Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat without heating up your oven. This simple recipe uses classic Italian seasonings for a flavorful, tender bird perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken (giblets removed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rub the entire chicken with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Evenly rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: Carefully flip the chicken so it is breast side up. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the chicken.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying oil and seasonings.
• Add lemon slices or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme inside the chicken cavity for enhanced flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked through without drying out.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crisp skin and juicy meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook a larger or smaller chicken using this method?

Yes, you can adjust cooking times slightly based on the size of your chicken. Larger birds may need 5-10 minutes more per side, while smaller ones will require less time. Always check the internal temperature to ensure doneness.

Do I need to flip the chicken halfway through cooking?

Flipping the chicken helps it cook evenly and ensures the skin crisps on all sides, so it’s recommended. If you prefer not to flip, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly and rotate the chicken occasionally if possible.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 57 reviews

This Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare a perfectly cooked, juicy whole chicken with crispy skin using the convenience of an air fryer. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika, then air fried to a tender finish in just about an hour, making it an efficient and delicious meal option.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Whole Chicken

• 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed

Seasoning

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Rub the whole chicken all over with olive oil to help the seasonings adhere and promote crispy skin during cooking.
2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly all over the chicken’s surface to infuse flavor.
3. Initial cook in air fryer: Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook the chicken for 30 minutes, allowing the bottom and sides to crisp.
4. Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the chicken breast side up. Continue cooking at 360°F for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.

Notes

• Make sure to remove giblets from the chicken cavity before seasoning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Rest the chicken for 10 minutes after cooking before carving to retain juices.
• Adjust cooking time slightly for smaller or larger chickens as needed.
• For extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Keywords: Air fryer whole chicken, crispy whole chicken, easy air fryer recipes, Italian seasoned chicken, juicy air fryer chicken