The best use of your air fryer is making this air fryer whole chicken. The meat is juicy and the skin is extra crispy like a rotisserie chicken...you are going to love how easy this whole chicken in the air fryer is!
I have made several things in my air fryer that I love, but I think this Air Fryer whole chicken is my new favorite. The chicken is perfectly tender and juicy (even the white meat!) and has extra crispy skin. My family gives it rave reviews! I bet you didn't think you could air fry a whole chicken, but you can! It just depends on how big your air fryer is and how big of a chicken you have.
I love this technique so much more than making a roast chicken in the oven. This air fried whole chicken is more like a rotisserie chicken because of the amazing flavor from the seasonings! A lot of people serve the air fried roast chicken with roasted potatoes for a classic complete meal. I like to pull the meat from the bone and have it on salads for a low carb and keto friendly meal.
More easy air fryer recipes: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer Bacon, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, and Air Fryer chicken tenders. This air fryer whole chicken is one of my most popular, though. Along with my air fryer chicken thighs and air fryer chicken breasts!
Air fryer whole chicken recipe
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this air fryer whole chicken recipe so you can make the best roast chicken the first time, and every time. For a printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
5 - 6 pound chicken, giblets removed
Seasoning blend:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
How to air fry a whole chicken
This section explains how to make this whole chicken in the air fryer recipe, step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
This recipe has easy steps but I have a few tricks that will ensure that your chicken does not dry out before it is cooked all of the way through. The most important thing when making an air fryer rotisserie chicken is that you have juicy meat! I would say that is even more important than having super crispy skin.
I started with a chicken that was approximately 5 pounds and I use my 5.7 quart air fryer. You can use a smaller chicken but the cooking time would need to be reduced.
I removed all of the stuff from the cavity and I patted the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the chicken skin crisp up and help your seasoning stick.
Then I combined all of the seasoning blend spices and oil in a small bowl to make a paste.
Coat the entire outside of the chicken with the seasoning rub a basting brush.
Now it's time to put the whole bird in the air fryer basket breast side down. After experimenting, I discovered that if I left the legs up then it was hard to get the basket to open and the chicken legs got way over cooked because they were too close to the heating element. Chicken breast side down for the first 50 minutes of cook time is the best way to keep everything nice and moist so you can have the most delicious air fryer roast chicken.
I cooked the chicken at 360F for 50 minutes breast side down, then I flipped it and did 10 more minutes. It is important to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165F using an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken, usually the breast. You may need to add extra time to the air fryer until the temperature is reached in the breast.
You now need to remove the chicken from the air fryer onto a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
I am telling you now, you will not believe how delicious and juicy chicken in the air fryer is. It really is the easiest way to make the perfect roast chicken!
Is an air fryer big enough for a whole chicken?
It really depends on the size of your air fryer and the size chicken you bought. Most chickens you buy in the store are around 5 to 6 pounds. If you have an air fryer that is smaller than 5 quarts, you may need to find a smaller chicken.
Some newer conventional ovens now have air fry as a setting so you would be able to air fry any size whole chicken in it!
What to do with leftover roast chicken?
- Pull the chicken from the bone and make sandwiches, chicken salad, or enchiladas (save the carcass in a freezer bag to make chicken broth later) for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
- My favorite way is to use in Chicken Noodle soup or any soup that contains shredded chicken.
- Here is a good use for leftover shredded chicken (30+ Shredded Chicken Recipes)
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Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Crispy Skin
Ingredients
- 5-7 lb Whole chicken, giblets removed
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (Click here for my favorite brand on Amazon) or your favorite cooking oil
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (I prefer smoked paprika)
- ½ teaspoon Dried basil
- ½ teaspoon Dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Dried thyme
Equipment
Instructions
- Combine all of the seasonings with the oil to make a paste and spread it all over the chicken.
- Place chicken in the basket, breast side down, and cook at 360 degrees F for 50 minutes. Flip the chicken to breast side up and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Check to make sure the internal temperature of your chicken breast meat has an internal temperature of 165F using an instant read thermometer. Continue to cook until the temperature is reached. Remove from the air fryer basket to a cutting board and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Jennifer's tips
- The nutrition information is for 4 ounces of air fried whole chicken
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition per serving
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.
Chez says
The chicken thighs l cooked in airfryer as you suggested.
They were perfect and the seasoning over them was delicious. . So simple to do. I just love my airfryer. Thank you for the recipe.
Nicholas K. says
This is my go to method for cooking a whole chicken that I do once a week. I have been for the last few months now. It’s quick and it’s easy to make for my work lunches. Thanks
Sue Kehoe says
Can you estimate the time for using this recipe for, say, bone in chicken breasts or drumsticks? I absolutely love this recipe!!
Brian Donnelly says
I've been cooking whole chickens for years and have tried every way you can imagine. This recipe isn't only the easiest but it's the best!! Juicy, flavourful, and beautiful crispy skin!!
Stanley Johnson says
Thank you so much for doing this post! I have been debating the air fryer for months and I am just overwhelmed at the number of choices. This really helps me see which one will meet my specific needs.
