Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy, golden skin while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Here’s a recipe for an air-fried whole chicken:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, quartered (optional)
- Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove any giblets from the cavity of the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, both inside and out, to ensure a crispy skin.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil or melted butter, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover both the outside and inside the cavity. For extra flavor, you can place lemon quarters and fresh herb sprigs inside the cavity.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. This position allows the juices to flow into the breast meat, keeping it moist.
- Cook the chicken at 360°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.
- Flip the Chicken:
- After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breast side up. Continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist.
- Serve:
- Carve the chicken into serving pieces and serve it hot. Pair it with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy the crispy, flavorful air-fried whole chicken with your favorite sauces or gravies.
Tips:
- Cooking Time: The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken and your air fryer model. A general rule is to cook for about 15 minutes per pound.
- Crispier Skin: For an extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Leftovers: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
