Best Damn Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken
When cooking a whole chicken, the air fryer whole chicken is at the top of my list. With the entire 4-pound chicken made in the air fryer, I get evenly cooked and browned chicken in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. Plus, the air fryer eliminates the need for constantly basting the chicken and results in a juicy and flavorful bird every time.
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken Select a chicken that weighs around 3-4 pounds, as this size will fit comfortably in most air fryers. I used a 4-pound chicken and my Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven. Opt for organic or free-range chickens if possible.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil or Avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Dried rosemary or fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnishing
Instructions
- Discard the neck from the inside of the cavity. Remove any excess fat. Pat dry with paper towels.In a small bowl, combine the oil with all the above seasoning to make a paste.Rub this mixture generously all over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated, including wings, legs, under the skin, and inside the cavity.
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or overnight if time allows, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360F/180C
- Cook and Turn. Place the seasoned chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. This method allows the juices to flow into the breast meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Set the timer and cook for 30 minutes. Turn. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breast-side up. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest. Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.Carve. Remove the legs, thighs and wings by cutting through the joints. Next, make a cut through the breastbone to separate the two halves. Finally, slice the breast meat and serve it up with your favorite sides. Kitchen Tip: You can save the carcass for homemade chicken broth! You can store it in the fridge in the storage bag for 3-4 days or freeze it for later if you're not quite ready to make your broth right away.Serve. May I recommend some of my favorites: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Carrots, or Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper?
Notes
Tips
Before cooking your whole chicken in the air fryer, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy skin when cooking. Season the chicken generously with your favorite herbs and spices, both inside and out, to enhance the flavor.
Do not use chunky herbs and spices. This is because any large pieces of seasoning on the skin may end up burning and becoming unpleasantly charred. Instead, opt for finely ground herbs and spices that will meld into the chicken during cooking, giving it a delicious flavor without sacrificing texture.
Check for burned skin. Beginner tip: Check on your chicken at least 3 times or every 20 minutes. If you find that the skin of your chicken is burning, don't panic! Quickly remove the chicken from the air fryer and cover the skin with a layer of aluminum foil. Use toothpicks or even a little kitchen twine to secure the foil to the chicken. This will ensure that the foil stays put and does not fly in the air fryer.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 358mgPotassium: 193mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.03gVitamin A: 205IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
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