Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken: Perfect Temperature Settings

Air fryer rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy meal to make for the whole family. It is also a great option for meal prep. The chicken is tender, juicy, and flavourful with a crispy skin. The best temperature to cook the chicken at is between 350-400°F (175-200°C) for 30-45 minutes. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165-167°F (74-75°C).

Air fryer rotisserie chicken cooking times and temperatures

Cooking a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, juicy meat with a crispy skin. It's also a great way to get that rotisserie-style chicken without needing a countertop rotisserie oven, which can be expensive and take up a lot of space.

Cooking Temperatures

The temperature you cook your rotisserie chicken at will depend on the size of your chicken and the wattage of your air fryer. Most recipes suggest cooking at around 350-400°F (175-200°C). However, some recipes suggest cooking at 360°F or 380°F.

Cooking Times

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken and the wattage and model of your air fryer. A small to medium-sized chicken (under 4.5 pounds/2 kilos) will take around 35-40 minutes. A larger chicken can take up to 50 minutes, while a smaller one can cook in 35 minutes or less.

One recipe suggests cooking a 5-pound chicken for 45 minutes at 360°F, then flipping the chicken and cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes. Another recipe for a 4-pound chicken suggests cooking for 30 minutes at 350°F, flipping the chicken, and then cooking for a further 30 minutes.

It's important to use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken is cooked through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone. Some recipes suggest checking that the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast or thigh reaches 167°F (75°C).

Resting Time

Once your chicken is cooked, it's important to let it rest before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat juicy. Cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 10-20 minutes.

How to make a spice rub for air fryer rotisserie chicken

To make a spice rub for air fryer rotisserie chicken, you'll need a mix of dried herbs and spices. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt
• Paprika
• Garlic powder or granules
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• White pepper
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cumin (optional)
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Dried oregano, marjoram, and/or rosemary (optional)

Method:

• In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices and dried herbs. You can adjust the measurements and add or remove ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• Add olive oil or vegetable oil to the spice mixture. You can also add other liquids like honey, soy sauce, or red wine vinegar to create a glaze for the chicken.
• Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste that can be easily slathered onto the chicken.
• Drizzle or brush the chicken with olive oil, then generously rub the spice mixture onto the chicken, ensuring it's coated on all sides.
• If desired, secure the chicken on the spit, tying the legs tightly with butcher's string or twine to allow for free rotation during cooking.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down, and cook for the recommended time based on the size of your chicken and the model of your air fryer.
• During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, you can brush the chicken with any remaining spice mixture or glaze for extra flavour and a shiny, crispy skin.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74-75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh or breast, avoiding the bone.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your perfect flavour combination!

How to prepare an air fryer rotisserie chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3-5 lbs)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• White pepper
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Red wine vinegar
• Honey (optional)
• Soy sauce (optional)

Method

• Mix together a rub of salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
• Drizzle or rub oil over the chicken, then apply half of the spice mixture.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F (175-190°C).
• Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket and cook for 20-30 minutes.
• Flip the chicken over and apply the remaining oil and spice mixture.
• Continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165-167°F (74-75°C).
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer, cover with foil, and let it rest for 10-20 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the spice rub.
• Tie the legs of the chicken together with butcher's twine for a prettier presentation.
• You can also brush the chicken with a honey-soy glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

How to reheat rotisserie chicken in an air fryer

If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use an air fryer to reheat it perfectly. This method is much better than using a microwave or oven, which can dry out the meat. Using an air fryer will ensure the skin crisps up and the inside remains moist and juicy.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F. This will only take a few minutes, and it's an important step to ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Step 2: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the cold rotisserie chicken in the air fryer basket. You can reheat a whole chicken or individual pieces. Just remember that a whole chicken will take longer to reheat.

Step 3: Air Fry

Air fry the chicken for 3-5 minutes. Check on it regularly to ensure it doesn't overcook. It's ready when the outside is crispy and the inside is fully heated.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve. It's that simple!

Tips:

• You can also reheat frozen rotisserie chicken in an air fryer. However, it's best to let it thaw in the fridge overnight first for more even and efficient cooking.
• If you're reheating a whole chicken, keep an eye on it and check if it's done after about 4 minutes.
• You can reheat rotisserie chicken in an air fryer for up to 5 minutes. Adjust the time depending on the size of the chicken pieces and your air fryer model.

What to serve with air fryer rotisserie chicken

To make rotisserie chicken in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Then, rub the chicken with oil and a spice mix of your choice. Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-30 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, reads 165°F (74°C).

Now, for the sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer rotisserie chicken:

Latin-inspired sides

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

Traditional sides

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

BBQ sides

• Brown sugar baked beans
• Potato salad

Low-carb sides

• Chopped wedge salad
• Mashed cauliflower
• Roasted asparagus

Mediterranean sides

• Greek pasta salad
• Mediterranean bean salad
• Lentil salad

Frequently asked questions