The best use of your air fryer is making this air fryer whole chicken. The meat is juicy and the skin is extra crispy and flavorful like a rotisserie style chicken...you are going to love how easy this whole chicken in the air fryer is!
Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
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 this 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.
Air fryer whole chicken recipe ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this air fryer whole chicken recipe so you can make it perfectly the first time, and every single time. For a printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
5 - 6 pound (2.3 - 2.7 kg) chicken, giblets removed - My chicken was right at 5.5 pounds and fit with extra room in my 8 quart air fryer. I have also used a 6 quart air fryer and the 5 pound chicken fit perfectly.
If your air fryer is smaller, you still have options. If your air fryer has a removable grate, you would possibly be able to fit a larger chicken. Also, organic chickens tend to be smaller...around 4 pounds.
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 make a roast chicken in the air fryer
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.
- Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels and tuck the wings under.
- Combine all of the seasoning blend spices and oil in a small bowl to make a paste. Use a basting brush to coat the breast side of the whole chicken with half of the seasoning rub.
- Lift the chicken with the legs and place it in the air fryer basket breast side down. Use the basting brush to coat the rest of the chicken with the rub.
Tip💡: Notice I removed the grate from the bottom of my air fryer. This is something I would recommend if your air fryer allows. While the chicken is cooking, it will release a lot of juices and the breast meat will essentially be marinating in these juices as it cooks, so the meat will be extremely juicy.
- I cooked the chicken at 360F (182C) 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 (74C) 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 or platter 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 (organic could result in a 4-pound chicken). 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 (essentially a convection oven) 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 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 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!
Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Crispy Skin
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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. Â 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. Â 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.
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.
Kim Fewer says
This was one of the best recipes I’ve ever made! How simple yet so delicious.
Kelly says
AMAZING!!! I've made tons of chicken over the years using many different cooking methods. This was hands down the MOST moist chicken I've EVER made (or even had), while having a perfectly crispy skin as well!
I should note-my air fryer is only a 5.3 quart, and the chicken was 6lbs. It still fit in the basket though, and I just increased the cook time accordingly to make sure it reached the proper internal temp. Despite those differences, it still came out juicy and delicious. I'm sure that's likely thanks to your tip about putting it breast side down the first 50 min. Definitely gonna make this one again! ?
Betti B says
Fabulous! This was the first thing I made and it was fabulous. I turned it over after half hour and basted top with remaining seasoning. The smell was unreal. The skin crunchy and the inside moist
Rick M says
You chose a great variety of herbs & spices. I’ve had a passion for cooking since I was in the 3rd grade. I have to say I would have not picked your herb/spice with oil seasoning, but it totally rocks! How can you beat yummy crispy chicken skin with juicy meat?...even the breast meat.
I save the carcass to make chicken stock. With my homemade noodles, chicken stock and leftover meat from this chicken. Mother said chicken soup will always help you feel better, but this is so good I believe it would cure COVID! (JUST kidding!)
I had a BIG Costco whole chicken (5.1 lbs.) so I could not use my airfryer’s roasting rack. I just laid it face down on the bottom of my 6-qt Gourmia. I wonder if you used a rack or not. I can’t help but to believe it would make for the best version of this recipe. (Simply to allow the hot air to circulate around the entire chicken)
THANKS!
Debbie P says
Ok...I'm writing this review while it cooks and will finish after it is served. It looks amazing and with the 5 star rating, how can I go wrong?
I buttered under the skin as a few others mentioned.
I never measure yet always come close. The mixture of spices has a wonderful smokey aroma. Now we wait....
Outstanding flavor and crispy skin.
My only error (mine and not the recipe) was at the suggested time, the chicken temped at 148 degrees. I kept cooking it for 10 more minutes...my bad, it temped 177. I know better. I let it sit as I normally do with all meat and when I went to cut it it was in the 180's....overdone ;-( Delicious yet knew it could have been better....due to my error!
Bottom line, if it doesn't temp at 165 after 50+10 minutes, I suggest cooking it for another 3+4minutes then let it rest for 5 min before temping. I will be doing this with the next chicken.
Spice mixture is perfect
Thank you for this recipe!!
Michelle Cruz says
Love this recipe!
I did take it down to 2 tsp salt and I just used the olive oil I had on hand. Tasted great and was easy to do. Will be making it for the 3rd time in 3 weeks.
GreensGal44 says
Soooo goood!!! A family favorite -now on a regular rotation in my house! Crispy skin moist chicken and super flavorful.
