Cooking a whole chicken in your air fryer is a game-changer, delivering incredibly juicy meat with crispy skin every single time! This recipe for Air Fryer Whole Chicken is not only super easy but also guarantees a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or even a smaller holiday gathering.
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Get ready to fall in love with your air fryer all over again. Check out our Chicken Recipes guide for more easy ideas!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
There are so many reasons to make air fryer whole chicken your new go-to:
- Effortless Perfection: With minimal prep, your air fryer does all the hard work.
- Unbeatable Crispy Skin: The circulating hot air in the air fryer creates the most incredibly crispy, golden-brown skin you can imagine – without excess oil!
- Juicy & Tender Meat: Say goodbye to dry chicken! By cooking breast-side down, the juices naturally flow into the breast, keeping it incredibly moist.
- Faster Cooking: Compared to a traditional oven, the air fryer significantly cuts down on cooking time, getting dinner on the table quicker.
- Less Mess: No need to heat up a big oven, and cleanup is a breeze with most air fryer baskets.
- Meal Prep: This air fryer whole chicken is great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Check out this Air Fryer Filet Mignon for another air fryer dinner recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutes for this air fryer filet whole chicken. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full instructions and measurements.
First, choose a 4 to 5 pound chicken. Anything larger probably won’t fit in an air fryer. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw completely beforehand.
Olive oil spray helps get the skin crispy.
Season the chicken all over with sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to add some cayenne or paprika for extra spice.
Taste & Texture
The skin of this air fryer whole chicken is unbelievably crispy, seasoned to perfection with a savory blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
Beneath that golden exterior, the meat is incredibly juicy, tender, and moist, practically falling off the bone.
Each bite is a balance of savory flavor and satisfying texture, making it a meal that everyone will rave about!
How to Make
Step 1
First, remove giblets from the cavity if there are any. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Step 2
In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings. Generously spray the chicken with olive oil spray. Then, rub all over with seasonings.
Step 3
Place the chicken breast side down into your air fryer basket. Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.
Step 4
Use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally. If needed, flip the chicken over and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until cooked through.
Step 5
Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Achieving air fryer whole chicken perfection is simple with these pro tips:
Pat it dry! This is crucial for maximum crispiness. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat down every inch of the chicken.
Generously Season: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! A good coating ensures flavor in every bite.
Cook Breast-Side Down First: This is a game-changer! Starting breast-side down allows the natural juices to flow downwards, keeping the breast meat exceptionally moist and tender.
Preheat if Needed: While not always necessary, preheating your air fryer can help ensure more even cooking and an even crispier skin from the start.
Always Use a Meat Thermometer: For food safety and perfect results, always verify the internal temperature. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C).
Let it Rest: Resting the chicken for 10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. Don’t skip this step!
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
While the basic seasoning is fantastic, feel free to customize your air fryer whole chicken.
Herb Goodness: Add dried or fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to your seasoning mix for an aromatic touch.
Garlic Butter Infusion: Brush the chicken with melted garlic herb butter during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Citrus & Aromatics: Place half a lemon or a quartered onion inside the cavity of the chicken. As it cooks, these will infuse the chicken with subtle, wonderful flavors.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your seasoning for a little heat and depth.
Rub Variations: Experiment with your favorite pre-made poultry rubs or create your own with different spice combinations.
How to Serve & Store
Serving: This Air Fryer Whole Chicken is incredibly versatile! Serve it with your favorite side dishes such as:
Storing: Leftovers are just as delicious!
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through, or in the oven or microwave. The air fryer will help re-crisp the skin!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can. Adjust the cooking time accordingly. A smaller chicken (around 3 lbs) might take closer to 35-40 minutes, while a larger one (6 lbs) could take 55-70 minutes or more. Always rely on a meat thermometer!
It’s often recommended, especially for even cooking and to help get the skin crispy from the start. Some air fryers have a preheat setting.
Ensure you thoroughly patted the chicken dry before seasoning. Also, make sure your air fryer isn’t overcrowded, allowing air to circulate properly around the chicken.
The only way to truly know is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Equipment Needed
Air Fryer: This large air fryer is great for making this air fryer whole chicken.
Meat Thermometer: This meat thermometer is great for accurately measuring the internal temperature of your chicken.
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