Air Fryer Whole Chicken Crispy & Juicy Every Time

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to achieve a crispy, juicy, and tender roast. Whether you’re looking to prepare a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, an air fryer whole chicken is an excellent choice. It’s simple, hassle-free, and results in a deliciously roasted bird with minimal effort. If you’ve never cooked a whole chicken in the air fryer, you’re in for a treat.

Why Cook a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer?

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we approach cooking by using hot air circulation to fry, bake, grill, and even roast food. When it comes to roasting a whole chicken, an air fryer’s convection feature delivers perfectly crisp skin and juicy meat every time. Here are a few reasons why cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is a fantastic idea:

Speed: Unlike traditional oven roasting, an air fryer cooks a whole chicken much faster, saving you time while still delivering the desired result.
Crispy Skin: The circulating hot air ensures the skin becomes golden brown and crispy, a texture that’s often hard to achieve with other methods.
Juicy Meat: Air fryers retain moisture while cooking, which keeps the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
Energy Efficient: Air fryers are more energy-efficient compared to conventional ovens, reducing your overall energy usage.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Whole Chicken

To cook the perfect air fryer whole chicken, you don’t need a long list of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Whole Chicken: Opt for a chicken that weighs between 3.5 to 4 pounds. This size fits perfectly in most air fryer baskets and allows for even cooking.
Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil helps the skin crisp up beautifully and allows seasonings to stick to the chicken.
Seasonings: While you can get creative with your seasoning, a simple mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme works wonders. Feel free to add any herbs or spices you enjoy, such as rosemary, onion powder, or lemon zest.

Common Variations in Seasoning:

Herb Blend: Combine rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley for an aromatic, Mediterranean flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to elevate the heat.
Lemon and Garlic: Mix lemon zest and garlic powder for a refreshing citrus-infused roast.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is incredibly straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a deliciously roasted bird ready to serve.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity if present. These can be saved for making stock or gravy.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. A dry chicken will allow for better crisping of the skin.

2. Season the Chicken

Rub the chicken inside and out with a thin layer of olive oil. This will help the seasoning adhere to the skin.
Sprinkle your chosen seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. Be sure to season the cavity as well to ensure the flavor infuses throughout the meat.

3. Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Position the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. The breast side tends to be the thickest part of the chicken, and placing it down first allows it to cook evenly.
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 30 minutes.

4. Flip the Chicken

After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken using tongs or a spatula. This will ensure the skin crisps up on both sides and that the chicken cooks evenly.
Cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh or breast.

5. Rest and Serve

Once the chicken reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Tips for Success When Cooking Air Fryer Whole Chicken

To ensure your air fryer whole chicken turns out perfect every time, here are a few essential tips:

Check the Size: Ensure the chicken fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. If it’s too large, you might need to press down slightly to make it fit, or consider removing the legs’ ties to give it more space.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. A thermometer ensures you cook the chicken safely and to the desired level of doneness.
Use Drippings: After the chicken has cooked, use the flavorful drippings to cook vegetables in the air fryer or to make gravy. It adds richness and enhances the overall meal.
Adjust Cooking Time Based on Size: If you’re cooking a chicken that’s on the larger side (closer to 4 pounds), you may need to extend the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.

Flavoring Your Air Fryer Whole Chicken

While a simple seasoning mix is delicious on its own, don’t hesitate to explore other flavors. Here are some ways to take your air fryer chicken to the next level:

Stuff the Cavity: Stuffing the chicken with lemon halves, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme will infuse additional flavors into the meat as it cooks.
Marinate: Marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight with your favorite marinade. This helps the meat absorb more flavor and tenderizes it.
Butter or Compound Butter: For extra richness, rub softened butter or a compound butter (herbed butter or garlic butter) under the skin before cooking.

Potential Side Dishes to Pair with Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Now that your chicken is ready, what should you serve with it? Here are some delicious and complementary side dishes to pair with your air fryer whole chicken:

Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers roast beautifully in the air fryer alongside the chicken. Simply toss the veggies in olive oil and seasonings and cook them in the air fryer during the last few minutes of the chicken’s cooking time.
Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chicken.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect contrast to the crispy skin of the chicken.
Rice or Quinoa: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with a side of rice or quinoa, flavored with herbs or a touch of lemon juice.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fryer Whole Chicken

After enjoying your delicious air fryer whole chicken, you might have some leftovers. Don’t worry; this chicken stays tasty and moist even after reheating! Here’s how you can properly store and reheat your leftover chicken to maintain its juiciness and flavor.

