Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

Laura Lynch

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Did you know you can cook a whole chicken in the Air Fryer? Not only is it one of the easiest ways to make a chicken, it comes out with crispy skin and the juiciest chicken. Skip the oven and make it in the air fryer.

Every time I make a whole chicken in the air fryer, I am astounded by how perfect it turns out. It’s so easy to do that it makes me wonder why I’d cook it any other way. If you haven’t done it, now’s the time to start.

Why You’ll Love It

• Crispy and juicy: This is the absolute best way I’ve ever cooked a chicken. The skin is perfectly crispy and the meat stays super juicy.
• Easy cleanup: All you have to do is clean the air fryer basket. Super simple.
• Leftovers: Left over chicken is great for sandwiches and salads throughout the week. We make chicken tacos, southwestern chicken salads, you name it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Whole chicken – I used a 3-pound chicken here. When buying your chicken be mindful of the size of your air fryer. You don’t want a bird that is too big for your basket.
• Olive oil – Olive oil is my go-to oil though you could use something else. You could also use melted butter.
• Seasonings – Paprika, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and sage. You can also use a dry rub specifically for chicken.

Helpful Tips

• Dry the chicken with a paper towel. This step is important as it allows the oil and seasonings to adhere well to the chicken and promotes crispy skin. Excess moisture on the skin can lead to steaming rather than achieving that desired crispy texture.
• To retain the moisture in the white, drier part of the chicken, it’s recommended to initially place the chicken breast side down. This cooking technique ensures that the juices are distributed and absorbed, keeping the breast meat juicier throughout the cooking process.
• Flip the chicken halfway through to make sure the skin gets crispy all over. Just be careful not to rip the skin up.
• Once done cooking place the chicken on a cutting board, cover, and let rest 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to reabsorb in to the meat before cutting.

Oven Directions

Don’t have an air fryer? No problem!

Preheat the oven to 350° F (180° C).

Follow the first 2 directions down below. Set the chicken, breast side up in a baking dish or roasting pan. Cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Confirm that the internal temperature of the chicken has risen to 165° F (75° C). If not, continue cooking at 5 minute intervals until done.

Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

You can easily cook a whole chicken in the Air Fryer and it comes out with crispy skin and the juiciest chicken.

5 from 136 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 235 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Meat thermometer
• Kitchen Tongs
• Basting Brush

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 3-5 pound chicken
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

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Instructions

 

• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
• Pat the chicken dry. Mix the olive oil and seasonings in a small bowl. Brush the entire chicken with the seasoning paste.
• Preheat the air fryer on 350° F (180° C) for 5 minutes.
• Set the chicken, breast side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 30 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook for another 20-30 minutes. Confirm that the internal temperature of the chicken has risen to 165° F (75° C). If not, continue cooking at 5 minute intervals until done.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.

Notes

• Be sure the chicken you buy can fit in your air fryer basket with a little room around the sides for good air circulation.
• 50 minutes is typically enough for a 3-lb chicken. You may need to cook less or more, depending on the size of your chicken.

All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 20gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 209mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 166IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Air Fryer, Chicken

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Cooking Temperature for Chicken

To ensure that chicken is cooked safely and properly, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a food thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone to accurately measure the internal temperature.

To ensure meat at the bone is no longer pink, you’d want to cook bone-in pieces, like thighs and wings, to 165°F and let it rest to come up to 170°F.

What Size Chicken Fits In An Air Fryer

The size of chicken that fits in an air fryer depends on the capacity or dimensions of your specific air fryer model. However, as a general guideline, a whole chicken weighing around 3.5 to 5 pounds should fit comfortably in a standard 6-quart air fryer. If you have a smaller 4-quart model you should look for a 3-4 pound chicken.

It’s always a good idea to check the dimensions and capacity of your specific air fryer to determine the maximum size of chicken that can be accommodated.

How Long To Cook Chicken In An Air Fryer?

3-Pound Chicken – 50 minutes is enough for a 3 lb chicken. Confirm that the internal temperature of the chicken has risen to 165° F (75° C). If not, continue cooking at 5-minute intervals until done.

5-Pound Chicken – 60 minutes is typically enough for a 5-lb whole chicken. Cook it for 30 minutes at 350°(180° C), then turn it over and cook for another 30 minutes. You’ll know chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken has risen to 165° F (75° C). If not, continue cooking at 5-minute intervals until done.

How to Store and Reheat

To Store

Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours, as this increases the risk of bacterial growth. Wrap cooled chicken in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container. This will help maintain freshness and prevent the chicken from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator or freezer.

Store the chicken in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, place the chicken in the freezer, where it can be stored for up to 3 months.

To Reheat

Place leftovers in the air fryer basket and cook at 350° F for 5-8 minutes. Check it halfway through cooking and adjust the time as needed.

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Laura Lynch

Laura is a passionate foodie and owner of Air Fry Anytime She is dedicated to sharing delicious recipes and helpful tips for using air fryers at home. With years of experience in the kitchen and a love for healthy, flavorful cooking, Laura has become an expert at using air fryers to create amazing meals that are both nutritious and delicious.