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
This post may contain affiliate links
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.
Pat says
The only problem I had with this is removing the rack. Being flat on the bottom didn't allow the air to circulate around the chicken. Therefore, I had to cook it much longer after flipping it. Also, the spices came off into the bottom. I did make a concoction of oil and spices to brush on. That was great. Very crispy
Sue Kehoe says
I have taken this fabulous recipe and introduced your rotisserie seasoning blend to air fryer chicken wings. Absolutely the best!
Anahi Macauley says
Loved this recipe! I left it in for a tad longer based on the temperature but we were so happy with how it tuned out.
Debbie says
Love this recipe . Make it often . Always perfect
Marilyn Cochrane says
Love this chicken! Has become a monthly rotation in our home.
Kamillia Behrends says
This is a staple in our home. Everyone enjoys the flavor and I love that it's tasty and healthy.
John Hancock says
This was delicious. I cooked mine a little longer on high to get more crispiness in the skin. It did not affect the juiciness of the meat. I doubled the paprika smoked, of course. I used all the meat to make chicken dumplings. I love my air fryer. Thank you again, sweetheart. By the way, you’re beautiful. Ha ha
Karen Goad says
Her recipes are always top!! This one is easy and perfect!
Sherry L says
I love all of your recipes! Thanks for keeping them coming to us!
Susan Eastman says
I have made this a few time in my ninja foodie air fryer it turns out wonderful every time
Barbara Thomas says
Absolutely delicious! A must try recipe!
Jennifer Mohs says
Delicious and juicy
Sandra Key says
Amazing recipe. My favorite, full of flavor and cooked perfectly.
Katherine Guzman says
This is the BEST whole chicken recipe!!!! Nicely browned on the outside and super juicy and well done on the outside! I make this recipe a few times per month. Leftovers are good for chicken salad, tacos and so much more. I eat it cold straight out of the fridge!!
Debby says
Delicious chicken.
Judy Gogan says
This air fryer chicken is so flavorful and crispy. I have made this several times and it comes out perfect every time.
Fantastic recipe Jennifer!
Sue C says
Crispy skin is the best. I would make this again. I might just try it in the oven next time and see how it compares to air fryer.
Cathy says
Jennifer’s recipe are the best, especially this air fryer chicken! She has helped me so much with my low carb life!
DJ says
Great tips & tricks… great flavor! Loved it!!!
M Laene says
Simpel and delicious
Denise says
Juicy, crispy and delicious! Using the leftover in our salad tomorrow.
Ruby says
My to go recipe!! This is delicious and tasty! It’s a winner for dinner
Lisa G says
Thank you. Will give this a try!
Treesa Enright says
This is the best chicken recipe. I use it at least once a month
Mari says
Just another delicious chicken recipe that Jennifer has. All things chicken in my diet.
Siegrid says
I love this recipe and sometimes I make a lemon, Basil, butter like that too
Lisa Lamirand says
I use this recipe every single time I want to air fry my chicken! It’s delicious, easy, and have only had raves. The best thing is it can be used as a base recipe, and you add on what you fancy! Thank you for a great recipe!
Bill Bresett says
Looks great I am going to try that
Leslie Wells says
Came out juicy and crispy just as the recipe says! The only problem I had was Inhad to keep putting it back in because it wouldn’t get done! Ended up cutting it into pieces to finally get done! Otherwise this was great!
David says
This was a fantastic way to cook the chicken. Moist, tasty, and amazing skin
MattScott says
I’m absolutely giving this recipe a 5stars rating. I just bought an air fryer and was curious if I ll be able to do a whole chicken in it. Found this recipe and nailed it! Just one little upgrade my friends- every time I bought a whole chicken in Italy there was a lemon inside and a sprig of rosemary.
Barbara says
I wish that I had seen you review before I started cooking the chicken but i will definitely put a lemon and a swig in it next time.
Amanda says
I always put a halved lemon, sprig of herbs and garlic cloves in the cavity of my chickens. It’s lovely.
Joanne Roberts says
Should I cook it on the air fryer setting or on roast?
Jennifer Banz says
Air fry
Caron says
So so so delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe and cooking technique ????
Stephanie O’Neill-Miller says
I used onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, cumin, and paprika. So good with a salad and it’s a great meal! My hubby loves it!!
Lynn says
Just got my air fryer and this recipe for a whole chicken in the air fryer was fabulous. Moist inside with great crispy skin. Thank you!
Sue Kehoe says
I absolutely love this recipe! I've passed it on to friends and family. One question though. If I were to make it with bone-in cut up chicken, how should I adjust the cooking time?
Dana Stevens says
Such useful tips and recipes. New to Air fryer, enjoying the ease of cooking.
Dana
Rebecca Aguilar says
Not dry it was delicious
Joanne says
So simple and so delicious. Kids loved it too, there is nothing left, the bird was picked clean 🙂
Bob says
Wonderful. I roasted a 4 1/4 pound bird in my 4 quart fryer and it came out perfectly. Save the juice at the bottom of your air fryer pan for the chicken and whatever else you're eating with it.
Scott says
Wow! I have tried seemingly every whole roasted chicken recipe in the world…well, obviously an exaggeration, but…THIS is IT!!! For Christmas this year, my wife bought me an air fryer (I know, I can’t believe I lived without one for so long!) and a MEATER Bluetooth thermometer. Followed the recipe exactly except added the MEATER. Turned my 5 lb. bird over at about 55 minutes, and finished breast-up for the last 10-15 minutes. Saved the spiced juices to drizzle over once I deboned the bird. Served with creamy polenta and sautéed zucchini. Possibly the only mod I might make the next time (and there will be MANY more!!) would be to dry-brine the breast overnight just to get a little salinity in the center of the breast, though with the drippings it wasn’t that necessary. After all the bland boring roasted chickens I’ve cooked, finally a winner!!! Thank you Jennifer!!!
Keesha Smith says
I brined mine overnight in a wet brine with kosher salt and sugar and it was so juicy and delicious