Emilie Meyer
Air fryer rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy meal that can be made in under an hour. It's a versatile dish that can be served with anything, from a Latin-inspired feast to a traditional dinner or a lighter meal. The chicken is moist and tender with a crispy skin and juicy meat. You can use a variety of seasonings and spices to flavour the chicken, and it's a great way to get that freshly roasted taste without having to use a whole oven.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Rotisserie Chicken in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken Weight | 3-4.5 pounds |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Cook Time | 40-90 minutes |
| Rest Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165-167°F |
| Skin | Crispy |
| Meat | Juicy |
| Seasoning | Homemade or store-bought |
| Equipment | Air fryer, instant-read thermometer, butcher's twine, basting brush |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right chicken and preparing it for the air fryer
When choosing a chicken to cook in your air fryer, it's important to consider the size of your air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, opt for a chicken that is around 3-4 pounds. This will ensure that the chicken fits comfortably in the basket and has enough space to rotate if you are using the rotisserie function.
If you have a larger air fryer, you can choose a slightly bigger chicken, but keep in mind that it may take longer to cook. As a general rule, allow 12-15 minutes of cooking time per pound of chicken. So, for a 4-pound chicken, you can expect a cooking time of around 50 minutes.
Once you've selected the right size chicken, it's time to prepare it for the air fryer. Start by rinsing the chicken and removing any giblets. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. If you want to add extra flavour to your chicken, you can stuff the cavity with aromatics like lemon, garlic, and herbs. For a simple option, cut a lemon in half and place it inside the chicken, along with a few cloves of garlic and a sprig of rosemary.
If you're using the rotisserie function on your air fryer, you'll need to secure the chicken to the rotisserie spit. Tie the wings and legs securely to the spit to prevent them from flapping around during cooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a rotisserie function, you can still cook a whole chicken by placing it directly in the basket.
Before cooking, it's a good idea to coat the chicken skin with oil and your chosen seasonings. You can use a store-bought spice rub or make your own by mixing dried herbs, paprika, cumin, garlic granules, salt, and brown sugar. Rub the spice mixture all over the outside of the chicken, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
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Air fryer settings and preheating
Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, preheat the appliance. Different recipes suggest varying temperatures, ranging from 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). The preheating time is generally between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the model and wattage of your air fryer. During this time, you can prepare the chicken by coating it with oil and seasonings, and possibly trussing it with butcher's twine for even cooking and crispy skin.
It is important to note that air fryers can vary in size, model, and wattage, so adjust the settings accordingly. As a general rule, allow roughly 12 to 15 minutes of cooking time per pound of chicken weight. Additionally, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Applying the seasoning
To make a delicious rotisserie chicken in an air fryer, you'll want to start by seasoning the chicken. This will ensure that your chicken is packed with flavour.
First, prepare your chosen spices. You can either make your own spice blend by mixing together dried herbs, paprika, cumin, garlic granules, salt, and brown sugar, or you can use a store-bought spice mix. If you want to add a little extra shine and crispness to the skin, you can also prepare a honey and soy glaze.
Next, you'll want to coat the chicken with oil and the spice mixture. You can do this by brushing the mixture onto the chicken or by rubbing it on with your hands. Make sure to get a thorough coating, covering all sides of the chicken. If you're using a honey and soy glaze, you can brush this onto the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, place the chicken on the rotisserie spit. If not, you can simply place it in the air fryer basket. If you want the crispiest skin and most even cooking, you can truss the chicken with butcher's twine before placing it in the air fryer. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and that the skin crisps up nicely.
Now that your chicken is seasoned and prepared, you're ready to start cooking!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer rotisserie chicken will vary depending on the size of your chicken and your air fryer. It is recommended to use a smaller chicken (3-4 pounds) if you are using a spit rotisserie function, as it needs space to rotate efficiently.
Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF for 5-10 minutes. You can also preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes if you are using an oven air fryer with a spit function.
If you are cooking the chicken breast side down first, air fry for 20-30 minutes at 355°F (180°C) or 350°F (175°C). Flip the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes at the same temperature. The chicken is done when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
If you are cooking the chicken breast side up first, air fry for 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the top is browned. Flip it over and cook for another 25 minutes at the same temperature. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the thigh is no longer pink when pierced with a knife near the joint. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
Allow the chicken to rest for 10-20 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to continue cooking.
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Resting and serving
Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and cover it with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil. You can also use a wire rack set over a sheet pan to rest your chicken. Let the chicken rest in a warm area for 10 to 20 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to relax and redistribute, keeping the chicken nice and juicy.
If you are concerned about the chicken getting cold while resting, you can lightly cover it with a piece of foil. You can also use this time to prepare a side dish, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted veggies, or a green salad.
When serving, remove the lemon, garlic, and rosemary from the center of the chicken. You can also use the leftover bones to make a delicious broth.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to six months. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 300 degrees for 3 minutes or until warm.
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Frequently asked questions
Depending on the size of the chicken and the air fryer, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes to cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer. On average, it takes about 50 minutes to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF for 5-10 minutes. Then, cook the chicken at 350°F for 25 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear. You can also check the temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone.
First, mix your choice of seasonings with oil and/or vinegar in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and tuck the wings underneath. Then, use a basting brush to coat the breast side of the chicken with half of the seasoning mixture. Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes, flip the chicken over, and cook for another 25 minutes or until the juices run clear. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
