Power Air Fryer Oven: Perfect Rotisserie Chicken Timing

Cooking a rotisserie chicken in a Power Air Fryer Oven is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender roast chicken with a crispy skin. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken and the wattage of your air fryer, but it should take around 35-50 minutes for a small to medium-sized chicken (under 4.5 pounds/2 kilos).

To get the best results, you'll want to use a spice rub and a meat thermometer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for rotisserie chicken in a power air fryer oven depend on the size of the chicken and the air fryer model. It's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through, which should read at least 165°F or 74°C.

If you're using a rotisserie air fryer, you can cook a small to medium-sized chicken (under 4.5 pounds/2 kilos) in about 35-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Check the temperature with a meat thermometer after 35 minutes, and remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 167°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. You can also brush the chicken with a honey-soy glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking. After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

If you don't have a rotisserie air fryer, you can still cook a delicious rotisserie-style chicken. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Place a small to medium-sized chicken (up to 4.5 pounds/2 kilos) breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes at 355°F (180°C). Then, flip the chicken over and cook for another 15-30 minutes, depending on its size. For a 4.5-pound/2-kilo chicken, cook for a total of 50 minutes to an hour. Again, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through.

Chicken size

The size of the chicken is an important factor when it comes to cooking it in a power air fryer oven. While a power air fryer oven can be used to cook a whole chicken, the size of the chicken needs to be compatible with the size of the air fryer. If the chicken is too large, it may not fit properly or cook evenly. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use a small to medium-sized chicken for air frying.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a chicken that weighs no more than 4.5 pounds (2 kilos). This ensures that the chicken will fit comfortably in the air fryer and allows for even cooking. Using a larger chicken may result in a cramped air fryer and less-than-ideal cooking results.

However, if you have a larger air fryer, such as one with a capacity of 6 quarts or more, you may be able to accommodate a bigger chicken. For example, a 5 to 6-pound chicken can fit in an 8-quart air fryer, while a 4-pound chicken is more suitable for a 5-quart air fryer.

It's worth noting that some air fryers have a rotisserie function, which allows for more even cooking of larger chickens. In this case, it's important to ensure that the chicken can rotate freely on the spit and that there is enough space for it to turn without obstruction.

To ensure even cooking and optimal results, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is considered safely cooked when the thickest part of the breast or thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Chicken preparation

Preparing your chicken for the air fryer is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.

Firstly, you will need to ensure your chicken is the right size for your air fryer. A small to medium-sized chicken is best, weighing under 4.5 pounds (2 kilos). This will ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer and has space to rotate if you are using a rotisserie.

Next, you will want to prepare your chicken by removing the giblets and patting it dry with paper towels. You can also tuck the wings under to ensure even cooking.

Now it's time to add flavour to your chicken. You can do this by creating a spice rub or using a store-bought option. A simple spice rub can be made by combining dried herbs and spices with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add lemon juice for extra flavour. Brush this mixture generously over the chicken, making sure to cover all the skin.

If you are using a rotisserie, you will need to secure the chicken to the rotisserie rod and skewers, ensuring it can rotate freely. Tie the chicken legs together with string to keep them secure during cooking.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, place the rotisserie rod in the air fryer and put a drip tray underneath to catch any juices.

Now your chicken is ready for cooking!

Air fryer size

Air fryers come in a range of sizes, from small to extra-large, with capacities from 1.6 quarts to 26 quarts. The right size for you will depend on how many people you're cooking for and how much counter space you have.

Small Air Fryers

Mini air fryers are the smallest option, holding up to 2.5 quarts of food. They're designed for individual use and can cook one serving at a time, or enough food for up to four people. They're compact but still have features like poultry cooking settings, so you can cook chicken breasts to perfection.

Small air fryers have a larger capacity, holding between 3 and 5 quarts of food. They can cook enough food for up to four people and are ideal for simple meals for the average household.

Large Air Fryers

Large air fryers have a capacity of up to 10 quarts and can feed more people. They also have the capability to cook more items, such as whole chickens, using a rotisserie setting. These air fryers can feed up to 10 people, making them perfect for larger households or small groups.

Extra-Large Air Fryers

Extra-large air fryers are the largest option, with a capacity of 26 quarts. They can feed more than 10 people and have the space to cook a whole chicken and vegetables at once, making them ideal for large families or big parties.

Recommendations

For a couple, a 5.3-quart air fryer is a good option, but if you're cooking for a family of six, consider a 5.8-quart or 6-quart air fryer. If you're looking to cook for a party of eight or more, an extra-large basket size or an oven model air fryer is recommended.

Air fryer type

The air fryer is the best way to cook a whole chicken that's small-to-medium in size. It is super-fast, energy-efficient, and cooks the chicken to perfection. The cooking time depends on the size and wattage of your air fryer model. A small chicken cooked in an air fryer with a rotisserie function will take around 35-40 minutes, while a larger chicken cooked directly in the basket of the air fryer can take up to 50 minutes.

Ingredients

• A small or medium chicken (under 4.5 pounds/2 kilos)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, Italian herbs, basil, parsley)
• Paprika
• Honey-soy glaze (optional)

Method

• Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub with the spices on both sides.
• If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, secure the chicken on the spit and tie the legs tightly with trussing string. Place the spit in the air fryer and put a drip tray underneath.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a rotisserie function, place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 20 minutes at 355°F/180°C.
• Flip the chicken over so it is breast side up and cook for a further 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• If desired, brush the chicken with a honey-soy glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
• Rest the chicken for 10-20 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions