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Home » Blog » Recipes » Main Dish

Best Air Fryer Whole Chicken

by Donya Mullins August 1, 2023 8 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

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This post may contain affiliate links.

This Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe is so easy to make! Roasted chicken that’s tender and juicy on the inside, with crispy skin, is totally irresistible. This guide for making the BEST whole chicken in the air fryer is one you’ll use over and over again!

Weeknight dinner just got extra easy and delicious with this juicy chicken recipe, Roasted Broccoli and Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Whole cooked chicken cooked in the air fryer with golden crispy skin, sliced and served on a bed of fresh parsley on a white plate.


I have long been a fan of roasted chicken. Actually, I’m a big fan of chicken cooked in almost any kind of way. So, since I’m so addicted to chicken recipes, it was only fitting that I come up with a recipe using my Air Fryer. And this one right here, it’s a keeper!

What Makes The Best Roast Chicken?

Without a doubt, tender, juicy meat is a must. Then, when the bird is roasted perfectly, you’ll have crispy skin that is seasoned to perfection. This is what you’ll get when cooking a whole chicken in the Air Fryer.

Whole cooked chicken in the basket of an air fryer with golden brown crispy skin.

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Benefits Of Air Frying

  • One of the great advantages of air frying is its ability to deliver crispy textures similar to deep-frying or a rotisserie chicken but with significantly less oil. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures even cooking and delicious results.
  • Another reason to love air frying is the convenience it brings to the clean-up process. Air fryers come with a removable metal basket and container that are dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe Ingredients

  • Whole Chicken – choose a 3 to 4-pound whole chicken.
  • Olive Oil – spray or rub with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.
  • Your Favorite Seasoning Blend – poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder paprika, taco seasoning, or lemon pepper are all great for this recipe.
  • Lemon Juice
  • Kosher Salt
  • Fresh Cracked Pepper
Whole chicken cooked in the air fryer with golden brown crispy skin served on a white platter with lemon slices and fresh parsley.

How To Cut And Serve A Whole Chicken

  • Start with the legs and wings: Hold the chicken firmly and use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to separate them from the body. Cut through the joints to make the process easier.
  • Separate the breasts: Next, separate the breasts from the carcass. Locate the breastbone in the center and incision on each side, following the rib cage. Use a gentle slicing motion to remove the breast meat from the bones.
  • Slice the breast meat: Once the breasts are removed, slice them into desired portions.
  • Drizzle With Lemon Juice: Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, oregano, or rosemary and serve.
Whole cooked chicken cooked in the air fryer with golden crispy skin, sliced and served on a bed of fresh parsley on a white plate.

Tips For Making Air Fryer Whole Chicken

  • To prepare the chicken, remove any parts that may be in the cavity of the bird. 
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Making sure that the chicken is dry will ensure that the skin crisps up better.
  • Sprinkle the chicken liberally with the seasoning. Make sure you cover all sides of the bird.
  • Place the chicken in the air fryer basket with the BREAST SIDE DOWN. This is probably the most important step, so don’t skip it.
  • Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving. I take the cooking basket out of the Air Fryer and place it on a hot pad to rest.

Make Sure Your Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly

  1. Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
  2. Check the juices: Pierce the chicken near the thigh or breast with a fork or knife. If the juices run clear, with no traces of pink or blood, it indicates that the chicken is cooked.
  3. Let it rest: After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, flavorful, tender chicken.
Sliced chicken breasts cooked in the air fryer served with sautéed zucchini and rice on a white plate on a wooden table.

Commonly Asked Questions

Should I squeeze lemon juice over the chicken after cooking?

Yes, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken breasts for added flavor and freshness.

How long does it take to cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer?

The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. In general, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer.

How do I serve leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Leftover roasted chicken makes a terrific chicken salad, sandwiches, chicken tacos, and it is great to use in soup.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken

This healthy, low-carb, keto-friendly recipe will quickly become your favorite way to cook chicken. Grab your favorite side dish, and some warm bread, and you’ve got an outstanding meal!

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Whole cooked chicken cooked in the air fryer with golden crispy skin, sliced and served on a bed of fresh parsley on a white plate.
4.84 from 6 votes

Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Author: Donya Mullins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 11kcal
Print Pin Rate
This Air Fryer Whole Chicken is so easy to make! Roasted chicken that's tender and juicy on the inside, with crispy skin, is totally irresistible. This guide for making the BEST whole chicken in the air fryer is one you'll use over and over again!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 4-5 pound whole chicken – inside packet removed
  • cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ – ½ Pepper
  • ½ lemon – optional

Instructions

  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Lightly coat with cooking spray and sprinkle with Montreal Steak Seasoning and salt on all sides Place, breast side down, in the basket of Air Fryer. Set temperature to 360 degrees for 40 minutes.
  • Using tongs, turn chicken and continue to cook at 360 degrees for 15 minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is done when the temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  • Let chicken rest for 15 minutes. Carve, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and serve.

Video

Notes

  • To prepare the chicken, remove any parts that may be in the cavity of the bird.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
  • After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, flavorful, tender chicken.
  • You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Leftover roasted chicken makes a terrific chicken salad, sandwich, chicken tacos, and it is great to use in soup.
Nutritional values provided are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used.

Nutrition

Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 56IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
Whole cooked chicken cooked in the air fryer with golden crispy skin, sliced and served on a bed of fresh parsley on a white plate.
Did you make my Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
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Want To Know More About Air Frying?

If you are new to cooking with an Air Fryer or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using the Air Fryer like a pro!

How To Get Started With Air Frying



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    Recipe Rating




  1. Molly

    September 8, 2023 at 1:28 pm

    I tried this recipe last night and it was amazing! Thank you! Only difference is I have an “oven” type AF with a rotisserie attachment. Used that, the meat was so moist, and the skin was crispy, just like I like it!
    P. S. I get your emails, plus follow you on Facebook and Pinterest. And now will be looking for you on YouTube. Just love your recipes!

    Reply
    • Donya Mullins

      September 12, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      Molly, you are THE BEST! Thank you for your kind words and for following and cooking along with me.
      More good things are in the works!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  2. Marion King

    September 1, 2023 at 9:46 am

    Not done yet but i am trying as it sounds amazing and easy too

    Reply
  3. Baltisraul

    August 1, 2023 at 7:42 pm

    We had tonight and it is a keeper. We used Longhorn’s Prairie Dust as our seasoning.

    Reply
    • Donya Mullins

      August 2, 2023 at 9:58 am

      Thank you so much! And I so appreciate the terrific rating.
      ~Donya

      Reply
  4. Jeff

    June 28, 2021 at 2:44 pm

    Been doing leg quarters. Got a small whole chicken this time.
    Going to air fry it using olive oil cooking spray and “Slap ya Mama” seasoning. Should be real good.

    Reply
    • Donya

      June 28, 2021 at 7:04 pm

      Hey Jeff!
      Thank you so much for your fantastic rating! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this recipe, there’s nothing better than a whole fried chicken. I don’t normally cook with “Slap ya Mama” seasoning but I bet it’s fantastic for fried chicken, I’ll have to try it! Thanks for your support!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  5. Susan johnsen

    September 10, 2020 at 5:26 pm

    Just did this tastes amazing

    Reply

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