Tiffany Haney
Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to achieve a juicy and tender roast chicken with a crispy skin. The high heat of an air fryer means that the cooking time is reduced by 15-20% compared to a conventional oven, and the nonstick basket makes cleanup a breeze. To cook a whole chicken in an air fryer, you'll need a few simple ingredients and spices, and a chicken that fits in your air fryer.
How to Cook Whole Chicken in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken Size | 3-4 lbs |
| Chicken Temperature | 165°F |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350°F-360°F |
| Air Fryer Time | 30-60 minutes |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, rosemary |
| Chicken Prep | Pat dry, rub with oil and seasoning, place breast-side down |
| Resting Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Nutrition (4 oz) | 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
Firstly, ensure that your chicken will fit comfortably in your air fryer. This may seem obvious, but it is a crucial step. The size of the chicken you can use will depend on the capacity of your air fryer. A basket-style air fryer with a 5.8-quart capacity or larger is recommended. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to opt for a smaller chicken or consider removing the grate from your air fryer to accommodate a bigger bird.
Next, select a high-quality chicken. Opt for organic, if possible. The weight of the chicken should be around 3-4 lbs, which is a typical size that should fit in most air fryers.
Before preparing the chicken, ensure the cavity is empty, and there are no giblets inside. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step will help ensure that the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.
Finally, when it comes to seasoning, feel free to get creative and use your favourite blend of spices and herbs. A simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder can be a great place to start. You can also experiment with additions like onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary to add extra flavour. Don't forget to season generously, as this will enhance the taste of your chicken.
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Preparing the chicken
Before seasoning, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. You can then choose to rub the chicken with olive oil, or another type of oil such as avocado oil, to help the seasoning stick to the skin and improve crispiness. Alternatively, you can skip the oil and apply the seasoning directly to the chicken. If you do use oil, combine it with your chosen seasoning in a small bowl to make a paste. You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, or add your own choice of seasonings, such as onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary.
Use a basting brush to spread half of the seasoning paste over the breast side of the chicken. Pick the chicken up 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 seasoning paste. Do not truss the chicken, as this may cause the legs to burn.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your whole chicken in an air fryer will depend on the weight and thickness of the chicken, as well as your preference for crispiness. As a rule of thumb, you should cook your chicken for about an hour, but this can vary depending on the size of the bird and your air fryer model.
It is recommended to cook the chicken at a temperature between 350°F and 360°F (180°C). At 360°F, you can cook the chicken for 50 minutes, flipping it over after 25 minutes, and then cooking for a further 10 minutes. This will give you a crispy skin and juicy meat.
If you prefer your chicken well done, you can cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes. It is important to monitor the chicken, especially towards the end, as the heat from an air fryer is intense and can burn the skin if left too long or on too high a heat setting.
To check if your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is cooked when the thermometer reads 160°F to 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
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Resting the chicken
When your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket and place it on a cutting board or serving platter. It is important to let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving or serving. This will give the juices time to redistribute and result in a more flavoursome and juicy chicken.
While the chicken rests, you can prepare any sides or sauces. If you have cooked potatoes or root vegetables in the air fryer with the chicken, they will be ready to serve. You can also use the chicken drippings to cook vegetables in the air fryer. Green beans, asparagus, and cauliflower are all good options to cook with the chicken juices.
The resting period is also a good time to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked properly. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Finally, resting the chicken gives you time to prepare any gravy or sauces to accompany the meal. The juices from the chicken can be used to make a tasty gravy, so be sure to collect them before serving.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve a whole chicken cooked in an air fryer. The cooking method is perfect for a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, but it can also be used for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
The chicken can be served with roasted sweet potatoes or glazed carrots, and a tossed salad. It can also be served with rice or mashed potatoes and vegetables like green beans, or a big salad. Root vegetables, such as potatoes, are a great option to cook alongside the chicken in the air fryer. You can also cook rice in a separate rice cooker.
If you want to make a gravy, pour the chicken drippings over vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower, and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests. You can also use the drippings to make a pan sauce by adding them to a frying pan with chicken broth/stock and reducing over medium-high heat.
For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with vegetables like green beans or a salad. You can also use the cooked chicken for meal prep, such as in chicken salad, soups, or sandwiches.
Don't forget to let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the juices to absorb back into the meat.
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Frequently asked questions
First, ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty and pat the skin dry with paper towels. Next, rub the skin with olive oil or avocado oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket and set the air fryer to 350°F-360°F. For a 3-4lb chicken, cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 20-30 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken breast with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F when cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer typically takes around 60 minutes, but this may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. It's important to monitor the chicken, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as the heat from an air fryer is intense and can burn the skin if left too long.
Set the air fryer to between 350°F and 360°F.
The size of the chicken will depend on the capacity of your air fryer. A 5.8-quart air fryer can fit a 3.75lb chicken.
