Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken: The Perfect Quick Meal

Making rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and crispy roast chicken. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can have a fresh and healthy meal ready in under an hour.

Characteristics of making rotisserie chicken in an air fryer

Choosing the right air fryer

Size and Capacity:

The size and capacity of the air fryer depend on your household's cooking needs. Smaller air fryers with a 2- to 4-quart capacity are suitable for individuals or small families. For larger families or groups, opt for a 5- to 6-quart model or even a 9-quart option, which can fit a whole bag of frozen French fries or up to two pounds of chicken breasts. Keep in mind that smaller air fryers may require cooking in batches.

Power and Wattage:

Higher wattage air fryers, ranging from 1000 to 1800 watts, offer faster and more efficient cooking. They can crisp up food more quickly and maintain the desired temperature consistently. However, they may also consume more electricity, so consider your energy efficiency preferences.

Ease of Cleaning:

Look for air fryers with removable, dishwasher-friendly parts for easy cleaning. A removable basket simplifies the process and ensures thorough sanitation.

Additional Features:

Consider air fryers with intuitive controls, such as dial controls or a digital display, for precise temperature adjustments. Non-stick coating on the air fryer basket also makes cooking and cleaning more convenient.

Budget:

Evaluate your budget and determine how much you are willing to spend. Basic air fryers can be found for as little as $25, while more advanced models with larger capacities or additional features can range from $150 to $300.

Types of Air Fryers:

There are three main types of air fryers:

• Basket-style Air Fryers: These are the most common type, featuring a drawer-like design and a basket for placing food. They come in various sizes and can cook a wide range of foods.
• Oven-style Air Fryers: These offer a larger capacity and resemble countertop convection ovens. They often have multiple racks or trays and provide additional cooking functions like baking, roasting, and dehydrating.
• Toaster Oven Air Fryers: These hybrid appliances combine the functions of a toaster oven and an air fryer, making them versatile and space-saving. They can toast, bake, roast, and air fry, offering multiple presets for convenience.

By considering your cooking needs, budget, and the features that are most important to you, you can choose the right air fryer that meets your requirements and preferences.

Preparing the chicken

First, you'll want to clean out the cavity of the chicken. This is where the giblets are usually found, so make sure to remove them if they haven't been taken out already. Some recipes also suggest stuffing the cavity with half a lemon, which can add a nice flavour to the meat.

Next, you'll want to dry the chicken. Pat it down with paper towels to ensure it's completely dry. This step is important because it helps the chicken get crispy in the air fryer.

Once the chicken is dry, it's time to season it. There are many different seasoning combinations you can use, but a common one includes salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. You can also add olive oil or avocado oil spray to help the seasoning stick and promote crispiness. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly, getting into all the nooks and crannies.

At this point, you can also choose to tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine. This step is optional but can help you achieve a prettier presentation.

Now your chicken is ready for the air fryer! Place it in the basket breast-side down, and you're ready to start cooking.

Applying the seasoning

The seasoning is what makes your rotisserie chicken truly delicious, so it's important to get it right. Here are some detailed instructions on how to apply the seasoning to your chicken:

Prepare the chicken

Before you apply any seasoning, it's important to prepare the chicken. Start by removing any giblets from the cavity of the chicken. Then, trim any excess fat from around the chicken, particularly the neck and tail area. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is important as it will help the chicken crisp up in the air fryer.

Choose your seasonings

You can use a variety of seasonings for your rotisserie chicken. Common seasonings include sea salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and white pepper. You can also add some olive oil or avocado oil spray to the chicken before applying the seasonings. This will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and add some extra flavour.

Apply the seasonings

Once you have chosen your seasonings, it's time to apply them to the chicken. You can either sprinkle the seasonings directly onto the chicken or combine them with the oil to create a paste that you can rub onto the chicken. Make sure to season every inch of the chicken, including the inside of the cavity. You can also stuff the cavity with half a lemon to add some extra flavour.

Air fry the chicken

Once you have applied the seasonings, place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry the chicken for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flip the chicken and air fry for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. You'll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rest the chicken

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a juicier, more flavourful chicken. You can cover the chicken loosely with foil to keep it warm while it rests.

Cooking the chicken

Next, prepare your seasoning. Most recipes suggest a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper, but you can also add dried oregano, marjoram, rosemary, or sage. Combine your chosen spices in a small bowl and mix with olive oil to create a paste that can be easily applied to the chicken.

Some recipes suggest adding a splash of red wine vinegar to the spice mix, and one recipe recommends a wet rub of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbes de Provence.

Once your spice mix is ready, rub it all over the chicken, making sure to get a good coating both inside and outside the chicken. If you can, get the rub under the skin for extra flavour. At this point, you can also tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine for a neater appearance.

Now your chicken is ready for the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F, and spritz or brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket and cook for 25-30 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for a further 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer rotisserie chicken. Here are some suggestions:

Classic Combination

Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish to serve with rotisserie chicken. You can also add a green salad to complete the meal.

Latin-Inspired Feast

For a Latin twist, serve the chicken with Peruvian green sauce, black beans, rice, and sweet plantains.

Traditional Dinner

For a more traditional meal, mashed potatoes and green beans, or roasted broccoli or herb-roasted carrots are excellent choices.

BBQ Style

For a BBQ-inspired meal, pair the chicken with brown sugar-baked beans and potato salad.

Low Carb Option

If you're watching your carb intake, consider a chopped wedge salad, mashed cauliflower, or roasted asparagus as side dishes.

Mediterranean Flavors

For a Mediterranean flair, try serving Greek pasta salad, Mediterranean bean salad, or lentil salad alongside the chicken.

Leftovers

Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used in various dishes. You can make chicken tacos, nachos, tostadas, quesadillas, or add it to pasta salads. It's also great for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or chicken noodle soup. You can even use the bones to make homemade chicken stock.

Frequently asked questions