Lisa Myers says
Absolutely Excellent. Works wonders in my air fryer every time. Many thanks.
Sue Kehoe says
I'm pretty sure I have reviewed this before because I love this recipe. It comes out perfectly every time. Would the timing change if I used a cut up whole chicken?
Jennifer Banz says
So happy you love the recipe! The time would be less for a cut up whole chicken. If it is all the pieces of the bird, they would all cook at different rates. The breasts would take the longest to cook. I have instructions for chicken thighs and chicken legs in the air fryer here: https://jenniferbanz.com/air-fryer-chicken-thighs
https://jenniferbanz.com/air-fryer-chicken-legs-super-crispy
LP says
Fantastic recipe and would be 5 stars, if not so salty. I'll add 1/2 the amount next time I make it and it should be perfect for me. The chicken was juicy and the skin was perfect. I added smoked pepper and it gave it a little something interesting. Can't wait to try more of your recipes! 🙂
Eileen says
How do I adjust cooking time for larger bird?
Jennifer Banz says
The best way to check for doneness is to use an internal meat thermometer. Keep cooking until it reads 165F.
Carmen says
The chicken was amazing!! Thanks for sharing.
Victoria says
Made this as instructed and it was amazing! Juicy and crispy! Thankyou x
Karen Juszkiewicz says
Wonderful recipe. When I make this for my buddy Cheryl I omit black pepper and paprika due to allergies with fabulous results. I just add black pepper to my serving.
Linda says
Best way to cook a chicken - thank you!
Mona S Wachsler says
I've used this recipe dozens of times and my friend does too. It turns out fantastic each and every time. I have made it with three-pound chickens, adjusting the breast down-before-flipping time of 50 minutes. Just figure 10 minutes per pound before you flip it and you'll have a perfectly cooked chicken! Also, I do not take my chickens to 165, but rather I remove them at 160 and let them rest for 20-30 minutes. It will reach 165 or more as it rests. Perfect every time!
Try adding lemon wedges and garlic cloves to the inside. I also always use heaping measuring spoons of spices. 🙂
Darlene says
Thank you for your info. I will use your timing.😊
Valentina Prutkina says
I am new to air fryer and did not know timing and temperature to use.
This recipe is just great for frying whole chicken!
Thanks so MUCH!
I am now encouraged to try more.
Looking forward to finding other gems on your website!
Nancy Bass says
This was fabulous!!! Thank you so much! I also just bought your cook book and love it!
Lisa says
Looks great! Just wondering if you use the roast function or the fry function?
Jennifer Banz says
I use the air fry function for all of my air fryer recipes.
Sara B Rickabaugh says
This was my first experience cooking so large a chicken in my air fryer. Actually, I am new to the air fryer. I followed the directions and it came out perfectly except for the doneness, I had to cook it for a few more minutes. I am going to shread it to use in several dishes. I am widowed so it will last me a long time.
Lori says
Hi Jennifer, just wanted to say that this is another awesome recipe. Made it for dinner Sunday night with some roasted veggies and made gravy of course. Delicious, and making soup with the leftovers today. 😋 Truly such a simple and tasty roast chicken recipe xoxo
Iris says
First time using the air fryer function on my oven. Oiled the chicken with olive oil first. Then, covered it with a dry rub of spices. Cooked it breast side up for one hour. Then, flipped it and cooked it for 20 minutes. Chicken came out juicy and tender. This will be my go to recipe for cooking a whole chicken.
Anne McIntyre says
This is the only way I cook whole chicken now; perfect every time!
Dominique says
I always use this recipe for roasting whole chickens in my air fryer, but 40+10 minutes is never enough for a 5lb chicken. I do at least 40+20 or 30 more minutes. I also throw the organs in the last 5 minutes as they have a lot of health benefits!
Sue Kehoe says
I'm not sure whether or not I have already commented on this recipe, but, in any event, all I can say is that it's the best chicken I have ever had!! On top of that, it is fool proof and, reliable and so very easy
Dawna says
Best whole chicken I ever made. Used vegi oil instead of avocado oil.y husband who hated white meat even lived the breat.
Zayean says
I used this recipe a couple of times already. had a smaller whole chicken, so less time in the air fryer. Great recipe. Delicious.
Hindi says
So easy… so juicy and delicious… it’s become my first go to recipe.. I’ve even used it to make air fryer wings…
connie says
This was very easy and juice, the only thing was the skin was very tough. Is there any advise?
Sarah Leah Treisman says
I love this recipe! It is my all time favorite! Thank You for sharing it! Any recommendations on cook time for a 3 pound bird?
Kathy says
Absolutely fantastic recipe and simple to make. Chicken came out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. I will make this chicken again and again. AIR FRYER RECIPES ARE THE BOMB!!!!!
Perla says
My airfryer has a maximum temp of 200. How many kilos of whole chicken do I need? Thank you.
jenniferbanz says
2 or 2.5 kilos
Antony says
Remember 360 degrees is the temperature in Fahrenheit. So set your appliance to 180 which will be the equivalent in Celsius.
