Tiffany Haney
Cooking roast chicken in an air fryer is a great way to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat. The air fryer's small size and powerful fan mean that hot air circulates around the chicken, crisping the skin and cooking the meat evenly. This method is also a quick and easy way to roast a whole chicken with minimal cleanup. You can season the chicken with a variety of spices and herbs, such as paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, to add flavour to the dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 180C-360F (182C) |
| Cooking time | 45-60 minutes |
| Chicken weight | 3-5 lbs |
| Chicken size | Check the chicken fits in the air fryer |
| Chicken preparation | Remove string and anything in the cavity |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, rosemary |
| Cooking method | Place chicken breast-side down for half the cooking time |
| Internal temperature | 165F (74C) |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
How to season an air fryer roast chicken
To season an air fryer roast chicken, you can use a variety of spices and herbs. Firstly, ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty and pat the skin dry. Then, rub olive oil or butter over the skin of the chicken. This will help the seasoning stick to the skin and make it crispier.
For the seasoning, you can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or be more adventurous with spices such as paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary. You can also create a spice mix of your own. Combine the spices with the oil and rub it all over the chicken.
If you want to add extra flavour, try putting some lemon, garlic, and thyme inside the cavity of the chicken. You can also try adding mayo under the skin on the breast side to make the skin extra crispy.
Once your chicken is seasoned, place it breast-side down into the air fryer basket and cook according to your air fryer's instructions, typically at around 180°C for 30 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 10-35 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken.
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How long to cook an air fryer roast chicken
The cooking time for an air fryer roast chicken depends on the weight of the chicken and the size of your air fryer. It's important to check that your air fryer will fit a whole chicken as air fryer sizes vary. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to purchase a smaller chicken or use chicken halves or pieces instead.
For a 3-4lb chicken, you should allow for 45-60 minutes of cooking time. For example, one source recommends cooking a 3lb chicken for 45-50 minutes, while another suggests allowing for up to 60 minutes if the chicken is closer to 4lbs.
To cook a whole chicken in an air fryer, first heat the air fryer to 180C. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast-side down and cook for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flip the chicken over and cook for another 10-35 minutes, or until the juices run clear when the thickest parts of the breast and thigh are pierced with a skewer or knife. The total cooking time for this method is 40-65 minutes.
You can also cook a whole chicken in an air fryer by heating the air fryer to 350°F and placing the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F. The total cooking time for this method is 50-60 minutes.
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How to get crispy skin on an air fryer roast chicken
To get crispy skin on an air fryer roast chicken, you'll first need to prepare the chicken. Remove any string and giblets from the cavity of the chicken and pat the skin dry. Next, rub the skin with olive oil or butter and season with salt and pepper, or a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. You can also add your own favourite seasonings, such as onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.
Once the chicken is prepared, place it in the air fryer basket breast-side down and turn the air fryer on to 180°C or 350°F. For a 3-4lb chicken, cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 10-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C. For larger chickens, you may need to increase the cooking time to 45-50 minutes for a 3lb chicken or up to 60 minutes for a 4lb chicken.
To get the skin extra crispy, increase the temperature to 200°C for the final 10-15 minutes of cooking. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.
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What to serve with an air fryer roast chicken
There are many options for what to serve with an air-fried roast chicken. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted vegetables: Pour the chicken drippings over vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower, and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.
- Rice balls: Make crunchy, golden rice balls in your air fryer to serve as a side for an Italian-inspired feast.
- Roasted potatoes: A classic choice to serve with roast chicken, and a great way to soak up any gravy or juices from the chicken.
- Salad: A fresh side salad can complement the richness of the roast chicken. You can also pull the meat from the bone and add it to a salad for a low-carb or keto-friendly meal.
- Pasta: Serve your roast chicken with a comforting pasta dish. You can also make a batch of pasta sauce and freeze it for busy weeks.
- Lamb: Try a slow-cooked Mexican lamb dish with dark chocolate and ancho chillies for a smoky heat.
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How to store leftover air fryer roast chicken
To store leftover air-fried roast chicken, it is important to let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Placing hot chicken in an airtight container can cause condensation, making the chicken soggy. While the chicken is cooling, prepare a clean, airtight container by lining the bottom and sides with paper towels to absorb any juices. Place the chicken in the container, add another paper towel on top, then seal. The chicken should last three to four days in the refrigerator.
If you don't want to use a container, you can store the chicken in a resealable plastic bag. Create a makeshift vacuum seal by folding the bag over itself to remove excess air. Alternatively, wrap the chicken in several layers of aluminium foil, ensuring no air bubbles or tears are present to better seal in moisture and flavour.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover chicken, you can easily reheat it in an air fryer. Simply arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat at 365°F for 5-6 minutes for individual pieces, like legs, thighs, or wings. For a whole chicken, heat at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also use your air fryer to turn your leftovers into delicious dishes, such as chicken croquettes or fried rice.
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