Description
Did you know you can air fry a whole chicken? It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re craving that crispy skin and juicy meat, without the hassle of roasting in the oven. This Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe is not only easy, but also yields an incredibly flavorful, and juicy chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (3 1/2 -4 1/2 lb.) whole chicken
- 1 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 garlic bulb, top cut off
- 1 lemon, halved
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme and/or rosemary
Instructions
- Remove any innards from the chicken and pat both the inside and outside dry with paper towels.
- Season the inside of the cavity with 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with the garlic, lemon halves, and fresh herbs.
- In a bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
- Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes.
- Once preheated, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
- Place the chicken breast side down in the basket. If it’s touching the top coil, gently press down to fit. Air fry for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- After 20 minutes, carefully flip the chicken. Air fry for another 30-40 minutes at 350°F (177°C), until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), at the thickest part of the chicken.
Notes
- Use an air fryer that is at least 5.8 quarts or larger, to accommodate the size of a whole chicken.
- Before seasoning, remember to check for, and remove any innards from the chicken cavity.
- Feel free to use your favorite seasoning blend.
- Pat both the inside and outside of the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- If the chicken is touching the top coil of the air fryer, gently press it down to crack the breast bone.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165° (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. Check the internal temperature as it nears the recommended air fry time to ensure the chicken does not overcook.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier meat.
- Serve the air fried chicken with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American