Whole Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer feature image resting on black plate

5 from 1 vote

This crispy Whole Chicken Air Fryer Recipe is a foolproof way to get golden, flavorful skin and tender meat with minimal effort! Perfectly seasoned chicken cooks in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Prep Time10

Resting Time10

Total Time1 20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 326kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Air Fryer
Small Mixing bowl
Measuring Spoons
Meat thermometer
Tongs

Ingredients

1 whole chicken about 4-5 lbs, giblets removed
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and rinse the chicken inside and out. Pat it dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix the onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the chicken with olive oil, ensuring it is coated evenly.
Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin.
Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 30 minutes.
Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

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

Freeze Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

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

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.

Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition