Fryer Chicken: A Step-By-Step Guide To Cooking Perfection

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy roast chicken with crispy skin. It's a beginner-friendly recipe that can be served with roasted sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, a tossed salad, or your favourite vegetables.

Choosing the right chicken

When choosing the right chicken for your fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to select a chicken that is the right size for your fryer. Many chickens come tied with string, and if the chicken is bigger (closer to 4 lbs), it may be too large and touch the top of the air fryer. In this case, untie it before cooking. If it's still touching the top, gently press the chicken breast with the palm of your hand to slightly crack the breast bone.

A 3-4 lb chicken is a good size to aim for. A smaller chicken may not be enough to feed everyone, while a larger chicken may not fit in your fryer or may take longer to cook.

You'll also want to ensure that the chicken is fresh and of good quality. Check the packaging to see when the chicken was packaged and whether it has been frozen. It's also a good idea to check the colour and texture of the meat; fresh chicken should have a pinkish colour and a moist (not wet) appearance.

Finally, consider the type of chicken you want to cook. A whole chicken will take longer to cook but will result in a juicy, crispy roast. Alternatively, you could opt for chicken pieces, such as breasts or thighs, which will cook more quickly and can be easier to work with.

With these tips in mind, you'll be able to choose the perfect chicken for your fryer and create a delicious meal.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, choose a chicken that is about 3-4lbs in size. If your chicken is bigger, it may be too big for your air fryer, so you will need to untie it before cooking. If it's still touching the top of the air fryer, gently press the chicken breast with the palm of your hand to slightly crack the breast bone.

Next, ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty and dab the skin dry. Add a bit of olive oil to the chicken, which helps the seasoning stick to the skin and helps the skin to crisp better. You can use cooking spray instead if you prefer.

Now, add your seasoning. If you have a favourite seasoning blend, use it. If not, a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder is great. You could also add your own favourite seasonings, including onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.

Finally, place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket.

Cooking the chicken

Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the chicken. A 3 lb chicken will need 45-50 minutes, while a 4 lb chicken will need closer to 60 minutes. Cook the chicken breast side down and flip after 30 minutes. Then, cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F. Check the chicken early to ensure it doesn't overcook.

You can serve the chicken with roasted sweet potatoes or glazed carrots and a tossed salad, or with your favourite vegetables or mashed potatoes and a side salad.

Cooking time

First, ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty and dab the skin dry. Then, rub the skin with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket. Turn the air fryer on to 350°F. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes. Check the chicken early to ensure it doesn't overcook. You'll know the chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer chicken can be served with your favourite vegetables, such as roasted sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, asparagus or cauliflower. You can also pour the chicken drippings over veggies and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests. It also goes well with mashed potatoes and a side salad.

Frequently asked questions