Super Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Making a whole chicken is one of those meals that makes me feel like I’m totally crushing dinner. And when I do not have time for an oven, this fryer whole chicken recipe saves the day - it cooks the whole bird in one hour and still gives me super juicy, tender meat with flavorful skin.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer I used 5.5 quart Ninja air fryer
- 1 tongs
- 1 meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- fresh herbs for the cavity: thyme, rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels well, so the skin gets crispy. In a small bowl, mix 3 teaspoons salt , 2 teaspoons paprika , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , 1 teaspoon onion powder , ½ teaspoon black pepper .
- Rub 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil all over the whole chicken.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix on top of the chicken and rub it over the chicken, including the cavity. Stuff the cavity with fresh thyme and rosemary.
- Using the kitchen twine, truss the chicken legs. Optional step: place the chicken to marinate in the fridge for a few hours.
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes to 360°F. Place the chicken in the air fry basket with the breast side down. Air fry at 360°F for 40 minutes. Flip the chicken using silicone tongs. Air fryer for another 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes so the juices stay in. Carve the chicken and enjoy.
Notes
How big of a chicken can I fit in my air fryer: Small Air Fryers (4-5 quarts): for up to 3.5 lbs chickens, Medium to Large Air Fryers (5.5-8 quarts): 4 to 5 lb chickens, Extra Large Air Fryers (10+ quarts): for over 5 lbs chickens.
Nutrition
Calories: 352kcalProtein: 26gFat: 19gSodium: 580mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!