Air Frying A Whole Chicken In The Instant Vortex Plus

Making a whole chicken in an air fryer is easier than using an oven, and it takes less time. The Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer comes with a rotisserie spit, which can be used to make a rotisserie chicken. However, this method can be tricky and may require some trial and error. The rotisserie spit can be difficult to set up, and larger chickens may not fit properly, so it is recommended to use a chicken of 4 pounds or less.

If you choose to use the rotisserie spit, you will need to tie up the chicken with kitchen twine to ensure that the legs and wings do not move around during cooking. You will also need to remove any giblets from the chicken's cavity and pat it dry before adding oil and seasoning. It is also recommended to stuff the cavity with lemon wedges to keep the meat moist.

Once the chicken is prepared, you can insert the rotisserie spit through the chicken and secure it with the rotisserie forks. Then, set your air fryer to 375°F and choose either the roast or air fry setting. The air fry setting will result in crispier skin. Cook the chicken for 40 minutes, then check the internal temperature. Continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving into it. This step is important to ensure the meat stays juicy.

Prepping the chicken

Cleaning and Trimming:

Start by removing any giblets, organs, or gizzards from the chicken's cavity. Rinse the chicken thoroughly, both inside and out, being careful not to tear the skin. Drain any excess water from the cavity, and gently pat the chicken dry with paper towels. You may also choose to trim any excess skin or fatty deposits at this stage.

Stuffing and Seasoning:

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon wedges, rosemary, and garlic cloves. You can also add other aromatics like onion or herbs of your choice. Fold the excess skin over the cavity opening to keep the stuffing inside. Next, drizzle olive oil over the chicken and use a brush to coat the entire surface. This will help the seasoning adhere to the skin. Sprinkle your desired seasoning blend generously over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin and inside the cavity. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Trussing:

Trussing the chicken is essential to prevent the legs and wings from flopping around during cooking. Use kitchen twine to tie up the legs and secure the wings close to the body. This step also helps keep the chicken moist and juicy.

Using the Rotisserie Spit:

If your chicken weighs 4 pounds or less, you can use the rotisserie spit that comes with the Instant Vortex Plus. Push the spit through the chicken, and secure it in place using the rotisserie forks on both ends. Ensure that the rotisserie spit is properly seated and secure before cooking.

Final Preparations:

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, remember to place the drip pan at the bottom to collect the juices for making gravy. Set the air fryer to your desired temperature and cooking mode (air fry or roast).

Your chicken is now ready to be cooked in the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer! Remember to follow the cooking instructions and temperature guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the best results.

Making the seasoning blend

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other spices and herbs of your choice, such as rosemary, dried oregano, or Italian seasoning.

Next, prepare your lemon by zesting it and then quartering it. The lemon zest will add a nice flavour to your seasoning blend, while the lemon quarters will be used to stuff the cavity of the chicken, helping to keep the meat moist during cooking.

Now, it's time to mix your seasoning blend. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, and salt and pepper. Mix well so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. If you're using any additional spices or herbs, add them to the mix now.

Once your seasoning blend is mixed, it's time to apply it to the chicken. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin on all sides. Then, sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces, including the inside of the cavity. Use your hands or a brush to rub the seasoning into the skin, ensuring it is fully covered.

Your chicken is now seasoned and ready for the next steps, which will involve preparing the chicken for the air fryer, either by placing it on the rotisserie spit or on a tray. Remember to follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model to ensure safe and proper cooking.

By following these steps, you will have a delicious and flavourful whole chicken cooked to perfection in your Instant Vortex Plus air fryer!

Cooking methods

The Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer comes with a rotisserie spit, which can be used to make a whole rotisserie chicken. The rotisserie spit can be intimidating to use, but it's a great way to cook a whole chicken. Here are the steps to make a delicious rotisserie chicken:

Prep the Chicken: First, remove any gizzards or organs from the chicken. Then, stuff the cavity with lemon, rosemary, and garlic cloves. You can also add other ingredients like onion or pepper. Tie up the chicken with kitchen twine to secure the legs and wings. This will prevent them from flopping around during cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, and then drizzle olive oil on the chicken and rub it all over the skin.

Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add some lemon zest to the mix for extra flavour.

Apply the Seasoning: Sprinkle the seasoning blend all over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin and inside the cavity. Make sure the chicken is well coated.

Use the Rotisserie Spit: Insert the rotisserie spit (or rod) through the chicken. Secure each end of the chicken to the rotisserie rod using the rotisserie forks that come with the air fryer. This can be a bit tricky, so take your time to ensure the chicken is securely attached.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Line the drip pan of your air fryer with aluminium foil for easy cleanup. Preheat the air fryer to 375-380°F. You can choose between the 'Air Fry' and 'Roast' settings, depending on your preferred level of crispness. The 'Air Fry' setting will give you crispier skin.

Cook the Chicken: Once the air fryer is preheated, load the rotisserie spit into the air fryer by pressing down the red lever and latching it into place. Set the cooking time for 40 minutes. Check the temperature of the chicken after 40 minutes, and continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast or 185°F in the thigh.

Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer using the provided tool and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial for keeping the chicken moist and juicy.

Carve and Serve: After resting, carve the chicken and serve it with your favourite sides. Enjoy your delicious, crispy rotisserie chicken!

You can also choose to cook the chicken on a tray instead of using the rotisserie spit. Simply place the chicken on a tray and turn it occasionally during cooking. This method may result in slightly less browned areas, but it will still taste great.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your whole chicken in the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer will depend on the weight of your chicken and whether you want to use the 'roast' or 'air fry' setting.

The Instant Vortex Plus air fryer manual states that the oven can handle up to a 4-pound chicken. However, some people have successfully cooked chickens up to 5 pounds in weight. If you are using the rotisserie spit, it is important to stick to 4 pounds and under, as larger chickens may not fit properly and can cause damage to the machine.

If you are cooking a 3-pound chicken, set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 40 minutes. Check the temperature of the chicken every 5 minutes after the initial 40 minutes until it reaches 165°F in the breast or 185°F in the thigh.

If you are cooking a 4-pound chicken, set your air fryer to 380°F and cook for 40-50 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken after the initial cooking time and cook for an additional 5 minutes at a time until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

It is important to note that the 'air fry' setting will give you crispier skin than the 'roast' setting, but both will produce a tasty, juicy chicken.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to ensure the meat stays juicy.

Resting the chicken

The resting period is also a good time to make a sauce or gravy. The drippings from the chicken can be collected in a small saucer and skimmed to remove excess oil. Cornstarch and water can be added to thicken the sauce. This gravy can then be poured over the carved chicken.

Frequently asked questions