Description
A simple and festive recipe for cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4.5 pounds)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons oil or softened butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, thyme)
- Optional: lemon, onion, garlic, fresh herbs for the cavity
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry. This part matters more than people think. Dry skin equals crispier skin.
- Remove any giblets if they are inside. Then tuck the wing tips under the body if you can, so they do not overcook.
- Rub the outside with oil or butter. Season generously with salt, pepper, and your spice blend.
- Preheat your air fryer if your model does better with that.
- Place the chicken breast side down in the basket first. Cook at 360°F for about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Carefully flip the chicken breast side up. Cook another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the thickest part of the breast hits 165°F.
- Rest the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting.
Notes
For even crispier skin, let the chicken sit uncovered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Always use a thermometer to check for doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American