that’s it Air Fryer Whole Chicken changed my life. This method produces a perfectly cooked chicken with the sweetest skin and juiciest breast meat. It’s easier and faster than baking chicken in the oven.
This article may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Tutorial Video
I love easy, versatile protein-rich recipes like my favorite Meatloaf, Beef Tenderloin, Crispy Baked Chicken Wings, and Pan-seared Cod. This Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe is a staple that I make over and over again for a delicious weeknight dinner or easy meal prep.
Why I love cooking a whole chicken in the Air Fryer
I make this chicken all the time because it’s so easy – no basting, trussing, or stuffing required! This results in the juiciest skin on the meat.
I start by brushing on a quick dressing at home, then air-fry it, bottom side first, so it gets crispy and stays juicy. It is done in less time than cooking roasted chicken in the oven.
Ingredients
- Whole chicken – between 3.5 and 5.5 kilos. Check your fryer to determine what size of bird will not touch the heating element. I usually fry birds up to 5.5lbs in a 6 Quart Air Fryer with rack removed– this also helps the chicken eat the juice.
- Extra light olive oil – helps create a sweet skin, moist and tender meat, and helps the spices stick to the chicken, without giving the meat a strong flavor.
- spices – salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin powder are the best spices. You can easily change the spices – try adding 1/2 tsp dried oregano, basil, or rosemary.
How to make a whole chicken in the Air Fryer
- Prepare the chicken – Remove the neck and the giblets bag from the inside and dry them well with a paper towel (this is the best tip for delicate skin!). Rub all over with oil, then sprinkle with spices.
- Place the chicken in the pan air fryer basket to the right. I remove the rack to give the chicken more room and let it bask in its own juices, which keep the breast meat in place. The chicken should not touch the sides of the basket to allow air to circulate through the delicate skin.
- Air Fry for 30 minutes at 350°F, then flip and cook until a meat thermometer registers 165°F on the breast (see chart for cooking times). Note: Many roasters are not large enough for a whole chicken – if possible you can place the chicken on the underside of the breast but make sure it does not touch the heating element.
- DIFFERENT the chicken for 5 or 10 minutes and the juices redistribute (keeps the meat juicy and the meat cleaner). Then serve!
How long does it take to cook a whole chicken in the Fryer?
The size of the chicken will determine the whole cooking time in the table below. Start with the breast down and toss after 30 min Then raise the Fry to this table or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F (thighs should reach 175˚F+).
- 3 1/2 lbs: 45-50 minutes total
- 4 lbs: 50-55 minutes total
- 4 1/2 lbs: 55-60 minutes total
- 5 lbs: 60-65 minutes total
- 5 1/2 lbs: 65-70 minutes total
What to Serve with Air Fryer Roasted Chicken
Fits well in many ways. Here are a few favorites:
I hope this Air Fryer Whole Chicken makes dinner easy for you! If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it went.
Leftover chicken?
You’ll find storage and refreezing tips on the recipe card below. I like to use leftovers anywhere you use rotisserie chicken, like in Chicken Tetrazzini, Cobb Salad, or Avocado Chicken Salad, or put it in a Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich for lunch.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is the easiest way to cook a whole chicken with a crispy, salty skin and a soft, juicy center. You’ll love my recipe for succulent chicken breasts, because they’re perfect for meal prep, using in recipes, or making a delicious weeknight dinner.
-
Prepare the chicken – Place the chicken on a plate or plate. Remove all the neck and giblets from inside the chicken cavity and discard. Pat the chicken well on a paper towel – dryness equals dryness. Apply oil all over the body. In a small bowl, mix all the spices. Sprinkle the spices on the outside of the chicken.
-
Put it in there Air fryer Basket – If your chicken is larger than 4 lbs, remove the basket from the air-drying basket. Place the chicken breast side down in the basket – this also keeps the chicken’s breasts moist when bathing.
-
Cook At 350°F for 30 minutes, use a meat tenderloin and a spatula to turn the chicken breast. Continue cooking 15-35 minutes (*see timing chart below) or until a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Thighs usually read 175˚F+, which is ideal.
-
DIFFERENT – Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to release juices before carving.
Total cooking time by weight (converted to 30 minutes)
Since air fryer models vary, always check doneness with a thermometer, and it should reach 165ËšF in the thickest part of the breast.
- 3 1/2 lb chicken: 45-50 min total
- 4 lb chicken: 50-55 min total
- 4 1/2 lb chicken: 55-60 min total
- 5 lb chicken: 60-65 min total
- 5 1/2 lb chicken: 65-70 min total
Storage and reheating:
- Reduce the temperature of the refrigerator – cool the chicken to cool within 2 hours of cooking, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezing – when cool, remove the bones from the meat and put it in the fridge or container for 3-4 months. Keep the chicken carcass. Refrigerate overnight.
- Reheat – the meat can be reheated in the fryer. Brush or oil to prevent drying and air at 325˚F until heated to 165°F.
318kcal Calories1h Carbs24h protein24h fat
The facts about food
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Money per service
% Daily Value*
* Daily percentage values ​​are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer recipes, like this Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer, cook a wide range of dishes from vegetables to meat and even dessert recipes! Check out some of our favorites: