Love air fryer recipes? Try my air fryer baked potato, air fryer chicken parmesan, air fryer meatballs, and air fryer grilled cheese. if my family could enjoy their favorite takeout chicken and chips every night, they would, but I have one delicious trick up my sleeve that stops them: my air fryer whole chicken. Air frying a whole chicken is a great idea if you want to enjoy a tender and juicy chicken with extra crispy skin. It’s similar in timing to my Instant Pot whole chicken, but the skin is just THAT much more crispy.
Why I love this recipe
Quick. Compared to an oven-roasted chicken, air frying takes a fraction of the time. No mess. The air fryer catches excess juices, and the clean-up is minimal. However, you can use the drippings to make some epic gravy. Juicy and moist meat EVERY TIME. Because the air fryer creates hot air circulation around the chicken, it can help keep the meat moist and juicy. I don’t need to make elaborate spice rub or marinade to keep it flavorful. Healthier. Using a fraction of the butter and oil that an oven-baked chicken requires without sacrificing taste. Also, my family loves these with potatoes (as pictured). Cook up my air fryer baby potatoes or air fryer red potatoes for the perfect dinner.
Ingredients needed
Whole chicken. I use a 3-pound chicken, which is ideal for feeding 4-6 people and can fit in most air fryers. If you own a larger air fryer, you can use a larger chicken and increase the cooking time (see timing below). Olive oil. Keeps the chicken moist and crisps up the skin. Salt and pepper. To season. Spices. I used smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and mustard powder. You can swap it out for your favorite poultry seasoning (this typically also includes garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil and oregano). Rosemary. Fresh rosemary adds a sweet aroma and flavor.
How to air fryer whole chicken
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Arman’s recipe tips
Trussing the chicken helps it cook evenly and helps it hold its shape while it’s in the air fryer. To truss a chicken, tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body. You’ll know the chicken is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Placing a rack in the bottom of the air fryer basket can help lift the chicken off the bottom and allow for more even cooking. These can be found at homeware stores or online. Brining the chicken before cooking it in the air fryer can help keep it moist and flavorful. To brine a chicken, mix together a solution of water, salt, and sugar (or other seasonings) and soak the chicken in it for several hours or overnight.
Storage instructions
To store. Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cooking time for a whole chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size of your air fryer. Here are the approximate cooking times when cooked at 200C/400F.
3-4 pound chicken: 40-50 minutes 4-5 pound chicken: 50-55 minutes 5-6 pound chicken: 55-60 minutes
Always be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once it is at least 165F, it’s ready to enjoy. To freeze. Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, place in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can also shred it before doing so. Reheating. Microwave portions of the chicken for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven until warm.
Frequently asked questions
More air fryer chicken recipes
Air Fryer chicken drumsticks Air fryer chicken nuggets Air Fryer fried chicken Air fryer chicken parmesan Air fryer chicken tenderloins Air fryer cornish hen Air fryer chicken breast Air fryer chicken thighs
Originally updated February 2024, updated and republished November 2024
