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

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to get delicious, juicy meat with a crispy skin. It's a great alternative to roasting a chicken in the oven, and it's perfect for a speedy, mid-week roast. The circulating heat of the air fryer locks in moisture, giving you tender, juicy and succulent chicken. It also helps to create an incredibly crispy, golden skin.

Choosing the right chicken size

Firstly, it's important to ensure that the chicken you choose fits comfortably in your air fryer basket without overcrowding or touching the sides. Leaving some space around the chicken is essential for proper air circulation, ensuring even cooking. Check your air fryer's capacity and choose a chicken that suits its dimensions. For example, if you have an 8-quart air fryer, a 5-pound chicken would fit with extra room, while a 6-quart air fryer can accommodate a 5-pound chicken perfectly.

If you have a smaller air fryer, there are still options available. Removing the grate from the bottom of the air fryer, if possible, can provide extra space for a larger chicken. Additionally, organic chickens tend to be smaller, typically weighing around 4 pounds.

When selecting a chicken, aim for one that is between 3 and 6 pounds. Most store-bought chickens fall within this range. However, if your air fryer is smaller than 5 quarts, you may need to opt for a chicken that is closer to 3 or 4 pounds to ensure it fits comfortably.

It's worth noting that some air fryers have removable grates, allowing for more flexibility in chicken size. Additionally, certain models have adjustable settings, such as a roast setting, which can provide more options for cooking a whole chicken.

When in doubt, always refer to the specific dimensions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer to determine the optimal chicken size for your appliance.

Preparing the chicken

Once you have the right-sized chicken, remove any giblets or strings that may be inside the cavity. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, as this will help the skin become crispy during cooking. Then, rub the chicken with oil – a couple of tablespoons should be enough. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other cooking oil you prefer.

Next, it's time to season the chicken. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and basil. Combine your chosen seasonings with the oil and rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Don't forget to season underneath the wings and legs. Some recipes also suggest inserting a whole lemon and some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, into the cavity of the chicken for added flavour and moisture.

Finally, place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a removable grate, you may want to remove it to allow for more space and to let the breast meat marinate in the juices as it cooks. Now your chicken is ready for cooking!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your whole chicken in the air fryer will vary depending on the size of your chicken and the wattage, size, and model of your air fryer.

As a general rule of thumb, you should cook a whole chicken in the air fryer at a temperature of around 350-360°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes per 500 grams of chicken or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

For a 5-6 pound chicken, you should air fry at 360°F (180-182°C) for 50 minutes breast side down, then flip it and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes.

For a 3-4 pound chicken, you should cook at 350-360°F (180°C) for 45-60 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.

If you are cooking a smaller chicken, you may need to reduce the cooking time. For example, a 2-3 pound chicken will likely only need 30-40 minutes in the air fryer.

It is important to ensure that your chicken is cooked through before serving. The best way to check this is to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast or thigh (not touching bone or fat) reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also pierce the thickest part of the meat with a skewer and check that the juices run clear.

Resting the chicken

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

Finally, don't forget to check the internal temperature of the chicken before serving. The white meat should be 75°C/165°F, and the dark meat should reach 77-79°C/170-175°F.

Carving and serving

Once your chicken has been cooked in the air fryer, it's important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This is a crucial step as it allows the juices to settle into the meat, ensuring your chicken is moist and flavoursome.

After the chicken has rested, it's time to carve and serve. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Carving:

• Place the chicken on a cutting board.
• Using a sharp knife, start by removing the legs. To do this, cut through the skin between the leg and the breast. Then, bend the leg back to pop the joint and separate it from the body.
• Next, remove the wings. Cut through the joint between the wing and the breast to detach the wings.
• To carve the breast meat, slice along the breastbone and carefully cut the meat away from the bone.
• Finally, remove the thighs by cutting through the joint between the thigh and the body.

Serving:

• Place the carved chicken pieces on a serving platter.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for added flavour and presentation.
• Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salads, or chips.
• Enjoy your delicious, juicy air-fried chicken!

Remember to handle the chicken with care and always use clean utensils to avoid any cross-contamination. Now you can sit back, relax, and savour the fruits of your labour!

Frequently asked questions