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.
Rick Anger says
I don't often comment on recipes but this is a exception!!! It was fantastic! Juicy,tender,skin was nicely crisp and the seasonings were excellent! Thank you for sharing Jennifer!!!
TIM says
I made this as written--my chicken was a bit bigger, so it required a few extra minutes of cooking time. Without a doubt, this is the best rotisserie-style chicken I have ever eaten! It was extremely juicy and flavorful. I will definitely be making it again soon.
Stephanie says
This was the first air fryer recipe I ever made and it is so perfect. My fiance requests this all the time and we love it so much. Such an easy and delicious recipe and you've really knocked it out of the park with flipping the bird to be breast side down. It is always SO juicy. Thanks for this amazing recipe!
Erin L says
Hi! I’m so excited to use this recipe but am totally brand new to using an air fryer. I just bought the Instant Vortex 6qt Air Fryer and my only (probably very dumb) question is once I put the chicken in the basket am I selecting “Air Fry”, “Roast” or “Bake”?
Thank you!
jenniferbanz says
Air Fry
Sue Y. says
Super yummy and crispy chicken! Second time I made it and still good! I did a 6 lb chicken and just under 70 min! Recipe is awesome, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing!
Katy says
Super good! I cooked it at 360 for 60 mins as stated in the recipe and the chicken came out super juicy. The whole family loved it.
Brenda says
Do I take the rack out for this recipe?
jenniferbanz says
What air fryer do you have? Mine doesn't have a rack
Brenda says
6qt instapot vortex air fryer with a rack that sits in the bottom to let air circulation under food should I take it out. It has airy, reheat, roast , and bake options on it?
Bethany says
I made this today and it turned out perfect! Thank you! I will definitely make it again
JW says
Very tasty and juicy and extremely easy to make. Boys and husband loved it. This recipe makes our airfryer worthwhile.
Jennifer Jimenez says
Great recipe!! Used famous daves roast chicken seasoning with lemon pepper, very good. The only chicken i could find at this time was a 3.49 lbs young chicken. I cooked it on 360 for 50 mins as instructed, the back was a little toasty! Lol, next time ill cut back the time if smaller chicken. The chicken was tender and juicy. Family fav! Even the toddler ate some!!
Yvette Gilroy says
This took way longer than 60 min. More like 120.
jenniferbanz says
No chicken should take 120 minutes at 360F. What air fryer are you using?
Carolyn says
I was a little afraid at first to try a whole chicken in my Air fryer lol
But i am glad I did! It was Amazing!
Brittani Cheek says
This was excellent!!! We got lucky and stumbled across this recipe and it will definitely be saved for future use!! So crispy on the outside and so juicy on the inside!!
Yati says
How big is your air fryer? WOuld 3.8 L be enough ?
jenniferbanz says
I have a 6 quart which is 5.6 liters. Yours might be big enough but buy a smaller chicken
Amy says
I tried your recipe and our whole chicken was absolutely delicious! I am now going to try the same basting ingredients on some chicken wings in the air fryer. I can’t imagine it won’t be equally as wonderful.
Seattle08 says
This was fantastic!! Second one going in right now in just a week. Only thing I did differently was a mix of my own spices and cooked mine for 10 min less (mine was slightly smaller). I highly recommend trying to cook a chicken this way.
Jan Machen says
HI IMDOING A WHOLE CHICKEN INMY AIR FRYER FOR THE FIRST TIME HOWDO I SET IT FOR THE TIMEREQUIRED
jenniferbanz says
All air fryers are different so you will need to check your user manual
Matthew Kamenstein says
Easy and awesome! Crispy, moist, and delicious. Use an organic bird, I never use non-organic birds. It is one food that you can hands down taste a difference. Followed the recipe to a “t” except I had no basil on-hand. Used a 6lb bird. 65 minutes.
Sharon Grisham says
Omg! Too much smoke in my kitchen, had to move the whole thing outside!
What gives?
jenniferbanz says
Hi Sharon...what oil did you use? Olive oil or butter will smoke if used.
Jen says
This recipe is on regular rotation in our house - my family loves it! The only modification I make is to cut down the salt. I also make a gravy with the dripping by mixing them with some chicken broth, little bit of flour, salt and pepper.
