Treat yourself to a beautifully roasted whole chicken straight from your air fryer. This recipe delivers crispy skin and juicy, tender meat with just a handful of seasonings, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner. In under an hour, you’ll achieve golden perfection that rivals traditional oven roasting, with minimal prep and cleanup.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
You’ll love this air fryer whole chicken recipe because it’s incredibly easy and delicious. The air fryer locks in the juices, ensuring each bite is succulently moist and the skin perfectly crisps. Plus, it’s a healthier option with less oil and hassle-free cleanup, freeing up your time to relax or prepare sides. This method turns an everyday meal into a delightful culinary experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serve your air-fried whole chicken with these delicious sides for a complete and satisfying meal:
- A mix of spices: Dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper add a smoky, savory depth that enhances every bite.
- A whole chicken: The star of the dish, it becomes juicy and flavorful in the air fryer, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
- Avocado oil: Helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and creates a beautifully crispy, golden skin without overpowering the flavors.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your air fryer whole chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:
- Size Matters: Make sure the whole chicken you select can fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate for even cooking, so make sure the chicken fits comfortably.
- Watch the Clock: Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and weight of your chicken. A smaller chicken cooks more quickly, so monitor it closely to prevent it from becoming overdone.
- Dry the chicken well: Removing excess moisture ensures the skin crisps up beautifully.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve your air-fried whole chicken with these delicious sides for a complete and satisfying meal:
- Baked potatoes: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these are a perfect companion to soak up the chicken’s juices.
- Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, Air-fried Shishito Peppers, glazed carrots, or steamed green beans for a vibrant and wholesome addition.
- Salads: A crisp Caesar salad or a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the chicken.
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Roasting Chicken?
The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat without the need for excessive oil. It’s faster, cleaner, and more energy-efficient than traditional oven roasting, making it a game-changer for home cooks.
Storing Your Chicken
Storing your air fryer whole chicken is simple and convenient, making your delicious meal last longer:
- Refrigerator: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will remain fresh and flavorful for up to four days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the chicken well and freeze it. It will keep perfectly for up to four months, ready to warm up for a quick and tasty meal whenever needed.
If you love this air fryer whole chicken, don’t miss my other easy and delicious air fryer recipes like BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, Juicy Air Fried Steak, and perfectly cooked Juicy Air Fryer Steak—all bursting with flavor and ready in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a whole chicken in an air fryer if it’s still partially frozen?
It’s best to fully thaw your chicken before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and reaches the safe internal temperature. Cooking from partially frozen can result in uneven cooking and a less desirable texture.
What’s the ideal temperature to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer?
Cooking your chicken at 360°F (182°C) is ideal. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly while developing a perfectly crisp skin.
How can I confirm that the chicken is ready to eat?
The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone. This ensures your chicken is both safe to eat and deliciously juicy.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 small whole chicken 3-4 pounds
- 2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and avocado oil. Mix well.
- Rub the skin of the chicken with the mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Gently place the seasoned whole chicken into the preheated air fryer basket, breast side down.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size and weight of the chicken. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the whole chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for minutes before carving.
