Power Air Fryer: Roasting Multiple Chickens Efficiently

You can cook a whole chicken in an air fryer, and it's super easy! Depending on the size of your chicken, it will take between 35 and 60 minutes to cook. You can use any brand of air fryer, such as Power Air Fryer XL, Nuwave, or Cosori Air Fryer. The best size of chicken to use is between 3 and 4.5 pounds, and you can season it with a variety of spices and herbs.

How to prep the chicken

Preparing your chicken for the air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your chicken is juicy and flavourful. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prep your chicken:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Chicken

Select a whole, raw chicken that is small to medium-sized, weighing up to 4.5 pounds or 2 kilos. This size is important to ensure the chicken fits comfortably in your air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, opt for a smaller chicken.

Step 2: Brining (Optional)

Brining is an optional step, but it can help make your chicken juicier and more flavourful. To brine your chicken, simply sprinkle salt all over the chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If you decide to brine, remember to omit or reduce the amount of salt you use in the seasoning later on.

Step 3: Trimming and Drying

Remove any giblets from the inside of the chicken cavity if they haven't been removed already. Trim any excess fat, particularly around the neck and tail area. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it is completely dry. This step is important as it helps the chicken crisp up in the air fryer.

Step 4: Seasoning

Prepare your chosen seasoning mix. You can use a variety of herbs and spices such as dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley), onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon for a unique flavour profile. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl. Generously coat the chicken with the spice rub, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. You can use a pastry brush or even your fingers to apply the rub. Don't be shy with the seasoning—you want every inch of the chicken covered to avoid bland spots.

Step 5: Stuffing (Optional)

If you used lemon juice in your rub, you can stuff the remaining lemon into the chicken cavity. You can also add some garlic cloves for extra flavour.

Step 6: Resting (Optional)

At this point, you can let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. However, this step is optional, and you can proceed to cooking if you're in a hurry.

How to make a spice rub

A spice rub is a great way to add flavour to your chicken and ensure it comes out moist and juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a spice rub for your air fryer chicken.

Step 1: Choose Your Spices

You can use a variety of spices for your rub, depending on your taste preferences. Common spices used in spice rubs for chicken include:

• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Cumin
• Cinnamon

Feel free to mix and match spices to create your own unique blend. You can also add other ingredients like brown sugar, lemon juice, or olive oil to enhance the flavour of the rub.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Before applying the spice rub, make sure the chicken is properly prepared. Remove any giblets from the inside of the chicken cavity, and trim any excess fat from around the chicken, especially the neck and tail area. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, as this will help the spice rub adhere better and promote even cooking.

Step 3: Mix the Spices

In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to your taste, but a good rule of thumb is to use equal parts of each spice. If you're using olive oil or lemon juice, add just enough to create a thick paste that can be easily brushed onto the chicken.

Step 4: Apply the Spice Rub

Using a pastry brush or your fingers, generously apply the spice rub all over the surface of the chicken. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, and don't be afraid to really coat the chicken. You can also stuff the chicken cavity with lemon slices and garlic cloves for added flavour.

Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest

Once the spice rub is applied, let the chicken rest for about 30 minutes to allow the flavours to truly sink in. This is also a good time to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 350-355 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer, breast side down, and cook for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. Then, use tongs or meat forks to turn the chicken over so that it's breast side up. Apply any remaining spice rub to the chicken and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is moist and juicy. Then, simply carve and serve your delicious, flavourful air fryer chicken!

How long to cook the chicken for

The cooking time for a whole chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken and the specific model of the air fryer. A standard 3-4 pound chicken will take around 45-60 minutes to cook at 360°F (182°C). However, it's important to note that the cooking time can be affected by the size of the chicken, the air fryer brand and model, and whether the chicken is stuffed or not.

• Prepare the chicken by rinsing it under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve crispy skin.
• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. A classic blend includes garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down for the first half of the cooking period. This helps keep the breast meat juicy.
• Cook for about 25-30 minutes, then carefully turn the chicken over and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing flavour and tenderness.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer model. For example, a medium or small chicken (under 4 ½ pounds / 2 kilos) in weight will take around 35-40 minutes to cook in an air fryer with a rotisserie function. A larger chicken can take up to 50 minutes, while a smaller one can cook in just 35 minutes.

To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The chicken is ready to be served when the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).

How to check if the chicken is cooked

Checking if your 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

A meat thermometer is a great way to check if your chicken is cooked. The thickest part of the chicken, usually the thigh, should be checked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and ensure the temperature reads 165°F (74°C). This temperature is important as it ensures that all bacteria in the meat are burned off.

Check the Juices

You can also check if the chicken is cooked by piercing the meat with a knife. If the juices run clear, then the chicken is cooked. If the juices are cloudy or reddish, then the chicken needs more time to cook.

Check the Colour

The colour of the meat can also indicate its doneness. Chicken meat that is cooked will be white and opaque, not clear or translucent. This can be checked by observing the meat at its thickest part, usually the thigh or breast.

Check for Firmness

You can also check the doneness of chicken by touching it to feel for firmness. Raw chicken will feel soft and squishy, while cooked chicken will feel firm to the touch. This method may be less accurate than the others, so it is best to use it in conjunction with another method, such as a meat thermometer or visual inspection.

It is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions. Additionally, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for at least 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy, tender meat.

What to serve with the chicken

While a juicy rotisserie chicken is a classic comfort food, you'll need some side dishes to fill out your plate. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried rotisserie chicken:

Traditional Sides

If you're looking for traditional sides to go with your chicken, consider mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. These are classic comfort foods that pair well with the chicken. If you want to be a bit healthier, you can opt for mashed sweet potatoes, which offer more micronutrients like Vitamin C and iron. You could also serve peas and carrots or green beans as traditional sides.

Starchy Sides

For some starchy options, macaroni and cheese is a family favourite that both kids and adults enjoy. You could also try rice pilaf, which is a step up from plain white rice and includes onion, garlic, parsley, and stock.

Healthy Sides

For healthier options, consider serving roasted broccoli or roasted carrots. Broccoli is packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, and roasting it in the oven adds a nice flavour. Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A and fibre. You could also serve a salad, such as a tomato and cucumber salad or a fresh veggie salad with toppings and vinaigrette.

Other Sides

• Cornbread – sweet and delicious, especially when combined with buttery chicken
• French fries – crispy and tasty, these can be made in the air fryer
• Roasted asparagus – a healthy and tasty option
• Garlic cheesy bread – a delicious, savoury side
• Cornish hens – for a heartier meal

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and well-rounded meal with your air-fried rotisserie chicken.

Frequently asked questions