Sari says
I have made this recipe several times. Very easy and delicious. I have stuffed it with a lemon that I quarter which adds more flavor to the pan juices. Thank you for this amazing recipe!!
Leanne Pilon says
My air fryer only goes up to 200temp .how long do I cook my 3lb whole chicken for ?
jenniferbanz says
Leanne, if it is 200C then that would be equivalent of 400F
Rose C. says
I made this recipe in my air fryer and the flavor is great. However, the cook time was way off. Even when the meat thermometer read 165 degrees, the chicken was still uncooked on the bottom portion of the breast. I think if I increase the cook time by 15 - 20 minutes next time, that might work. Will definitely try it again.
Kyle says
Wow.... tried 3 different recipes. This one turned out the best!! This will be our family go to... better than the deli!!
Kyle says
Just wanted to add.. I used extra virgin olive oil. And cut up half an onion and half a lemon and put inside bird before frying.
Dick Pearson says
I have done mine that way. With and w/o oil, @360, 370, and 380. Chicken is wonderful, but the skin is loose and oily feeling. Why?
jenniferbanz says
I'm not sure...I've never had that happen
Diana says
This was BOMB!
The simple switch of cooking in breast down first kept it juicy and cooked to perfection.
This was so handy and so easy!!!!
I used a pre mixed Chicken Spice rub and it was juicy on the inside, with perfect crispy skin on the other side.
5 minute prep and simple when you forgot to prep ahead helped huge for my macros dieting.
Thanks girl!
Judy says
I made this whole chicken in my air fryer and it’s so good, I substitute the avocado oil with extra virgin olive oil.
Penny Smith says
I just made this chicken tonight in my air fryer. Ive never written a recipe review but this was THAT fantastic! I rarely eat chicken skin but it was so crisp and seasoned perfectly. My husband said he could eat the skin with just mayo on a sammich. Lol. Even the breast meat of the chicken was soooo good. Thank you for this. It’s now my go-to recipe for any chicken I need.
Allison Rainier says
How long would you cook a 7.5 lb chicken for? Trying this tonight!
jenniferbanz says
I would cook for at least an hour before flipping it. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Deborah DiDia says
Do you need to preheat the air fryer?
jenniferbanz says
I never do
Alison Thornton says
Looks amazing!
Holly says
I got an air fryer for Christmas, and this was the first thing I made in it. It came out perfect and was super delicious!
Denise Gawronski says
Easy, great,mouth-watering chicken.Ive tried other recipes but this was the absolute BEST. Crunchy but so moist.Juices just poor out.THANKS for this recipe !!!
Jim Brenner says
Hi, I have an air fryer toaster convection. Turned out incredible. With this device add another 10-15 minutes and place on lowest level.
Nichole says
So, @ 80 min? Wanting to make in my airfryer oven tonight. Please and thank you!!
HGarner says
Made this last night (using my air-fryer for the first time) and it was AMAZING!! It was juicy and perfectly seasoned. It looked and tasted perfect! Thank you!!
Sari says
I have made this three times already and I have only had my air fryer for about a month. Fabulous recipe!! I quartered a lemon and stuffed it in the chicken. This created a wonderful natural juice to serve with the chicken. Thank you for sharing this review!!!
Monica Coleman says
How do you turn it over?
Amy Travis says
Can I rub it with butter and spices?
jenniferbanz says
Of course!
Ashley says
My family and I love this recipe! I probably make this once a month! Wondering if I could use a turkey breast instead of a chicken for Thanksgiving?
jenniferbanz says
I think that would work just fine!
Matt R. says
Very easy recipe very flavorful very moist chicken..I loved the rub..simple..will definitely cook again
Kathy says
I used to love doing a roast sticky chicken in the oven. I don't have A/C, and turning the oven on for 5 hours, even at a low temperature was not a good option. Plus, you are supposed to marinate it in the fridge first, and then stuff the cavity with chopped onions. This recipe is just as good, faster, less work, doesn't heat up the house and is stupid easy. Thank you! This is the first time I've done a whole chicken in my air fryer and your directions were simple and accurate. I used coconut oil, since it was one of the high smoke point oils recommended, and it was what I had, and the mix of spices and kosher salt in the amounts I prefer for my sticky chicken. It was about the best roast chicken I have ever eaten. No more sticky chicken in the oven at any time of year. This is now my method to roast a chicken. Thanks!