Air-Fried Chicken: A Quick, Crispy Whole Chicken Recipe

Air fryers are a great way to cook a whole chicken, and it's so easy! The air fryer guarantees a juicy and tender chicken with a crispy, golden skin. It's also quicker than cooking a roast chicken in the oven, and you can customise the spices to your liking. You'll need a few simple ingredients, such as oil, seasoning and a whole chicken, and you can serve it with anything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies.

Choosing the right chicken

If your chicken is too big, it may touch the top of the air fryer. If this is the case, you can try untying the legs or gently pressing the chicken breast with your hand to slightly crack the breast bone. However, if your chicken is still too big after trying these methods, you may need to find a different chicken or use a different cooking method.

When selecting a chicken, it is also important to consider the quality of the meat. Look for a chicken that is humanely raised and organic if possible. This will ensure that your chicken is free of hormones and antibiotics, which can affect the taste and texture of the meat.

Once you have selected the perfect chicken, it is time to start preparing it for cooking. Remove any giblets from the cavity and set them aside if you want to make giblet gravy. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, as this will help the oil and seasonings stick to the skin and create a crispy texture.

In conclusion, choosing the right chicken for your air fryer is essential for a successful roast chicken. Consider the size of your air fryer, the quality of the meat, and don't forget to remove any giblets and pat the chicken dry before cooking. With the right chicken and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to a delicious and crispy roast chicken.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you'll want to choose a chicken that is the right size for your air fryer. Most recipes recommend a chicken weighing between 3 and 5 pounds. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, opt for a chicken on the lower end of this weight range, or consider removing the grate from the bottom of the air fryer if possible, as this can create more space.

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. After removing the giblets, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important, as it will help the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken and ensure crispier skin.

Next, it's time to rub the chicken with oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but other options like avocado oil or cooking spray can also be used. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the skin and promote crisping.

Speaking of seasonings, the next step is to apply a generous amount of your chosen seasonings all over the chicken. You can purchase a pre-made chicken seasoning blend, or make your own using a combination of spices like salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, dried basil, lemon zest, or rosemary. Be sure to get the seasoning underneath the wings and, if desired, under the skin of the breast meat.

Finally, some recipes recommend trussing the chicken, or tying the legs together with kitchen twine, to create a prettier presentation. This step is entirely optional but can be done before or after applying the oil and seasonings.

Cooking the chicken

Once you have your ingredients, the first step is to preheat your air fryer to around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the chicken. Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels, as this will help the oil and seasonings stick to the skin. Next, rub the chicken with oil, making sure to coat it evenly.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. You can either combine them in a small bowl and create a paste, or simply sprinkle them directly onto the chicken. Make sure to season generously and coat the entire chicken, including under the wings. You can also use your fingers to lift the skin of the breast and apply seasoning directly to the meat. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations.

Once your chicken is prepared, it's time to place it in the air fryer. Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket and cook for around 30-40 minutes. Then, using tongs, carefully flip the chicken over and cook for a further 20-30 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken, so it's important to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

To check if your chicken is cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender final product.

Resting the chicken

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

It is important not to skip the resting step as this ensures the chicken is moist and allows the juices to settle, making the meat more flavoursome and easier to carve.

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

Serving suggestions

Sides

There are many side dishes that go well with a whole roast chicken. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower.
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice, such as brown rice or rice salads
• Section start=1>- Beans, such as black beans or baked beans
• Pasta salads
• Noodles, such as chicken noodle soup
• Bread, such as rolls

Leftovers

A whole chicken will likely leave you with leftovers. Here are some ideas for how to use them:

• Sandwiches,section end=1> such as chickens salads or wraps
• Tacos,section end=1> tostadas, or quesadillas
• Enchiladas
• Pasta, such as chicken pasta salads or chicken spaghetti bake
• Casseroles, such as cheesy chicken bacon and broccoli ranch pasta
• Salads, such as a chicken Caesar salad or a chicken and avocado salad
• Soups, such as chicken noodle soup or chicken taco soup
• Burrito bowls
• Rice bowls

Presentation

To present your chicken, you can either leave it whole and let people cut off what they want, or carve it upsection end=1> before serving. If you want to make your chicken look prettier, you can tie the legs together with kitchen twine before cooking it.

Frequently asked questions