Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Whole Chicken features a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown exterior and juicy, tender meat inside—all achieved without the hassle of roasting in a conventional oven. It’s a fuss-free, flavorful centerpiece ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (approx. 1.5–2 kg / 3–4 lb)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or paprika
- Optional: 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Optional: 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Optional: 1/4 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Remove any giblets from the chicken and pat it dry thoroughly. Tuck the wings under and tie the legs if desired.
- Rub chicken all over with olive oil or butter. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and optional herbs and spices.
- Rub seasoning mix under the skin and over the exterior.
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 5 minutes.
- Place chicken breast-side down in air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 30 minutes.
- Carefully flip chicken breast-side up. Increase temperature to 200°C (400°F) and cook for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until thigh reads 75°C (165°F) and breast reads 68–70°C (155–160°F).
- Transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil, and rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Carve and serve warm with pan juices if desired.
Notes
- Drying the chicken thoroughly helps achieve crisp skin.
- Seasoning under the skin boosts flavor in the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid under- or overcooking.
- Allow space in air fryer basket for air circulation.
- Resting ensures juicy, evenly cooked meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of chicken
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg