5-Ingredient Air Fryer Whole Chicken: Your Foolproof Guide to a Perfect Dinner

Making a whole chicken in the air fryer has completely changed how I make dinner. It makes the chicken so moist and juicy inside with perfectly crispy skin outside, every single time!

It only takes about 5 minutes to get it ready and about an hour to cook. You get a chicken that tastes like it came from a fancy rotisserie. I love serving it with yummy scalloped potatoes or green beans. You can also shred the meat and use it in tacos. There are so many ways to enjoy it!

General Information

Particulars	Details
Preparation Time	5 min.
Cook Time	60 min.
Total Time	65 min.
Yields	6-8 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Total Calories	295 kcal (Per Serving)
Cuisine	American

This Air Fryer Whole Chicken Is My Best Way To Cook A Whole Bird

If you have never cooked a whole chicken in your air fryer, you are really missing out! It is the fastest, easiest, and most delicious way to cook it. When I have a whole chicken to cook for my family, this is the way I always choose to do it. Here is why I think it’s the best:

• It’s so fast and easy! Compared to cooking a chicken in the big oven, the air fryer is much quicker. It saves a lot of time. It’s so much simpler than other methods I’ve tried.
• The chicken is super juicy with crispy skin. The air fryer does an amazing job of making the skin golden and crispy while keeping the meat inside full of juice and flavor. I have a little trick where I put seasoned butter under the skin, which makes it extra moist and tasty. It only takes a few minutes to do!
• You can get it ready ahead of time. You can put the butter and seasonings on the chicken a day or two before you cook it. Just wait to season the outside skin right before you put it in the air fryer. This helps the skin get extra crispy.

This air fryer chicken is juicier than any other chicken I have made. It’s packed with flavor and has the best crispy skin. Once you try making it with me, you’ll be so happy you did!

Why you’ll love it

• Making chicken in the air fryer is super quick and simple.
• You don’t have to turn on your big oven, which is great when it’s hot outside.
• It’s perfect for making a batch of cooked chicken to use in different meals all week.
• The chicken comes out juicy and tender every single time!

Cooking time and chicken size

How long you need to cook your chicken depends on how big it is. A bigger chicken will need more time to cook all the way through. The times below are a good guide for cooking at 360°F, but every air fryer is a little different.

• 3 to 4-pound chicken: about 45-55 minutes total.
• 4 to 5-pound chicken: about 50-60 minutes total.
• 5 to 6-pound chicken: about 60-70 minutes total.

The most important thing is to use a meat thermometer. No matter the size, your chicken is ready to eat when the inside temperature reaches 165°F.

What you’ll need

To make this yummy chicken, you only need a few simple things. I like to keep the seasoning basic so I can use the leftover chicken in lots of different recipes later.

• Whole Chicken: You will need a chicken that is about 4 to 5 pounds. Make sure you take out the little bag of giblets from inside. Also, check that the chicken is small enough to fit in your air fryer basket!
• Oil: I use about a tablespoon of olive oil. You can also use avocado oil or melted coconut oil. The oil helps the skin get nice and crispy.
• Seasonings: We will use salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mix gives the chicken a wonderful flavor that goes with anything. Of course, you can always add your favorite spices too!

How to air fry a whole chicken

Making this chicken is so easy. Just follow these simple steps!

1. Get the Chicken Ready: First, take your chicken out of the package and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is a very important step to get that super crispy skin we all love!
2. Season It Up: Rub the olive oil all over the outside of the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mix all over the chicken, making sure to cover it evenly.
3. Place in Air Fryer: Carefully place the chicken in the air fryer basket with the breast-side facing down. This helps the whole chicken cook evenly.
4. First Cook: Set your air fryer temperature to 360°F and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Flip the Chicken: When the first 30 minutes are up, carefully use a pair of tongs to flip the chicken over so the breast-side is now facing up.
6. Finish Cooking: Cook for another 20 to 30 minutes at 360°F.
7. Check the Temperature: The chicken is done when a meat thermometer stuck into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F. This is how you know it’s cooked perfectly and is safe to eat.
8. Let It Rest: Take the chicken out of the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before you cut into it. This step is a secret to keeping all the yummy juices inside the meat!

