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.
Katie says
This was so delicious! And the effort to outcome ratio is incredible. Will be on the menu often in my house!
Danielle Terry says
This is one of the only ways my kids will eat chicken. I’ve made this recipe no less than 100 times. We make it almost weekly. I double the spices for extra flavor most times. Thank you so much for a delicious and easy kid-friendly recipe!
Robert J Eldridge says
This is the best roast chicken recipe I.ve ever followed. Absolutely delicious,moist and crispy skin.
Kj says
I’ve made so many different whole roasted chicken recipes and this one is the winner. So easy, deeeelicious, juicy, crispy. My daughter agrees it’s the best! For some reason i put off trying a whole chicken in the air fryer but I’m sold now. thank you!
Lytle Johnson says
Followed recipe exactly. Cosori TurboBlaze. I was able to get some of basting mixture under the skin across the breast. Set chicken breast side down directly on bottom of basket (great suggestion!). Used instant-read thermometer; got center of breast over 165. Chicken mostly fell off the bones. Excellent crispy skin, moist breast meat. My consort couldn’t stop nibbling; now wants to share it with company. Thanks for an easy tasty recipe!
Johanne Cardinal says
I make this once a week! Very good. I make a gravy with the juices.
Denise says
The best chicken! So easy, so perfect!
Jenny C says
Chicken comes out perfect every time! I use a whole chicken already seasoned and flattened slightly. I then follow the directions here, including adding my own seasoning rub. It's absolutely delicious! Every single time!
Keith MacCausland says
I have had this chicken recipe ???? many, MANY times but on this Canadian Thanksgiving Day I'm going to stuff the chicken. We'll see how it turns out ????????.
Julie MacDonald says
Wow! Fabulous recipe.
I did reduce the amount of salt because we aren't salt lovers. Otherwise, I followed the recipe exactly. I couldn't believe how juicy and moist the breast was. Crispy, flavorful skin is a bonus. And I made a gravy from the drippings by adding one cup of water and a cornstarch slurry. (Stovetop).
Thanks for the recipe.
Thora Rawlinson says
Really enjoyed by whole family. Will definately be making for the family again.
Morrianne says
This is a fabulous no fail recipe. Works with wet marinade of choice too. You’ll love the versatility of this recipe. Thank you . This is a staple recipe in our home
Jeff says
Comes out perfect every time. My family looks forward to it when I make this for them.
K says
The best whole chicken I've ever made, and my daughter agrees. Made it and cooked it exactly as written and it turned out perfect. Loove the smoked paprika. Thanks for an awesome recipe.
Toni says
Delish
Andrea V. says
LOVE THIS CHICKEN!!! Better than any rotisserie chicken you can buy at a store! It's juicy, flavorful, has crispy skin and is so easy to pull together. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Keith Johnson says
Delicious. Juicy
A recipe worth remaking
Lisa says
So delicious! It did take an extra 20 minutes at 400 degrees to get to 165 internal temperature though FYI
April says
This is my go to for a quick roast dinner. Turns out perfectly every time.
Juicy, crispy and full of flavour.
Corrine says
The chicken my husband brought home was nearly 7 pounds! And as such it didn't fit in my air fryer very well. So I followed the recipe, but cooked it in my Crock Pot on high for 5 hours, and then put it under the broiler as suggested. Man, this combination of herbs under the skin is amazing! This will be my go-to recipe from now on!
Dave W. says
First time, but definitely not the last. This was delicious!
I used a different recipe for the chicken that I often use on grilled chicken and it was wonderful.
1/4C Oil
2 squeezed lemons
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic
fresh rosemary
pepper
Put 1/3 on chicken. Cook 40 minutes. Turn chicken and put 1/3 on for second cook cycle. Then put last 1/3 on cooked chicken.
Ron says
Tried this recipe to break in my new air fryer.OMG IIl never buy a store made rotisserie chicken again! So easy!
SharonG says
I have made this recipe several times now and it is the best whole chicken recipe I've ever made. So smart to remove the bottom grate. The breasts were so juicy. Seasonings were amazing and skin was crispy. Thank you so much.
Mikaline says
WoW! I was looking for a fast recipe, so decided to do this one and didn’t expected such a good result! A+ from the whole family☺️! Thank you!!
Robin says
I always refer to this recipe when I want a crispy yummy air fried whole chicken.
Ann B says
This has become our GO TO for air fryer chicken! It is SO moist and flavorful, and EASY! I'd never cooked a whole chicken in the air fryer before and your recipe was easy to follow and took away all my fears! These spices are just perfect. THANK YOU!
Katie says
This was my first recipe that I tried in my oven (has a airfryer testing). Keep it bookmarked. Worked out wonderful. Use the left overs to make chicken noodle soup.
Toni McGuinness says
It was too hot to put the oven on so I came across this recipe when I went looking for an air fryer roast chicken recipe. Am I glad I found this recipe…it not only looked good but was absolutely mouth watering deliciousnous!
Will definitely be making this one again.
Thanks for a great recipe.
SharonG says
This is the best chicken I have ever made, air fryer or not. Skin was crispy and full of flavor. Enough juice in the bottom of the air fryer to make gravy. Definitely a keeper! Thank you so much.
Susan B Bothern says
Super quick & easy way to roast a whole chicken with minimal cleanup. Tender. Juicy. Well seasoned.
Armando says
Made this last night for my family. I used olive oil as our preferred cooking oil. Chicken did take longer than 60 min to cook due to how thick the breast were, but family said it was the best chicken they ever had!! Will be a staple in our household moving forward.
RODD R. says
I first uncovered this recipe in November 2023. Since then this has become a staple in our monthly meal planning. Everyone raves about it, so much so, that we bought air fryers for our son & daughter-in-law and my nephew and included this recipe in the box.
Tasty sandwiches and chicken soup made from the leftovers!
Marc Rizaulait says
Delicious! And so easy!
Graham Walker says
This is an amazing recipe. Followed it perfectly but added my own personal touch by putting Mayo under the skin on the breast side. Makes the skin extra crispy and the meat soooo tender. Thanks for this.
Stacey says
This is my new favorite way to roast a whole chicken. That's a real compliment because I make a darn good oven roasted chicken.
The one thing I ad-libbed was when I turned the chicken over, I put the grate back in so that the crispy thighs wouldn't be marinating in the juices.
So so good and easy to adapt to any spice mixture.
james says
Your suggestion to remove the grate from the air fryer basket was spot on. All of the meat was very juicy. No dry breast meet. I highly recommend this recipe!
Ann B says
This is AMAZING!! SOOO easy and DELICIOUS! Followed the recipe to a T. It's on our rotation, whenever I see a whole chicken on sale - I grab it and put it in the freezer to use for THIS recipe. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Thank you...
Crystal N says
I have used this recipe several times, and each time the chicken has been juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. In other words, PERFECT! I recommend this to anyone who loves their airfryer. Simple and easy.
Denise O. says
Fabulous! Loved the herb rub! This was my first attempt at roasting in my newly acquired 6 quart fryer. The chicken was over 6lbs and fit nicely without the tray. It took longer than 50 minutes to get the breasts to read 165. I will try flipping it earlier next time. I added baby potatoes around the chicken and they came out perfectly crispy and tasty. I will definitely do this again.
Julia says
My go-to recipe for whole chickens. Always turns out great!
Mariella Mills says
Thanks
Going to try it Sunday
We have a ninja woodfire with 7 setting.
We are going to try it on the roast setting.