This air fryer whole chicken recipe makes the juiciest roast chicken with perfectly crispy skin in about an hour. Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get rotisserie-style flavor at home without heating up the oven. The circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly so the meat stays tender and juicy while the skin becomes golden and crispy. Once you try making an air fryer roast chicken, you may never go back to oven-roasted chicken again.
If you've never tried air frying a whole chicken, you're going to love how easy it is. The hot circulating air cooks the chicken evenly, keeps the meat tender, and makes the skin beautifully crisp.
Once you try this whole chicken in the air fryer, you may never go back to roasting chicken in the oven again.
For even more high-protein chicken recipes, be sure to check out my master list of keto chicken recipes or my crispy chicken thighs.
Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
I have made a lot of recipes in my air fryer, but this air fryer roast chicken is one of my absolute favorites.
The chicken turns out perfectly tender and juicy — even the white meat — with golden crispy skin. My family gives it rave reviews every time I make it.
Many people assume you can only cook chicken pieces in the air fryer, but you can absolutely cook a whole chicken in the air fryer. The only thing that matters is the size of your air fryer and the size of your chicken.
I actually prefer making air fryer whole chicken over traditional oven roasted chicken because the flavor and texture are closer to a rotisserie chicken.
Some people serve this air fryer roast chicken with roasted potatoes for a classic dinner. I often shred the meat and use it on salads for an easy low carb and keto friendly meal.
Air fryer whole chicken recipe ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients so your air fryer whole chicken recipe turns out perfectly every time. For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
Whole Chicken
5–6 pound whole chicken, giblets removed
My chicken was about 5.5 pounds and fit perfectly in my 8-quart air fryer. I have also used a 6-quart air fryer, which fits a 5-pound chicken nicely.
If your air fryer is smaller, you still have options:
- Remove the air fryer grate if possible to create extra room
- Look for a smaller 4-pound chicken
- Organic chickens are often smaller
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
This seasoning mixture creates crispy, flavorful skin similar to rotisserie chicken.
How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
This section shows how to make a whole chicken in the air fryer step-by-step. The full printable recipe is in the recipe card below.
There are only a few steps, but I use a couple of tricks that ensure the chicken stays juicy while still getting crispy skin.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels and tuck the wings underneath the bird.
- In a small bowl, combine the oil and spices to create a seasoning paste. Brush half of the seasoning mixture over the breast side of the chicken.
Step 2: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer
Lift the chicken by the legs and place it breast side down in the air fryer basket. Brush the remaining seasoning mixture over the rest of the chicken.
Tip: If your air fryer allows, remove the grate from the bottom of the basket. As the chicken cooks, it releases juices that help keep the meat incredibly moist.
Step 3: Air Fry the Whole Chicken
Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 50 minutes breast side down.
Flip the chicken and cook 10 more minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before carving.
You will not believe how juicy and flavorful this air fryer whole chicken is. It really is one of the easiest ways to cook a perfect roast chicken.
Is an air fryer big enough for a whole chicken?
Whether you can cook a whole chicken in the air fryer depends on the size of both the air fryer and the chicken.
Most store-bought chickens are 5–6 pounds, though organic chickens are often closer to 4 pounds.
As a general guideline:
- 5–6 quart air fryer: fits about a 5-pound chicken
- 7–8 quart air fryer: fits a 5–6 pound chicken comfortably
Some ovens now include an air fryer setting (convection). In those ovens you can easily cook a larger air fryer roast chicken.
What to do with leftover roast chicken?
Leftover air fryer whole chicken is perfect for meal prep.
- Pull the chicken from the bone and make sandwiches, chicken salad, or enchiladas (save the carcass in a freezer bag to make chicken bone 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)
More easy air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Bacon
This air fryer whole chicken recipe remains one of my most popular — right alongside my air fryer chicken thighs!
Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Crispy Skin
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Tip: Hitting your 20–30g protein per meal goal helps you stay full and supports muscle.
Ingredients
- 5-6 lb Whole chicken, giblets removed
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil, 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
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine all of the seasonings with the oil to make a paste. Use a basting brush to spread half of the seasoning all over the breast side of the chicken. Pick the chicken up with the legs, and place it breast side down in the air fryer basket. (note: I removed my grate from my air fryer for this recipe. If yours allows, I would do the same. It will allow for a bigger chicken, and the breast meat will marinate in the released juices as it cooks.). Use the basting brush to coat the rest of the chicken with the rub.
- Air fry at 360 degrees F (182C) for 50 minutes. Flip the chicken to breast side up and cook for an additional 10 minutes. (Cook time will vary depending on your air fryer wattage, size, and the size of your chicken)
- Check to make sure the internal temperature of your chicken breast meat has a temperature of 165F (74C) 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.
Notes
- The nutrition information is for 4 ounces of air fried whole rotisserie chicken
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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.