What To Serve With Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This air fryer chicken is so good, it goes with almost anything! Here are some of my favorite sides to serve with it:

• Potatoes: I love making roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or fun smashed potatoes.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad or a roasted vegetable salad is a great choice.
• Vegetables: Simple steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or creamed spinach are all delicious.
• Bread: Don’t forget some warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the juices!

Storing And Using Leftover Chicken

If you have any leftover chicken, you can store it in a container with a tight lid in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it! Just put the leftover meat in a freezer bag and it will be good for up to 3 months. I always save the bones to make yummy homemade chicken broth later!

Here are some easy ideas for your leftover shredded chicken:

• Chop it up to make a tasty chicken salad for sandwiches.
• Stir it into chicken noodle soup.
• Use it in easy casseroles.
• Make chicken tacos or enchiladas.
• Add it to wraps for a quick and healthy lunch.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Here are a few of my best tips to make sure your chicken comes out perfect every time.

• Bring it to room temperature: If you can, take the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you cook it. This helps it cook more evenly.
• Resting is important: Always let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes after it comes out of the air fryer. This keeps the meat super juicy. If you cut it right away, all the juice will run out.
• Truss the chicken: This just means tying the legs together with kitchen string. It helps the chicken hold its shape and cook nicely.
• Use a rack: If you have a little rack for your air fryer basket, use it! Lifting the chicken up helps the hot air cook it from all sides.
• Don’t forget the fat: When the chicken cooks, it will leave some yummy melted fat in the bottom of the basket. Don’t throw it away! You can toss some potatoes or veggies in it and air fry them while the chicken is resting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some common questions I get about this recipe.

How do I get crispy skin on the chicken?

The best trick is to pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before you add the oil and seasonings. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get!

How long does it take to cook a whole chicken in the air fryer?

For a 4 to 5-pound chicken, it usually takes about 50 to 60 minutes at 360°F. But remember, the exact time can change based on the size of your chicken and your specific air fryer model.

How can I tell when the chicken is done cooking?

The best and safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, but don’t touch the bone. It’s done when the temperature reads 165°F.

What size air fryer will fit a whole chicken?

You will need an air fryer that is at least 5 quarts to fit a 4 to 5-pound chicken. If you have a bigger air fryer, that’s even better because it allows more air to move around the chicken.

Can I cut a chicken in half and air fry them?

Yes, you can! This will actually help it cook a little faster. Just be sure to start checking the temperature earlier than you would for a whole chicken.

Can I use a larger or smaller chicken for this recipe?

Of course! Just remember to change the cooking time. A smaller chicken will cook faster, and a larger one will take longer. Always trust your meat thermometer to know when it’s done.

Can I add other seasonings or herbs to the chicken?

Yes, please do! This recipe is a great starting point. You can add smoked paprika, dried rosemary, thyme, or any of your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.

How can I achieve make sure I get crispy skin on the chicken?

Just to say it one more time because it’s so important: make sure the chicken skin is very, very dry before you start. Pat it with paper towels. The oil also helps make it crispy and golden.

Can I cook a stuffed chicken in the air fryer?

I would not recommend this. It is hard to make sure the stuffing in the middle gets cooked to a safe temperature before the chicken gets overcooked. It is much safer to cook your stuffing in a separate dish.

Can you put foil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use a small piece of foil to help with cleanup, but make sure you don’t cover up the air circulation holes in the basket. The hot air needs to move around to cook the food. Always check your air fryer’s instructions to be sure.

Final Words

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is one of my favorite kitchen hacks. It’s so simple, creates less mess, and gives you a wonderfully juicy chicken with amazing crispy skin every single time. I really hope you give this recipe a try. I know your family will love it as much as mine does!

Print