Air-Fryer Whole Chicken: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy skin and juicy meat. It's important to make sure your air fryer is big enough to fit a whole chicken, and if not, you can always opt for a smaller chicken or two half-chickens. You'll also need to make sure you have a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165F when it's ready. Trussing the chicken will help it cook evenly and hold its shape, and you can also place a rack in the bottom of the air fryer basket to lift the chicken and allow for more even cooking.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time will also depend on the temperature at which you cook the chicken. For example, if you cook a chicken at 200C/400F, it will take approximately 50 minutes. If you cook it at 180C, it will take 40 minutes.

You should always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

If you want to crisp the skin, turn the heat up to 200C and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, until a temperature probe reaches 70C when inserted at the thickest part of the chicken or the juices run clear when pierced.

Trussing the chicken

You'll need a 6-quart air fryer to fit a whole chicken. If your air fryer is smaller, opt for a smaller chicken. You can also cook two half-chickens in the air fryer, reducing the cooking time by 10 minutes and brushing oil on the skinless side of the chicken.

The cooking time for a whole chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size of your air fryer. Here are the approximate cooking times when cooked at 200C/400F: air fry the chicken for 25 minutes, flip, and cook the other side for another 25 minutes. When the internal temperature of the chicken is 165F, remove it from the air fryer. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Always be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once it is at least 165F, it’s ready to enjoy.

Resting the chicken

During the resting period, the chicken will continue to cook slightly, so it is important to remove it from the air fryer before it reaches the desired internal temperature. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the chicken.

The resting time will depend on the size of the chicken and the desired level of doneness. For a smaller chicken, 5 minutes may be sufficient, while a larger chicken may require a longer resting time.

It is also important to note that the chicken should be rested in a warm place, away from drafts. This will help to ensure that the chicken stays warm and the juices do not cool down too quickly.

Finally, while the chicken is resting, you can use this time to prepare any side dishes or sauces that will be served with the meal. This will ensure that the meal is ready to be served as soon as the chicken has finished resting.

Choosing the right size chicken

When cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, it's important to choose the right size chicken to ensure it fits in your air fryer and cooks evenly.

Air fryer sizes vary, so it's crucial to check that your air fryer can accommodate a whole chicken. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to purchase a smaller chicken. A 6-quart air fryer is typically large enough to fit a whole chicken.

The cooking time will also depend on the size of your chicken and your air fryer. A larger chicken will take longer to cook, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It's always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's cooked thoroughly. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Trussing the chicken can also help it cook more evenly and hold its shape. To truss a chicken, tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body. Additionally, placing a rack at the bottom of the air fryer basket can help lift the chicken and allow for more even cooking.

Using a meat thermometer

You should always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This is the best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked properly and safely. A whole chicken must be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can use a temperature probe or pierce the chicken with a knife or skewer to check that the juices run clear.

To use a meat thermometer, first make sure that it is clean and sanitised. Then, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, being careful not to touch any bones, as this can give a false reading. Hold the thermometer in place for a few seconds to get an accurate reading. If the internal temperature has not reached 165°F, continue cooking the chicken and check again in a few minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time for a whole chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size of your air fryer and the size of the chicken. A larger chicken will take longer to cook, and a smaller air fryer may not be able to fit a whole chicken. In this case, you may need to opt for a smaller chicken or cook two half-chickens instead.

By using a meat thermometer and following the recommended cooking times and temperatures, you can ensure that your air-fried whole chicken is cooked perfectly every time.

Frequently asked questions