Emilie Meyer
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They can cut cooking time by 15-20%, require minimal cleanup, and produce juicy, tender meat with a crispy skin. One of the best uses for an air fryer is cooking a whole chicken, which can be done in about an hour or less. This can be achieved with just three ingredients: a whole chicken, oil, and your choice of seasoning. The chicken should be placed breast-side down in the air fryer basket, and cooked for around 30-45 minutes, before being flipped over and cooked for a further 20-30 minutes. The chicken should then be left to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Whole Chicken
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken size | 3-4 lbs |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, rosemary, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning |
| Chicken prep | Pat dry with paper towels, rub with oil and seasoning |
| Air fryer prep | Preheat to 350-360°F |
| Cooking time | 45-60 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10-30 minutes |
| Temperature | Internal temperature of 160-165°F |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Nutrition (4 oz serving) | Calories: 444, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 143mg, Sodium: 134mg, Potassium: 360mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 293IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 2mg |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right chicken and air fryer
When it comes to cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, you'll want to make sure you have the right chicken and the right equipment. Here are some things to consider when choosing your chicken and air fryer:
Choosing the Right Chicken:
Firstly, you'll want to select a chicken that is the right size for your air fryer. A good rule of thumb is to choose a chicken that is around 3-4 lbs in size. This will ensure that it fits comfortably in your air fryer and cooks evenly.
It's also important to consider the quality of the chicken. Look for a chicken that is fresh and has never been frozen, as this will impact the taste and texture of your cooked chicken. Check for any signs of bruising or discolouration on the skin, and ensure the chicken is firm to the touch.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer:
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an air fryer:
- Capacity: Consider the size of the air fryer and whether it can accommodate the chicken you plan to cook. Some air fryers have a larger capacity and can fit a whole chicken, while others are more compact and better suited for smaller portions. Check the dimensions and weight limits before purchasing.
- Functionality: Air fryers offer a range of functions beyond just air frying. Some models include features such as baking, roasting, dehydrating, and reheating. If you're looking for more versatility in your cooking, opt for a model with additional functions.
- Ease of Use: Look for an air fryer with straightforward controls that are easy to understand and adjust. A user-friendly interface will make your cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient.
- Cleanliness: One of the key advantages of air fryers is their reputation for being easier to clean than deep fryers. Look for a model with a non-stick coating and removable parts, making cleanup a breeze.
- Noise Level: Some air fryers can be quite loud, so if a quiet operation is important to you, look for models that are specifically designed to be quieter. Reviews can be a great source of information on noise levels.
- Brand and Price: There are various brands and price points available on the market. Research different brands, such as Bella, Cosori, Crux, Cuisinart, Gourmia, Instant, Ninja, and Philips, to find one that suits your needs and budget.
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Preparing the chicken
Next, rub the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray, or brush with a mixture of oil and spices. You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, or get creative with onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.
Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. If you have a basket-style air fryer, you may want to remove the grate to fit a larger chicken, allowing the breast to marinate in the juices as it cooks.
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Cooking the chicken
First, ensure your chicken will fit in your air fryer. Air fryers can typically handle a 3-4 pound chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty.
Next, rub the chicken with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. You can also add mayonnaise under the skin on the breast side for extra crispy skin. Then, season the chicken. You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, or add your own choice of seasonings, including onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary. You can also whisk the olive oil and seasonings together to make a paste, and use a basting brush to spread it all over the chicken.
Place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket. You can coat the basket with avocado oil cooking spray to prevent sticking, but this is not necessary. Turn the air fryer on to 350-360°F and cook for 30-45 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for a further 10-30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast reaches 160-165°F.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve a whole chicken cooked in an air fryer. You can serve it with roasted sweet potatoes or glazed carrots and a tossed salad. You can also pour the chicken drippings over veggies like green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.
You can also serve the chicken with your favorite veggies or mashed potatoes and a side salad. Roasted potatoes are also a good option for a classic complete meal. You can also pull the meat from the bone and have it on salads for a low-carb and keto-friendly meal.
Leftovers can be used to make tasty sandwiches and chicken soup. You can also use the leftovers to replace a rotisserie chicken or to have chicken for soups or salads.
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Storing leftovers
If you're storing a whole chicken, it's important to remove the meat from the bones first. This will help the meat cool down faster and prevent bacteria from growing. Place the meat in a shallow container and cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to label the container with the date and store it in the refrigerator.
When it comes to reheating your leftover chicken, you have a few options. You can use an air fryer, oven, or stove top. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for 3-6 minutes, depending on the size and amount of chicken. If you're reheating a whole chicken, it may take up to 20 minutes. Make sure to arrange the chicken in a single layer and leave some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. You can also use the air fryer to reheat any breaded chicken tenders or strips, ensuring the breading gets crispy without drying out the meat.
Alternatively, you can reheat chicken in the oven by preheating it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken on a wire rack inside a baking sheet and cook until the skin is crispy and the meat is heated through, about 15 minutes. This method helps achieve even cooking and crispy skin.
Properly storing and reheating leftovers will ensure your chicken remains delicious and safe to eat!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer takes about an hour, but this can vary depending on the size of the chicken and the temperature of the air fryer.
You should set your air fryer to 350°F-360°F (180°C-182°C).
First, ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty and pat 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.