Storing Leftover Chicken

When storing leftover chicken, the key is to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Here’s how you can store your leftover air fryer whole chicken:

In the Refrigerator:
- Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Remove the meat from the bone and place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep the chicken fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- The leftover chicken can also be stored in its original roasted form if you prefer to reheat it whole. Just cover it tightly in foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
In the Freezer:
- To store chicken for longer periods, place the leftover meat in a freezer bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label the bag with the date of freezing to ensure you use it within the recommended time frame.

Reheating Leftover Chicken

Reheating leftover air fryer whole chicken is simple, and there are a few ways to do it while maintaining its delicious flavor and moisture:

In the Air Fryer:
- The air fryer is a fantastic way to reheat chicken, as it keeps the skin crispy while heating the meat evenly.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 5-8 minutes. If you’re reheating a whole chicken, you may need to flip it halfway through to ensure an even temperature.
In the Microwave:
- The microwave is the fastest method, but it can make the skin soggy. To avoid this, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
- Reheat in 30-second intervals to ensure the meat heats through without overcooking.
In the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover chicken on a baking sheet.
- Cover the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches the desired temperature.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Chicken

Leftover air fryer whole chicken can be used in a variety of recipes, so you don’t have to eat the same meal twice! Here are some ideas for transforming your leftovers into new dishes:

Chicken Salad: Combine shredded chicken with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and herbs to create a tasty chicken salad. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or in a wrap.
Chicken Soup or Stew: Add the leftover chicken to a pot of broth along with your favorite vegetables and seasonings to create a comforting soup or stew.
Chicken Tacos or Burritos: Shred the chicken and add it to tacos or burritos with fresh toppings like guacamole, salsa, lettuce, and cheese.
Chicken Sandwiches: Create a delicious chicken sandwich with your favorite bread, adding ingredients like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments.
Chicken Stir-Fry: Toss the leftover chicken into a stir-fry with vegetables and your favorite stir-fry sauce for a quick and tasty meal.

FAQs On Air Fryer Whole Chicken

How long do you cook a whole chicken in the air fryer?

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer typically takes about 50 to 60 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on the size of the chicken. For a 3.5 to 4 lb chicken, start by cooking breast-side down for 30 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How long do you cook chicken in the air fryer for?

The cooking time for chicken in the air fryer varies based on the cut and size. For chicken breasts, it usually takes around 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). For chicken thighs, it will take about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, with a target temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is it better to cook a whole chicken in the oven or air fryer?

Both methods have their benefits, but cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is often quicker and produces crispier skin. The air fryer uses circulating hot air, which helps render the fat and gives the chicken skin a golden, crispy texture. It also tends to be more energy-efficient and requires less time compared to an oven. On the other hand, the oven is ideal for larger birds or when cooking for more people, but the process is slower.

Can raw chicken be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, raw chicken can absolutely be cooked in the air fryer! Whether you’re making chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken, air frying raw chicken is a great way to get juicy, tender meat with crispy skin. Just ensure that the chicken is seasoned and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

How long to air fry chicken at 375°F?

At 375°F (190°C), the cooking time for chicken depends on the cut:

Chicken breasts typically take about 15-18 minutes.
Chicken thighs generally need 20-25 minutes.
For wings, expect around 20 minutes at this temperature. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through to 165°F (74°C).

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅙ teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Remove giblets from the cavity of the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
Season the Chicken: Rub the entire chicken with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, ensuring the seasoning is spread both on the skin and inside the cavity.
Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 30 minutes.
Flip and Continue Cooking: After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender and juicy result.

Notes:

Chicken Size: Ensure the chicken fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. If it’s too large, you may need to press it down slightly or remove the ties from the legs.
Internal Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
Leftovers: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Crispier Skin: For extra crispiness, you can rub the chicken with a bit more olive oil or butter before seasoning.

Nutritional Facts (per serving – ¼ of a whole chicken):

Calories: 444
Protein: 36g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 143mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 134mg
Potassium: 360mg
Vitamin A: 293 IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Iron: 2mg

Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 444 (per serving)
Yield: 1 whole chicken (serves 4)