Air-Fried Rotisserie Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy meat with a crispy skin. It's a convenient method for a weeknight dinner and can be served with a variety of sides. The process is simple: pat the chicken dry, create a spice rub, apply the rub, and then cook the chicken in the air fryer for around 40-50 minutes, depending on its size. The result is a tasty, tender, and juicy rotisserie chicken with a crispy skin that beats store-bought options.

Choosing the right chicken

Size of the Chicken: The size of the chicken you choose will depend on the size of your air fryer. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, opt for a smaller chicken, weighing around 3 to 4 pounds. This ensures that the chicken has enough space to rotate efficiently. If you have a larger air fryer basket, you can accommodate a slightly bigger chicken, up to 4.5 pounds or 2 kilos.

Fresh or Frozen: You can use either a fresh or frozen chicken for your air fryer rotisserie. However, if you choose a frozen chicken, ensure that it is completely thawed before cooking. This is an important step to guarantee even cooking and the best results.

Type of Chicken: When selecting a chicken, look for one that is suitable for roasting. Choose a good quality, fresh chicken from a reliable source. Consider the breed and farming practices, as these can impact the flavour and texture of the meat. Some popular options include free-range or organic chickens.

Quality and Appearance: Opt for a chicken with plump, moist-looking flesh. The skin should be smooth and unblemished, with a creamy yellow or pale colour. Avoid chickens with discoloured or dry-looking skin. Check the "best before" date to ensure you are using the freshest chicken possible.

Preparation: Before cooking, it is essential to prepare the chicken properly. Remove any giblets or packaging from the cavity of the chicken. Rinse the chicken under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps the rub or seasoning adhere better to the skin, resulting in a crispier finish.

By selecting the right chicken and following the necessary preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious air fryer rotisserie chicken.

Preparing the chicken

Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important because it ensures that the rub will stick better, resulting in crispier skin. Tuck the wings under the chicken and, if you're feeling ambitious, use butcher's twine to truss the chicken for the crispiest skin and most even cooking.

Now, it's time to make the spice rub. In a small bowl, mix your chosen spices with oil and, if you like, vinegar or ghee to create a paste. You can use a homemade spice blend or a store-bought mix. A typical blend might include salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne, and garlic powder.

Once your spice rub is ready, it's time to coat the chicken. Use a basting brush to cover the breast side of the chicken with about half of the spice rub. Then, pick up the chicken by the legs and place it breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Use the basting brush to coat the rest of the chicken with the spice rub. If you have any leftover spice rub, you can reserve it for later.

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, ensure you have the right size of air fryer for your chicken. A 6- or 8-quart air fryer is suitable for cooking a whole chicken. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken (around 3-4 pounds). It is important to allow space for the chicken to rotate if your air fryer has a rotisserie function. A larger air fryer with a basket can accommodate a slightly bigger chicken.

Before preparing the chicken, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350-380°F (some sources recommend 180°C or 182°C) for 5-10 minutes. Spritz or brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

If you want the crispiest skin and most even cooking, consider trussing the chicken with butcher's twine. This involves securing the legs and wings to the body of the chicken, making it easier to handle and ensuring even cooking. If you don't want to fully truss the chicken, you can simply tie the legs together.

Finally, prepare your chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the rub or seasoning will adhere better, resulting in crispier skin. At this point, you can also tuck the wings under the chicken to ensure even cooking.

Now your air fryer is prepared and ready for cooking your rotisserie chicken!

Cooking the chicken

Once you have prepared the spice rub, use a basting brush to coat the breast side of the chicken with half of the mixture. Pick up the chicken by the legs and place it breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Use the basting brush to coat the rest of the chicken with the spice rub. If you want the crispiest skin and the most even cooking, you can truss the chicken with butcher's twine before placing it in the basket.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 380ºF. Spritz or brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil. When the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken in the basket and cook for 20 to 30 minutes. If your chicken is on the smaller side (around 3-4 pounds), it will likely cook faster.

After 20 to 30 minutes, flip the chicken over so it is breast-side up and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the thigh is no longer pink when pierced with a knife near the joint. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone, and ensure it reads at least 165ºF.

When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes before carving and serving. Cover the chicken with foil to keep it warm while it rests.

Resting and serving the chicken

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. If you are concerned about the chicken getting cold, you can cover it with foil. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 to 20 minutes before carving. This will give the meat time to relax and allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the bird nice and juicy.

After resting, transfer the chicken to a serving dish or board and carve it. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve.

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can reheat the chicken in the air fryer to get the skin crispy again. Simply air fry the leftover chicken for 5-10 minutes at 360°F (180°C).

Frequently asked questions