F
• Sunflower oil – 450°F
• Coconut oil – 450°F
• Peanut oil – 450°F
• Grapeseed oil – 420°F
• Canola oil – 400-450°F
• Vegetable oil – 400°F
• Extra virgin olive oil – 375°F
• Butter – 200-250°F

As you can see, avocado oil has the highest smoke point, making it a good choice for air frying. However, you can use any oil you like to cook with, such as canola, safflower, olive, or avocado. It is recommended to use oils with a smoke point above 400°F for air frying.

The type of recipe you are making will also determine the best oil to use. For example, extra virgin olive oil is best for recipes cooked at 375°F or lower. Additionally, if you are using a non-stick air fryer, it is important to note that cooking sprays can create a gummy surface that can ruin the non-stick properties of the basket. Therefore, it is recommended to use oil in a spray bottle or a basting brush to apply oil to your chicken.

You only need a light coating of oil on your chicken, and some recipes may not require oil at all. For example, frozen foods such as chicken nuggets and french fries typically do not need to be sprayed with oil as they already contain oil from the manufacturing process.

In conclusion, when choosing the right oil for roasting chicken in an air fryer, consider the smoke point of the oil, the type of recipe you are making, and the type of air fryer you have. A light coating of avocado oil, applied with a spray bottle or basting brush, would be a good choice for most air fryer chicken recipes.

Spices and seasonings

Choosing Your Spices and Seasonings

The beauty of roasting a chicken in an air fryer is that you can experiment with various spices and seasonings to find your favourite combination. Here are some popular options:

• Smoked paprika: This spice adds a deep, smoky flavour to the chicken and is a great choice for those who enjoy a more intense taste.
• Garlic: Garlic is a classic ingredient in roast chicken recipes. You can use garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves. If using fresh garlic, leave the skin on and bash the cloves before placing them in the chicken's cavity.
• Thyme: Thyme is another traditional herb used in roast chicken recipes. It pairs well with garlic and lemon and adds a subtle, earthy flavour to the dish.
• Rosemary: Rosemary is a strong, aromatic herb that goes well with chicken. It has a woody, slightly minty flavour that can enhance the taste of your roast chicken.
• Italian seasoning: This blend typically includes herbs such as basil, oregano, and marjoram, adding a delicious Mediterranean flavour to your chicken.
• Poultry seasoning: A pre-made poultry seasoning blend can be a convenient option, typically containing a mix of herbs and spices perfect for chicken.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper is essential to enhancing the natural flavours of the meat. Be sure to season liberally, both inside and outside the cavity.

Preparing Your Chicken

Before applying your chosen spices and seasonings, there are a few preparation steps to ensure optimal flavour and cooking:

• Remove giblets: Check the cavity of your chicken and remove any giblets that may be inside. These can be saved to make giblet gravy if desired.
• Dry the skin: Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry, ensuring the skin is completely dry before applying any oil or seasonings. This step helps the seasonings adhere better to the skin.
• Bring to room temperature: Taking the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking allows it to lose its chill. This step is optional but can help the chicken cook more evenly.
• Oil the chicken: Coat the chicken with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This step helps the seasonings stick to the skin and promotes even crisping during cooking. Be sure to get into every nook and cranny!

Applying Spices and Seasonings

Once your chicken is prepared, it's time to apply your chosen spices and seasonings:

• Rub the spices on: Mix your chosen spices and seasonings with the oil and rub the mixture all over the chicken, using your hands or a brush. Be generous and ensure the entire surface of the chicken is coated, including underneath the wings.
• Season the cavity: Don't forget to season the inside of the chicken as well. Stuff the cavity with garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, and a pierced lemon (if using). This adds flavour and helps keep the meat moist during cooking.

Customising Your Spice Blend

Feel free to experiment and create your own unique spice blends:

• Mix and match: Try combining different spices and herbs to find your perfect flavour profile. For example, you could mix smoked paprika with oregano and rosemary for a smoky, herbal blend.
• Personalise to your taste: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavour, add more garlic powder or an extra clove or two. Love the taste of thyme? Throw in a few extra sprigs. Customise the spice blend to suit your palate.
• Try pre-made blends: If you're short on time or unsure about creating your own blend, opt for a pre-made seasoning blend specifically designed for poultry or chicken. These blends usually contain a well-balanced mix of herbs and spices that complement the flavour of the chicken.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for roasting a chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken and the size of the air fryer. It's important to check that your air fryer will fit a whole chicken as air fryer sizes vary. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to purchase a smaller chicken.

As a general rule, a whole chicken weighing between 1.3kg and 2.8 lbs will take around 50 minutes to cook in an air fryer. A larger chicken, weighing 3-4 lbs, will need closer to 60 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to between 180C and 190C. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply run it for 5 minutes.

Prepare the chicken by removing any string and taking out anything in the cavity. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels.

Combine olive oil with your chosen spices and seasonings. For example, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk together in a small bowl.

Place the chicken breast-side up on a plate and spread the spice mixture all over the chicken, including underneath the wings. Use your hands or a brush to coat the chicken liberally, reserving a little of the mixture for later.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast-side down and cook for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breast-side up using tongs. Pour the remaining spice mixture over the chicken.

Continue cooking for 10-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The total cooking time will be around 50-60 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74C to 75C (165F).

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest on a carving board, uncovered, for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is recommended to check on your chicken at the 45-minute mark and adjust the timing as needed.

Frequently asked questions