Posted by How to Make a Perfectly Crispy Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is an easy and efficient way to achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin and juicy meat that rivals a rotisserie chicken. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, which cooks it evenly while creating that irresistible crispy outer layer. Not only is it faster than roasting in an oven, but it also requires fewer ingredients and minimal effort, making it a go-to method for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious chicken dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Choose the Air Fryer for a Whole Chicken?
The air fryer has become a kitchen favorite for many home cooks, and for good reason. It can cook food faster than traditional methods and with much less oil, making it a healthier option for crispy dishes. When it comes to cooking a whole chicken, the air fryer’s convection-style cooking ensures that the skin crisps up beautifully, while the inside remains moist and tender. This technique is ideal for those who love rotisserie-style chicken but don’t have the time or equipment to roast one traditionally.
Moreover, cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is incredibly simple. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a flavorful, restaurant-quality chicken at home. This method is perfect for busy weekdays, special family dinners, or any occasion where you want a hassle-free, yet impressive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Whole Chicken
To prepare a whole chicken in the air fryer, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. These include:
- Whole Chicken (5 pounds): A whole chicken is the star of the show. Choose a fresh, high-quality bird, ideally around 5 pounds for the best results. It’s important to remove the giblets before cooking to ensure smooth air frying.
- Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is ideal for high-temperature cooking due to its high smoke point. It also provides a subtle, neutral flavor that allows the seasonings to shine. If you don’t have avocado oil, olive oil or vegetable oil can be used as alternatives.
- Kosher Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and helps create that crispy skin. Kosher salt is a great choice because of its coarse texture, which gives more even coverage.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Pepper adds a mild heat and enhances the overall flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred over pre-ground to ensure a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder imparts a savory depth to the chicken. It’s an easy way to infuse flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness and rich color to the skin, making it look even more appetizing. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work, but the smoky flavor is what sets this recipe apart.
- Dried Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Thyme): These dried herbs contribute to the overall flavor. Basil and oregano add a Mediterranean flair, while thyme offers an earthy undertone that complements the richness of the chicken.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is incredibly easy once you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The first step in making the best air fryer whole chicken is prepping the bird. If the chicken hasn’t been pre-cleaned, you’ll need to remove the giblets and any excess fat from the cavity. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken is crucial because moisture will prevent the skin from crisping up properly.
Step 2: Create the Seasoning Paste
In a small bowl, combine the avocado oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir these ingredients together to form a thick paste. The oil binds the herbs and spices together, making it easy to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Once your seasoning paste is ready, apply it generously to the entire surface of the chicken. Make sure to rub the paste under the skin, especially on the breasts, to ensure that every part of the chicken is infused with flavor. This step ensures that the skin crisps up nicely and the flavors penetrate deep into the meat.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down. This position allows the juices to flow into the breast, keeping the meat moist during the cooking process. Set the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook for 50 minutes. During this time, the skin will begin to crisp up, and the chicken will cook through.
Step 5: Flip the Chicken
After 50 minutes of cooking, carefully flip the chicken to breast side up. This ensures the breast gets that final crispy texture. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy skin and ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
To make sure the chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If the chicken hasn’t reached this temperature, you can continue cooking it for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Let the Chicken Rest and Carve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting the chicken helps retain the juices, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender. After resting, carve the chicken into pieces and serve.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature. The breast should be at least 165°F (74°C), and the thigh should reach 170°F (77°C).
- Cooking Time Varies: Depending on the size of your chicken and the model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary slightly. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Season to Taste: While the seasoning in this recipe is delicious, feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Adding a little lemon zest, rosemary, or even some chili powder can elevate the flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Don’t skip the resting step! Allowing the chicken to rest helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Your Air Fried Whole Chicken
Once your air fryer whole chicken is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve it! This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also use leftover chicken for sandwiches, salads, or soups.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover air fryer whole chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the air fryer for a few minutes at 360°F to crisp up the skin once again. Alternatively, you can use the microwave or oven to warm it through.
Nutritional Information
For those watching their nutrition, here is the breakdown for a 4-ounce serving of air fryer whole chicken:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
With this delicious recipe, you get a crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any meal.
Part 2: Simple Recipe for Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-pound) whole chicken, giblets removed
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove giblets and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, basil, oregano, and thyme into a paste. Rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 50 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast before removing.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer whole chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat!
With minimal preparation and a simple seasoning mix, this air fryer whole chicken recipe delivers incredible results every time!
