Air-Fried Chicken: A Quick, Crispy, And Juicy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook a whole chicken, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavourful meal with a crispy skin. This method is easy, quick, and gives you control over the spices and seasonings used. The size of the chicken and the wattage, size, and type of air fryer will determine the cooking time and temperature, but the general method remains the same.

Choosing the right chicken

It is also important to check that the chicken is not too big for your air fryer, as it may touch the top element and prevent proper cooking. If your chicken is too large, you can try untieing the legs or gently pressing the breastbone to flatten it slightly. Alternatively, you can remove the grate from the bottom of the air fryer if your model allows, providing more space for the chicken to cook.

When selecting a chicken, look for one that is around 3-5 pounds in weight and will fit comfortably in your air fryer. Organic chickens tend to be smaller, usually weighing around 4 pounds. If you are unsure, it is always better to choose a slightly smaller chicken to ensure it fits in your air fryer.

Once you have selected the right-sized chicken, you can begin preparing it for cooking. Remove any giblets or neck from the cavity, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important, as it helps the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken and ensures crispy skin.

Now you are ready to move on to the next steps of preparing and cooking your chicken in the air fryer!

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you'll want to choose a chicken that is the right size for your air fryer. Most recipes suggest a chicken weighing between 3 and 5 pounds. It's important to check that the chicken fits comfortably in your air fryer, with some space around it, as this will ensure even cooking.

Once you have the right-sized chicken, it's time to remove any giblets from the cavity. These can be saved to make giblet gravy if desired. Some chickens also come with string tying the legs together, which may need to be removed if the chicken is too big for the air fryer. Untying the legs can help make the chicken fit better, and if it's still too big, you can gently press the chicken breast to slightly crack the breast bone.

The next step is to pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This is an important step, as it helps the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken and also helps to crisp up the skin. After patting the chicken dry, you can rub it with oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but other options like avocado oil or cooking spray can also be used. The oil helps the seasonings stick to the skin and also aids in crisping up the skin.

Speaking of seasonings, the next step is to apply a generous amount of your chosen seasonings all over the chicken. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. You can also apply some seasoning under the skin of the breast meat for extra flavour.

After seasoning, the chicken is ready to be placed in the air fryer. It's recommended to cook the chicken breast-side down for the first half of the cooking time, and then flip it over to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.

Making the rub

Choosing the Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You can use a variety of dried herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, or any other spices you prefer. You can also add some olive oil to help the rub stick to the chicken and promote crispiness.

Mixing the Rub:

In a small bowl, combine all your chosen dried herbs and spices. Mix them well to ensure they are evenly distributed. You can also add olive oil to this mixture to create a paste-like consistency, which will make it easier to coat the chicken. However, some recipes suggest skipping this step as the dry rub can stick to the chicken without it.

Applying the Rub:

Now, it's time to apply the rub generously all over the chicken. Use your hands or a basting brush to coat the entire surface, including the underside of the wings. You can also carefully lift the skin of the breast and apply some of the rub directly to the meat for extra flavour. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the rub, as this will help the rub stick better and promote crispiness.

Customising the Flavours:

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your perfect flavour profile. For example, if you want an Italian-style chicken, you can add more oregano and basil to the rub. Alternatively, you can create a Mexican-inspired chicken by using cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, or even a taco seasoning blend. The possibilities are endless!

Marination (Optional):

If you have the time, you can marinate the chicken in the rub for a few hours or even overnight before cooking. This extra step will intensify the flavours and make your chicken even more delicious. Simply cover the chicken and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook.

Remember, the key to a great rub is to be generous and ensure the entire chicken is coated. This will ensure your chicken is packed with flavour and has a mouth-watering crispy skin.

Cooking the chicken

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook the chicken.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350–360°F (180°C).

Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken. It will also make the skin crisp up better.

Now, it's time to add the oil and seasoning. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, and coat the chicken with around 1-2 tablespoons. You can also add your choice of seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, rosemary, ground mustard, onion powder, or sage. You can either brush the seasoning mixture over the chicken or use your fingers to apply it directly to the meat.

Once the chicken is prepared, place it in the air fryer basket breast-side down. You can now air fry the chicken for around 30 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this.

Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender chicken.

And that's it! You now have a delicious, crispy, and juicy whole chicken cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Resting the chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board or platter. It is important to let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes and up to 15 minutes. Tenting the chicken with foil will help keep it warm. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures your chicken is tender and flavourful.

While the chicken rests, you can make a gravy with the drippings or pour them over vegetables to cook in the air fryer.

Once rested, your chicken is ready to be carved and served.

Frequently asked questions