Description
You can cook a whole chicken in the air fryer for a dinner that is crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside. This simple recipe delivers rotisserie style results fast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 lemon, quartered (optional, for cavity)
Instructions
- Remove the whole chicken from its packaging. Take out any giblets or neck from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken very dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to create your seasoning rub.
- Rub the olive oil all over the exterior of the chicken. Then, generously sprinkle and rub the seasoning mix over the entire surface, including under the wings and legs.
- If using, place the lemon quarters inside the chicken cavity.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space around the chicken for air to circulate.
- Cook the chicken at 380°F (195°C) for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Continue to cook at 380°F (195°C) for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving. This resting time keeps the meat juicy.
Notes
- For the best results when cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer, aim for a chicken size that fits comfortably in your basket without touching the sides.
- If your chicken browns too quickly before it reaches the correct internal temperature, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remaining cook time.
- You can substitute the seasoning blend with your favorite store-bought poultry seasoning for an easy whole chicken dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 55 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz cooked
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 150