Can you cook a whole chicken in an air fryer? Definitely. Cooking whole chicken in air fryers is a game-changer for home cooks. Not only does it produce a crispy, golden exterior and juicy, tender meat, but it also significantly cuts down cooking time. Then how to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer?

Fred not. Cooking whole chicken in air fryers is an easy and rewarding task. In this blog, we’ll cover all aspects of cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, including detailed instructions and essential cooking tips. Dive in and discover how to achieve a perfectly roasted chicken with minimal effort!

Advantages of Using an Air Fryer for Cooking Whole Chicken

Before diving into the cooking process, let's explore why using an air fryer is advantageous over traditional methods.

The answer is that air fryers are the cooking device par excellence. They offer numerous benefits that make them ideal for home cooking:

Faster Cooking Times: The rapid air circulation technology cooks food more quickly than conventional ovens, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
Consistent Results: Air fryers provide even heat distribution, ensuring your chicken cooks uniformly and eliminating the risk of dry or undercooked spots.
Easy Cleanup: The cleanup of an air fryer is a breeze compared to the greasy pans and racks used in traditional roasting.
Energy Efficiency: Air fryers consume less energy than conventional ovens, making them a more eco-friendly choice for your cooking needs.

Key Ingredients for Air Frying Whole Chicken

With the strengths of air fryers in mind, let’s proceed with our cooking journey.

To achieve a perfectly air-fried whole chicken, you'll need a few essential ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

Whole Chicken: Choose a fresh or thawed whole chicken, ideally between 3-5 pounds, which fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
Oil: A small amount of oil helps achieve a crispy, golden skin. Use a high smoke point oil like olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. You only need about 1-2 tablespoons.
Seasonings: Seasonings are crucial for flavor. A simple blend can include:

Salt and Pepper: The basics for seasoning.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor.
Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and color.
Dried Herbs: Such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, for aromatic notes.
Lemon Zest: Optional, for a fresh, citrusy kick.

Detailed Instructions on How to Cook a Whole Chicken in an Air Fryer

With the essential ingredients at hand, we can begin our cooking journey in no time. Follow these detailed instructions to master how to cook the whole chicken in air fryers:

Preheat

Fire up your air fryer and preheat it to 360°F (about 182°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy skin.

Mix the Oil and Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine your chosen oil with the seasonings. Mix well to create a flavorful rub.

Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Brush the mixture of oil and seasonings all over the chicken, making sure to cover every part for maximum flavor.

Air Fry

Place the chicken inside the basket of the air fryer, breast-side down. How long does it take to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer? Cook for 45 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (about 74°C).

Remove

When the cooking time is up or the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 74°C), remove the chicken from the air fryer. Place it on a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serve

Finally, we’ve come to the last part of our air fryer whole chicken recipe: carve and serve the chicken. Enjoy the perfectly crispy and juicy results of your air-fried whole chicken!

Essential Tips and Hints for Outstanding Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air frying whole chicken in an air fryer is an art that can be perfected with practice and a few time-tested tips. In addition to the above steps of how to cook a whole chicken in the air fryer, we have some essential tips to help you take the delectability of your chicken up a notch.

Remove Giblets

Before seasoning and cooking your chicken, ensure you remove any giblets or organs from the cavity. These can be discarded or saved for making stock, but leaving them inside the chicken can affect the cooking process and flavor.

Check for Doneness

To guarantee your chicken is perfectly cooked, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bones, and ensure it reads at least 165°F (about 74°C) for both safety and optimal texture.

Let it Rest

After air frying, don’t skip the step of letting the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Conclusion

Here you have it - an easy recipe for air frying the most flavorful, mouthwatering whole chicken. While the steps of how to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer are finite, the flavor possibilities are infinite, and a dab of creativity with seasonings can unlock these endless culinary possibilities. So wait no more - fire up your air fryer, follow our steps, and pamper your taste buds with air-fried chickens today!

Air Fryer a Whole Chicken Recipe

Name: Air Fryer a Whole Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (3-5 pounds); 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil; 2 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary or oregano); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional); Schwua Air Fryer Oven; Basting brush; Tongs; Meat thermometer (optional)

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Servings

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

65 Minutes

Calories

1200

Roasting a whole chicken in the air fryer gives you that golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat—all without the fuss of a traditional oven. The air fryer’s quick, even cooking seals in flavor, so every bite is rich and satisfying. With a simple seasoning mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs, this chicken takes on a deliciously savory flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Ideal for family dinners, it’s a tasty, efficient way to prepare a classic roast chicken with ease.

Image of Air Fryer a Whole Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (3-5 pounds)
1-2 tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil
2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary or oregano)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Schwua Air Fryer Oven
Basting brush
Tongs
Meat thermometer (optional)

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
In a small bowl, mix oil with your favorite seasonings to make a flavorful rub.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then coat it thoroughly with the seasoning mixture, covering all sides.
Place the chicken in the air fryer, breast-side down, and cook at 360°F for 45 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Note

Serve sliced chicken with a side of air-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Offer a dipping sauce, such as garlic butter or honey mustard, for extra flavor.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt or pepper just before serving to enhance the taste.
Pair with a light salad or roasted potatoes to balance the richness of the chicken.