Tracey says
My airfryer has an airfryer and a roast option. Which one should I use please?
jenniferbanz says
Air fry
Julie says
My Walmart sells seasoned compound butter. I bought some and rubbed my entire chicken with it. I additionally sprinkled the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder & paprika. I spritz with a little olive oil. I air fried per recipe directions. I cannot rave enough!! I’m so glad I chose your recipe to try. I’m new to air frying so trying to learn all that I can.
Nancy says
This is an addictive chicken recipe. Best ever! I like the spice mixture but then tried using Montréal Steak Seasoning and we liked it even better! Thanks for a great and simple recipe.
Cierra says
It's coming out amazing and smells great I used my own seasoning blend because I didn't have alot of the ingredients.
David McLeod says
Absolutely amazing !
I brined my chicken for 24 hours in salt , oregano and thyme
“Competed for fun against 5 other couples with chicken recipes and won hands down”
Cannot recommend more highly
Shannon says
Hi! My oven has a built in air fryer and I would love to try this recipe! Do I follow the same directions? Any type of pan you would recommend?
jenniferbanz says
You should be able to follow the recipe as written. I would recommend a pan with a rack.
Diane says
Turned out as good as the recipe said. I’m delighted.
Hindi says
Was absolutely delicious…and so easy it’s crazy…
Renae says
This chicken was so good! Moist and delicious. This recipe is a keeper.
Mario says
This was great, easy and tasty. will make it again for sure..
Ally says
I've tried cooking a whole chicken in the oven with a much more involved recipe that included putting things into the cavity and rubbing seasoning and butter under the skin. It was messy and took forever and I wasn't crazy about the results so I didn't plan on trying to cook a whole chicken again. Well, there was a great sale on chickens and I've acquired an air fryer so I thought I'd try again. I followed this recipe and it was so easy and came out great! Sometimes simple is best. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Elizabeth says
Has anyone tried cooking potatoes underneath the chicken? Will they cook?
Ashley Siegle says
This recipe is amazing! My chicken came out absolutely perfect. It was a little smaller at 4 & 1/2 lbs but the timing & temp still worked just fine. I added some butter and garlic on the inside of the chicken. The flavor was devine! I’ve never been so excited for having leftovers. This will be my go to recipe from now on for whole chicken in the air fryer. Thank you!!
Victoria Conery says
Amazing air fryer chicken yummy all seasoning was paired perfect thank you ,I made it for Thanksgiving
Anna K says
Picked this recipe randomly right before dinner. It was delicious! My chicken cooked exactly 50 and 10 minutes. It was juicy, and skin was crispy.
Bonnie says
Made this today, as I’ve been trying to use my air fryer more. It turned out amazing. I did add an additional ten minutes after I flipped it to help crisp it up. Thank you for sharing.
GLOBBTROTTER says
This recipe came out great. I did add a tsp of baking powder toadd a crisper skin.
Manal says
I tried ur recipe and it was perfect thank u
Ruth says
First time air fryer user here, juicy,flavorsome, delicious tasty whole chicken that all of us enjoyed!!
Jess says
This is our go to whole chicken recipe now, even my picky five year old loves it! Last thanksgiving I made this instead of a turkey and it was a hit. Thanks for sharing!
Diane says
Turned out great! My air fryer needed about an extra 20 minutes. The only way I’ll cook a whole chicken again. Thanks for the recipe.
Paula says
I finally cooked a perfect chicken!!!! I buy the monthly special from our local meat market and they always have a whole or cut chicken. I told them that I really didn't want the whole chicken, cause it never cooks properly, BUT that has changed as of tonight!!! It tasted so good. It was moist, not dry. Great recipe. I cooked mine for 40 minutes and then flipped it for 10 more minutes. It was perfect! Thank you, Thank you!
Sue NASTASI says
I’m trying this too night. Hope it comes out great for me too ! Using a different air fryer ( not the basket kind ) so I’m nervous
Stacey says
Tried this tonight and it turned out perfect! Was nervous about how the whole chicken would turn out as the recipe book the came with the air fryer didn't have any instructions for a whole chicken. This was perfection, crispy and juicy, exactly as you said. And spice mixture was delicious!
Sandy B. says
This spice mixture is delicious! We eat this all the time and use the spice mixture on other chicken too, like breasts or thighs. Its yummy!
Vicki says
I have not tried this recipe yet but going to soon but in the lead in to make this chicken does not mention to the oil but it does in the actual recipe it has to mixed the spices in the oil & make a paste, so this is not to be dry rubbed?
jenniferbanz says
The second ingredient is avocado oil
Wendy says
This rub of spices cooked in the air fryer was delicious! I've always cooked a whole chicken in the oven. This recipe changed that forever. Thank you for sharing!
Vicki says
I have not tried this recipe yet but going to soon but in the lead in to make this chicken does not mention to the oil but it does in the actual recipe it has to mixed the spices in the oil & make a paste, so this is not to be dry rubed?
Myra Inman says
I've made this several times. It never disappoints. A favorite of mine and my husband's, plus our two Jack Russell Terriers. Easy breezy, lemon squeeze. Taste absolutely delicious.