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, Stuffed Baked Potatoes, and Garlic Skillet Rolls.
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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 Is The Secret To The Best Roasted 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.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- Whole Chicken – choose a 3 to 4-pound whole chicken.
- Olive Oil – spray or rub with olive, avocado, 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
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 its convenience for cleaning. Air fryers come with a removable metal basket and dishwasher-safe container, making clean-up a breeze.
How To Cook A Whole Chicken In An Air Fryer
- 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.
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.
Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Chicken
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken breasts for added flavor and freshness.
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.
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!
- Best Scalloped Potatoes
- Everyday Green Salad
- Southern Style Green Beans
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Southern Pineapple Casserole
Equipment
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.
Nutrition
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!
Crisp & Quick: Best Air-Fryer Recipes!
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My go-to air fryer recipes... you have to try these!
Rebecca D.
Excellent recipe and so easy! Thanks for another great one!!!
Thanks so much!
~Donya
Angel
Delicious
Thanks so much!
~Donya
Molly
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!
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
Marion King
Not done yet but i am trying as it sounds amazing and easy too
Baltisraul
We had tonight and it is a keeper. We used Longhorn’s Prairie Dust as our seasoning.
Thank you so much! And I so appreciate the terrific rating.
~Donya
Jeff
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.
Donya
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
Susan johnsen
Just did this tastes amazing