Air-Fryer Rotisserie Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Making rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is an easy way to get a juicy, tender, and flavourful roast chicken with a crispy skin. It's quicker than using an oven, healthier than buying a pre-cooked chicken from a store, and there's minimal cleanup. You can use a simple spice rub to season the chicken and cook it for around an hour, depending on the size of the bird.

Choosing the right air fryer

Capacity and Size:

Air fryers come in various sizes, ranging from 2-quart to 7-quart capacities or more. Consider how many people you typically cook for. A 2- or 3-quart air fryer is suitable for one or two people, while a 5-quart model can comfortably serve a family. If you plan to cook for a crowd, look for larger air fryers or those with multiple racks or baskets. Keep in mind that a smaller air fryer means faster cooking, as the hot air has less distance to travel.

Type of Air Fryer:

There are two primary types of air fryers: basket-style and oven-style. Basket-style air fryers, also known as solo air fryers, feature a cylindrical base with a pull-out basket for food. They are generally more basic, affordable, and compact. Oven-style air fryers, or multi-ovens, resemble toaster ovens with additional functions like rotisserie and dehydration. They offer more cooking space and often come with advanced features but may be pricier.

Features and Functions:

Air fryers can have either manual or digital controls. Digital models offer preset buttons, temperature control, and timers, while manual dials may be more straightforward. Some air fryers have dehydration, baking, and rotisserie functions, combining multiple appliances into one. Others have preset cooking programs for specific foods, "keep warm" functions, or smart apps for added convenience.

Price:

Air fryers can range in price from $30 to over $400. However, most air fryers fall between $100 and $260, so you don't have to break the bank. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you.

Brand and Warranty:

Look for reputable brands that offer a longer warranty period. Some recommended brands include Philips, Instant Vortex, Cosori, Breville, Ninja, and Cuisinart.

By considering your needs, budget, and the features available, you can choose the right air fryer to elevate your cooking game and make delicious rotisserie chicken and more!

Preparing the chicken

First, you'll want to clean out the cavity of the chicken. You can also half a lemon and place it inside the cavity for added flavour.

Next, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps ensure a crispy skin. You can also spritz or spray the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil at this point.

Now it's time to season the chicken. Combine your chosen spices and sprinkle them evenly over the chicken, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. You can also try to get some of the seasoning under the skin for extra flavour.

If you want to get the prettiest results, you can truss the chicken with butcher's twine. This isn't necessary, but it will make the chicken easier to handle and ensure more even cooking. If trussing seems too complicated, you can simply tie the legs of the chicken together.

Once your chicken is prepared, it's ready to go into the air fryer!

Making the rub

Firstly, gather your spices. While specific spices may vary depending on your preference, there are some common ones used in most rubs. These include salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add dried oregano, marjoram, or rosemary for extra flavour.

Next, prepare a small bowl and mix all the spices together. For a three to four-pound chicken, you will need about one tablespoon of sea salt, two teaspoons of paprika, and one teaspoon each of onion powder, thyme, white pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder. If you want some heat, add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences and the size of your chicken.

Now, it's time to add some oil and vinegar to the spice mix. For this step, you will need about two to four tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Whisk these liquids into the spice mixture until you form a paste-like consistency. This paste will be easier to apply to the chicken and will help the spices adhere to the skin.

Before applying the rub, ensure your chicken is prepared. Clean out the cavity of the chicken and, if desired, place half a lemon inside. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, both inside and out. This step is crucial, as any excess moisture will cause the chicken to steam in the air fryer, preventing it from crisping up properly.

Now, it's time to apply the rub! Use your hands or a brush to generously coat the entire surface of the chicken with the spice paste. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If you can carefully loosen the skin without tearing it, try to get some of the wet rub underneath. This will add even more flavour to the meat.

Once the chicken is fully coated, it's ready to go into the air fryer! Depending on your recipe, you may want to truss the chicken with butcher's twine or tie the legs together for a neater appearance. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down, and cook according to your recipe's instructions.

And that's it! You've successfully made and applied the rub for your rotisserie chicken. Remember, you can always adjust the spices and quantities to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious, flavourful air fryer rotisserie chicken!

Cooking the chicken

Once you have your spice blend ready, it's time to season the chicken. Spritz or rub the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil, then rub the spice blend all over the outside and inside of the chicken's cavity. You can also place half a lemon inside the cavity for added flavour. At this point, you can refrigerate the chicken until you're ready to cook.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F (depending on the model). Spritz or brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket and air fry for 25-30 minutes, or until the top of the chicken is browned. Then, flip the chicken over and continue cooking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy your juicy, crispy rotisserie-style chicken!

Serving suggestions

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

Latin-inspired

• Black beans and rice
• Sweet plantains
• Peruvian green sauce

Traditional

• Baked or mashed potatoes with peas and carrots
• Roasted broccoli
• Herb-roasted carrots

BBQ

• Brown sugar baked beans
• Potato salad

Low-carb

• Chopped wedge salad
• Mashed cauliflower
• Roasted asparagus

Mediterranean

• Greek pasta salad
• Mediterranean bean salad
• Lentil salad

Sides

• Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
• Healthy lentil salad with arugula
• Easy roasted sweet potato and Canadian bacon hash
• Golden Hasselback potatoes
• Maple ginger roasted carrots
• Easy smashed potatoes
• Brussels sprouts
• Twice-baked sweet potatoes

Leftovers

You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken in a variety of dishes, such as:

• Chicken tacos, nachos, tostadas, or quesadillas
• Pasta salads
• Sandwiches or lettuce wraps
• Chicken noodle soup
• Rice or quinoa bowls with extra veggies
• Chicken pot pie
• Chicken broccoli rice casserole
• Chicken enchiladas
• Chicken quinoa enchiladas casserole
• Spinach and artichoke dip quesadillas
• Chicken pasta primavera
• Chicken broccoli pasta
• Mediterranean baked feta pasta
• Creamy lemon one-pot pasta

Frequently asked questions