Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is a game-changer for busy families! With this simple recipe, you’ll get crispy skin and juicy meat in less time, making it a perfect meal for health-conscious eaters and entertaining guests.

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by making it possible to achieve crispy, delicious meals with less oil. This whole chicken recipe takes advantage of the air fryer’s efficiency, delivering a perfectly cooked bird with minimal effort.

Why we love this recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe saves time without sacrificing flavor.
• Healthier Option: Using an air fryer reduces the need for excess oil, making this dish a healthier choice.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a beautifully crispy and juicy chicken.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

If you like this chicken recipe, you may also love our Greek Style Lemon Chicken with Roasted Potatoes or our Old Fashioned Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Jump to:

• What Ingredients Will You Need?
• Instructions
• How to Make a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
• What Are Some Good Substitutions?
• How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
• What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
• How Should You Store This?
• What Are Some Expert Tips?
• More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
• Related
• FAQ
• 📖 Recipe
• Important Food Safety Tips
• 💬 Share Your Thoughts

What Ingredients Will You Need?

• Whole Chicken: Look for a 4-5 lbs bird, perfect for the air fryer basket.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Essential for that savory kick.
• Dried Thyme: Brings a touch of earthy herbiness.
• Cayenne Pepper: For a hint of spice.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes crispy skin.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best taste.

Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Instructions

How to Make a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer

STEP ONE: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C).

Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity, rinse the chicken inside and out, and pat it dry with paper towels.

STEP TWO: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, ensuring it is well-coated.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin.

STEP THREE: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket.

Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

STEP FOUR: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

What Are Some Good Substitutions?

• Thyme: Substitute with rosemary or oregano for a different herb profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Replace with smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil is a great alternative and has a high smoke point.

How Can You Change This Recipe Up?

• Flavor: Add lemon pepper to the seasoning for a fresh, citrusy twist.
• Spice: Increase the cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Kid-Friendly: Reduce the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.

What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?

_{This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.}

• Air Fryer
• Small Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs

How Should You Store This?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.

What Are Some Expert Tips?

For the best results, ensure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve crispy skin.

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

More Recipes You'll Love ♥️

Have Leftover Ingredients?

• Shred the chicken and use it in chicken tacos for your next taco night.
• Add chicken to a healthy chicken salad for a quick lunch
• Transform it into a comforting bowl of chicken soup.

Need Something To Pair This With?

• Air Fryer Chicken pairs wells with this Instant Pot Basmati Rice.
• You may also enjoy this air fryer chicken recipe with these Easy Air Fryer Potato Wedges.
• Enjoy the chicken with this fresh Garden Salad.

Related

More air fryer recipes you will love:

FAQ

📖 Recipe

Try this whole chicken in the air fryer recipe for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal! Share your results with us and explore more recipes on our blog to keep your family dinners exciting and nutritious.

Important Food Safety Tips

Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illnesses. Always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.

• Create a clean work area.
• Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
• Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
• Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
• Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.