Whole Chicken In Air Fryer Recipe
Air Fryer Whole Chicken is the easiest way to enjoy a beautifully golden roast without heating up the oven. Juicy, tender meat and crispy skin make this a winning dinner.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday meal, this simple method turns an everyday whole chicken into a show-stopping centerpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Whole chicken (3 ½ to 4 pounds) — the star of the meal, delivering juicy meat and irresistible aroma.
- Olive oil — helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Chicken seasoning blend — brings bold, savory flavor to every bite.
- Kosher salt — enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
- Paprika — adds subtle warmth and rich color.
- Garlic powder — infuses gentle, aromatic depth.
- Black pepper — balances the seasoning with a touch of heat.
- Dried thyme — introduces an earthy, herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with poultry.
Easy Steps to Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Start by making sure the cavity of the chicken is completely empty and pat the skin dry to help it crisp up beautifully. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then sprinkle it generously with your seasoning blend, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and thyme.
Place the chicken breast-side down in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 30 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken over. Continue cooking for another 20–30 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part of the meat.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to lock in all those flavorful juices before carving and serving.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Whole Chicken
To ensure even cooking and the crispiest skin, always dry the chicken thoroughly and don’t skip flipping it halfway through. Make sure your chicken fits comfortably in the basket — if it’s a tight squeeze, loosen the trussing or gently flatten the bird so it doesn’t touch the top element.
Customize the flavor by swapping in your favorite spice rub or adding a squeeze of fresh lemon over the skin before cooking. Keep an eye on fresh garlic as it can burn in the air fryer; garlic powder is a safer bet for even flavor.
Pour the savory drippings over roasted veggies cooked in the air fryer while the chicken rests — they soak up all that goodness and turn into a perfect side dish.
Storing Leftover Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, shred the meat and freeze it in portions for easy future meals. When reheating, warm it gently in the air fryer or oven to bring back that crispy skin and juicy bite without drying it out.
Whole Chicken In Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 whole chicken approximately 3 ½ to 4 pounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅙ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or as preferred
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning blend or substitute with 1 tablespoon prepared chicken seasoning
Instructions
- Verify that the cavity is empty and thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Coat the entire skin with olive oil and evenly scatter the seasoning blend over the surface. Position the chicken breast-side down in the basket of the air fryer and preheat to 350°F. Roast for 30 minutes, then carefully turn the chicken breast-side up and continue cooking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer indicates an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving.
