Crispy Whole Chicken in Air Fryer: Easy Juicy Home-Cooked Perfection

Crispy Juicy Whole Chicken in Air Fryer Recipe

Cooking a whole chicken in air fryer is a game-changer for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. This method delivers incredibly crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy—even the white meat that’s prone to drying out with traditional methods.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

• Crispy skin: The air fryer creates perfectly crisp chicken skin that’s impossible to achieve in a regular oven
• Juicy meat: Even white meat stays tender and moist
• Quick cooking: Faster than traditional oven roasting
• Energy efficient: No need to heat up your entire oven
• Easy cleanup: Less mess than stovetop or oven methods

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Chicken

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), giblets removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Essential Equipment

• Air fryer large enough to fit a whole chicken (5.8 quart or larger)
• Kitchen twine (for trussing)
• Meat thermometer
• Basting brush

How to Cook Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

1. Pat the chicken completely dry using paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder to create a flavorful rub.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin of the breast for maximum flavor.
5. Squeeze half of the lemon over the chicken, then place both lemon halves inside the cavity.
6. Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wing tips behind the shoulders to promote even cooking.
7. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast-side down. This helps keep the breast meat juicy.
8. Cook at 360°F for 30 minutes.
9. Carefully flip the chicken over so it’s breast-side up, and continue cooking for another 25-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
10. If desired, increase the temperature to 400°F for the final 5 minutes to enhance skin crispiness.
11. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Whole Chicken

• Choose the right size: Make sure your chicken fits in your air fryer with at least 1 inch of space around it for air circulation.
• Room temperature start: Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even results.
• Keep it dry: Thoroughly patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin.
• Baste halfway: For extra juicy results, quickly baste the chicken with its own juices when you flip it.
• Tent with foil: If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil until the chicken reaches safe temperature.
• Save the drippings: The flavorful juices at the bottom of the air fryer make an excellent base for gravy.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Roasted Chicken

This versatile whole chicken in air fryer pairs beautifully with many sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables
• Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes
• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Quinoa or wild rice pilaf

Storing and Repurposing Leftover Air Fryer Chicken

Leftover chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The possibilities for using it are endless:

• Chicken salad sandwiches
• Add to pasta dishes or grain bowls
• Use in quesadillas or tacos
• Chicken and rice soup
• Chicken pot pie

Why Air Fryer Whole Chicken Is a Game-Changer

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer delivers the perfect combination of convenience and quality. The rapid air circulation creates a beautiful golden exterior with crispy skin while keeping the inside succulent. It’s also faster than oven roasting and won’t heat up your entire kitchen. Once you try this method, you might never go back to traditional roasting again!

Credits: Inspired by AllRecipes Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken