Description
This Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe offers a simple and delicious way to prepare a perfectly cooked, juicy whole chicken with crispy skin using your air fryer. Seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and optionally stuffed with fresh herbs and lemon, it’s a quick and flavorful meal that yields tender and savory results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 lbs), giblets removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Optional Stuffing
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Remove giblets from the chicken and pat it completely dry using paper towels. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Season the chicken: Rub the olive or avocado oil all over the chicken, coating thoroughly. Then, apply the spice mix evenly over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
- Optional stuffing: Stuff the cavity of the chicken with halved lemon and fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to enhance the aroma and taste.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 4–5 minutes for optimal cooking temperature.
- Position chicken in air fryer: Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket to start cooking the back and thighs first.
- First cooking phase: Air fry the chicken at 360°F for 30 minutes to begin the cooking process and develop crispy skin.
- Flip the chicken: Carefully flip the chicken using tongs so that the breast side is now facing up, ensuring even cooking on all sides.
- Second cooking phase: Continue air frying at 360°F for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F, confirming it is fully cooked.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10–15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute for tender and moist meat.
- Serve: Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve the crispiest skin.
- Using an instant-read thermometer helps ensure the chicken is cooked safely and perfectly.
- Stuffing with lemon and herbs is optional but adds wonderful flavor and aroma.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken and your air fryer model.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking improves juiciness and makes carving easier.
