Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

• Chicken -  Choose a whole chicken that is about 3 to 4 lbs in size and not bigger. It should be able to fit in your air fryer basket without touching the top. I used my 6-quart Instant Vortex air fryer to cook 3 ¾ pound chicken.
• Butter - It enhances flavor more than olive oil and helps with browning. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt.
• Spices - I used a simple yet flavorful blend of paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and Italian seasoning—no mincing or chopping required.
  

1. Mix melted butter along with all spices.

2. Remove all giblets from the cavity and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels on all sides. Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels and tuck the wings under.

3. Loosen skin from the breast meat by running a small flat spoon or your fingers gently underneath the skin.

4. Spread the seasoning under the loosened skin directly on top of the meat and then all over the skin. Air fry chicken at 370 degrees for 30 minutes, flip and cook at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees.

How long to cook?

I use two different temperatures to cook the air fryer whole chicken. First, cook the chicken, breast side down at 370°F for 30 minutes. Then, flip it breast side up and lower the temperature to 350°F. A 3-pound chicken will need 45 to 50 minutes, while a 4-pound chicken will take about 60 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F, to avoid overcooking.

You now need to remove the chicken from the air fryer onto a cutting board or platter and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

Secret tips for a juicy air fryer whole chicken

Roasting a whole chicken in the air fryer couldn’t be simpler! With just a few tips, you can have a perfect roast chicken ready in about an hour. Consider this option for a small, intimate Thanksgiving gathering instead of turkey.

• Add water into the basket. While it might sound unusual, the steam created ensures the meat stays juicy.
• Pat dry. Make sure to dry the skin thoroughly with paper towels on all sides to remove all moisture.
• Cook the chicken breast side down for the first 30 minutes, then flip it. This helps keep the white meat from drying out.
• Spreading spiced butter under the skin directly onto the breast ensures a flavorful and tender result.
• Make sure not to tear the skin when loosening with a spoon.
• Let it rest. Allow to rest after air frying for about 10 minutes. You want to allow the delicious juices to soak back into the meat before slicing.
• Be careful not to overcook. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but remove it from the heat just before it hits that mark. Insert the meat thermometer into the thigh, away from the bone. Remember, the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees as it rests.

How to Store Leftovers?

Remove the air fryer whole chicken meat from the carcass and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or place it in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave! Refresh the flavors with a little salt and pepper.

What to do with leftover roast chicken?

Possibilities are almost endless, besides being delicious on its own, the shredded meat taste scrumptious served in so many ways.

1. Sandwiches - Toss with bbq sauce to make a pulled barbecue sandwich or make this avocado sandwich.
2. Salad - Add chopped meat to your favorite salads for added protein or try in this rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
3. Soups - Add this to your favorite soup recipes to make it more filling and hearty.
4. Dip - Try this buffalo ranch chicken dip.
5. Quesadilla - Make a Spicy Mexican Quesadilla.
6. Fried Rice - Make a quick fried rice with scrambled eggs, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper and cooked rice.

Is an air fryer big enough for a whole chicken?

The cooking time depends on both the size of your air fryer and the chicken you’ve bought. Most store-bought chickens weigh around 3 to 4 pounds (organic options are typically closer to 3 pounds). A 6-quart air fryer can handle a chicken of this size, but it's best not to use a chicken larger than 4 pounds in a 6-quart air fryer.

Tips for Success

• Check inside the chicken and remove any giblets. Not all chickens have them, so don't be concerned if you don’t find any.
• Cook the chicken breast side down and flip after 30 minutes.
• A 3 lb chicken will need 40-50 minute,s while a 4lb chicken will need closer to 55 minutes.
• Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer. Check it early to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
• After removing the chicken, brush it with the dripping to enhance its flavor and keep it moist.
  

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