Perfect Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer has become one of the most popular ways to prepare a succulent, crispy-skinned roast chicken. This method not only offers convenience but also ensures a juicy interior while the skin turns wonderfully crispy, similar to a rotisserie chicken. Air frying a whole chicken allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring that every part of the bird cooks to perfection. Plus, with minimal prep time, it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy a flavorful roast chicken without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Air Fryer Whole Chicken Is a Game-Changer
Air fryers have become kitchen essentials in many homes, and for good reason. These handy appliances use hot air circulation to cook food quickly, providing a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil. When it comes to cooking a whole chicken, the air fryer has several advantages over traditional methods like roasting in the oven or grilling.
First, air frying uses less oil. While traditional frying methods involve submerging food in hot oil, air frying requires just a small amount of oil, or sometimes none at all. The hot air circulates around the chicken, cooking it evenly and rendering the fat from the skin, which creates a crispy, golden exterior.
Second, cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is fast. Depending on the size of your chicken, it can cook in as little as an hour, which is much faster than roasting a chicken in a conventional oven. This means that you can get a delicious, roasted meal on the table in a fraction of the time.
Third, the air fryer’s compact design makes it perfect for smaller kitchens or when you don’t want to heat up your entire oven. Additionally, many air fryers come with adjustable racks or trays that make it easy to fit a whole chicken, allowing you to cook your meal without taking up too much space.
Finally, air-fried whole chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. It provides that crispy texture we all crave, without the need for excess oil, making it a better option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake or follow a healthier lifestyle.
How to Prepare a Whole Chicken for Air Frying
Before cooking your whole chicken in the air fryer, there are a few important steps to take in order to ensure the best results. Preparation is key to getting that perfect crispy skin and juicy, tender meat inside.
1. Cleaning and Drying the Chicken
The first thing you’ll want to do is remove any giblets or excess fat from the chicken. Some chickens come with the giblets (heart, liver, etc.) still inside the cavity, so make sure to remove these before proceeding. You can discard them or save them for making chicken stock later.
Once the giblets are removed, rinse the chicken under cold water to ensure it’s clean. Pat the entire chicken dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. The drier the surface of the chicken, the crispier the skin will become during cooking. Moisture on the skin will cause it to steam rather than crisp up, so take your time to ensure the bird is fully dried.
2. Creating the Flavorful Seasoning Rub
The next step is to prepare the seasoning rub. For this recipe, we’re using a blend of ingredients that enhances the flavor of the chicken while keeping things simple and easy to prepare.
- Kosher salt: This is the base of the rub and helps to season the chicken evenly. Kosher salt is preferred because it’s less salty by volume compared to table salt and dissolves easily, making it perfect for coating the chicken’s skin.
- Freshly ground black pepper: A must-have in any savory rub, black pepper adds a bit of heat and a rich, earthy flavor.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder imparts a subtle, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken. It’s a kitchen staple that works in almost any savory recipe.
- Paprika (smoked or regular): Paprika adds both color and a mild, smoky flavor. Smoked paprika brings an extra layer of depth to the chicken, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika works just as well.
- Dried basil, oregano, and thyme: These Mediterranean herbs complement the flavor of the chicken beautifully. They add an aromatic, herbal note that gives your chicken a well-rounded, delicious flavor.
To create the seasoning paste, simply combine all the spices with a tablespoon or two of oil. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or any other oil of your choice. Mix the ingredients well until you have a thick paste.
3. Applying the Seasoning to the Chicken
Once your seasoning rub is ready, use a basting brush to coat the chicken evenly. Start by applying the seasoning on the breast side of the chicken, then carefully pick it up by the legs and place it breast side down in the air fryer basket. This ensures that the breast meat is cooked in the juices that are released as the chicken cooks, helping to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once the chicken is placed breast side down, use the basting brush to apply the remaining seasoning rub all over the rest of the chicken, including the back and legs. Be sure to coat it thoroughly to maximize flavor.
Cooking a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
Now that your chicken is prepped and ready, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Follow these steps for the best results:
1. Setting the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the chicken through without overcooking the outside or undercooking the interior. Air fryers vary in wattage and performance, so the cook time may vary depending on your specific model.
2. Cooking the Chicken
Place the chicken into the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s positioned breast side down. Cook for 50 minutes. At this stage, the chicken’s skin should be starting to crisp up and turn a lovely golden brown. After 50 minutes, carefully flip the chicken to its breast side up, so the breast meat can cook evenly and the skin on top gets extra crispy.
3. Checking the Internal Temperature
To ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when the breast reaches 165°F (74°C). If the temperature is below this, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until the desired temperature is reached.
4. Resting the Chicken
Once the chicken reaches the correct temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
5. Serving Your Air Fryer Whole Chicken
After the chicken has rested, carve it into pieces and serve. You’ll find the meat is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The skin will be perfectly crisp and golden, just like a rotisserie chicken.
Storing Leftover Air Fried Whole Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also shred the chicken and use it for salads, sandwiches, or wraps. The leftover chicken is perfect for quick meals throughout the week.
Simple Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
Now that you understand the steps and tips for making the best air fryer whole chicken, here’s the recipe in a simplified format:
Ingredients:
- 5-6 lb whole chicken, giblets removed
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Remove giblets, if necessary.
- In a small bowl, combine the oil and spices to create a seasoning paste.
- Use a basting brush to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning paste, starting with the breast side.
- Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 360°F for 50 minutes.
- Flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the breast.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked, crispy-skinned air fryer whole chicken!
