Description
This Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe delivers a perfectly crispy and juicy chicken with minimal effort. Seasoned with a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic, onion powder, and herbs, this method ensures a deliciously tender bird cooked quickly in your air fryer. Ideal for a simple, fuss-free weeknight dinner that yields a beautifully roasted chicken with golden skin and juicy meat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 lbs), giblets removed
Seasoning
- 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 Aromatics
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the olive or avocado oil all over the chicken, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Then, apply the spice mix evenly over the entire chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
- Add Aromatics (Optional): Stuff the chicken cavity with halved lemon and fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to infuse an extra layer of fragrance and flavor during cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and preheat for 4–5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for the chicken.
- Place Chicken in Air Fryer: Position the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket carefully.
- Initial Cooking: Air fry the chicken at 360°F for 30 minutes to start crisping the skin and cooking the underside.
- Flip the Chicken: Using tongs, carefully turn the chicken breast side up to ensure even cooking.
- Finish Cooking: Continue air frying for another 25–30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for moist and tender meat.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite side dishes, enjoying the crispy skin and juicy interior.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the chicken well to get crispy skin.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results and food safety.
- Adjust seasoning quantities based on preference and chicken size.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy.
- Optional lemon and herbs add flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
