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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Style)

A beautifully browned and seasoned air fryer whole chicken resting on a white plate.
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Follow this simple recipe to cook a whole chicken in your air fryer. You will achieve golden, crispy skin and perfectly moist meat, similar to rotisserie style, ready fast for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

  1. Remove the chicken from its packaging. Take out any giblets from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken very dry, inside and out, using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create your seasoning rub.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the exterior of the chicken.
  4. Generously sprinkle the seasoning rub all over the chicken, making sure to cover the entire surface, including the legs and wings.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up into your air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help it fit better.
  6. Set your air fryer temperature to 380°F (195°C). Cook for 40 minutes.
  7. After 40 minutes, carefully open the air fryer and check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The temperature should read 165°F (74°C).
  8. If the temperature is not yet reached, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until done. For extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final 5 minutes.
  9. Once cooked, carefully remove the whole chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving. This resting time keeps the meat juicy.

Notes

  • For the juiciest results, ensure your chicken is completely dry before seasoning. Moisture prevents crisping.
  • If your chicken is smaller (under 3 lbs), reduce the initial cooking time slightly. If it is larger (over 4 lbs), add 5-10 minutes to the total cook time.
  • This recipe works well for a quick whole roast chicken when you need a fast main course.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/air-fryer-whole-chicken/