Its so easy!! Thank you for this recipe!!
Linda Harootyan says
This was absolutely fabulous and very easy. My family loved it.
Karen O'Neil says
Hands down, best chicken recipe ever!!!! Just the right amount of seasoning and the meat is incredibly juicy. My teenage son stood up from the kitchen table after having a few bites of the chicken and shook my hand. He is tough to impress. This will be a regular once a week meal for my family. Super easy, super fast, super delicious, and healthy! Thank you Jennifer!
C Skaggs says
This is the best chicken. So delicious and moist. Thank you for the great recipe.
Ronald Crawford says
You’re right. The chicken is delicious ?
Victoria C says
Absolutely delicious! Crispy skin and juicy meat... even the white meat! Definitely a recipe I’ll share with friends and pin on Pinterest.
Diane Locke says
So juicy and flavourful! I will definitely make this again!
Genna says
Best chicken I have ever eaten. I did add garlic, onion, lemon, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme to the cavity. Then butter under the skin on the breasts. Hands down the best bird I have ever eaten/cooked. Boyfriend says I never need to make it different ever again. I even used the dripping to make a gravy for the chicken. I’m also using the carcass to make stock, still stuffed with everything, and the leftover gravy. This method of preparing a chicken (4.8 lb) was amazing. Thank you so much!
Adiba Saleem says
This was amazing, skin tasty and crispy, the meat tender and juicy. Just amazing!!!
Bob says
This recipe is everything and more as advertised. Juicy and very tasty with a crispy skin that is so good. I just followed the directions and it turned out perfect
Casey says
The only change I would make is to add the rub after I turned the chicken breast side up (and turn it earlier). It was done perfectly and juicy.
BirdMom says
Delicious! I made this with a Butcher Box whole chicken. Not much left since my 2 college students are home on break. I will definitely make this again.
RRSBC says
FAMILY APPROVED! Thank you so much for this! I did exactly what was in the instructions and the ingredients and I also added in the butter under the skin. Whole family loved it! Bless you and your recipes always!
Jill says
Amazing. I have never had a moister chicken. A keeper.
Karen Roberts says
Made this recipe for dinner tonight....SO good. I added a bit of onion powder and a bit of poultry seasoning to the original recipe and my husband said it was perfect! We used olive oil also.
Simon Pollock says
Just made this! Never tried a roast chicken in an Air Fryer before... it was so good! The kids were around the cutting board trying to grab more afterwards - Thanks.
GLKing says
This was AMAZING!!!
Family loved it!!!!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!
tom wang says
Added a new twist and buttermilk brined overnight (with a bit of salt). This took this great recipe to an even next level. Thank you!
Deana Adams says
Chicken was amazing
Patrice Clark says
Made this today for Thanksgiving! A few different spices and such for my dry rub but followed your instructions exactly! Also took the renderings and made an excellent gravy. Thank you so much!!
FingaFoods says
This came out PERFECTLY! Thank you!! Only difference I did was put butter under the skin like I saw in a comment here, otherwise it was amazing! Used: Ninja Foodi Grill/Air Fryer with a 4.5 lb chicken
Shauna says
This was fantastic! The seasoning was perfect and the chicken came out juicy with a beautifully crispy skin.
Anne McNeill says
We tried this recipe tonight. It was awesome.thanks
MYRNA BENDEROFF says
This is the greatest. I do it this way or sometimes i spatchcock the chicien and good too. I spice it like you say , or just add chicken spice from a shaker. It is the best. Thanks
Sandra Maier says
This recipe created the best rotisserie style chicken I've ever had! I used a 6 lb chicken and used olive oil because I didn't have avocado oil and the results were amazing. My whole family was impressed!
Gillian Keogh says
Is the cooking time different if you stuff the chicken? Just got an air fryer and can't wait to do this recipe but we also love stuffing too!
jenniferbanz says
Definitely. Stuffing a whole chicken requires the internal stuffing to come up to 165F as well.
Warren Pascual says
Can I use Spanish Sweet Paprika instead?
jenniferbanz says
Sure!
Terri says
YUMMY!! By far the best juiciest air fried whole chicken I've made in my Ninja Foodi. I did cut down on the salt, used canola oil instead of avacodo, and I put a bit of butter under the skin. So tasty!
ST says
The only thing I changed was canola in place of avocado oil. This was so good!!
For a 4# chicken I started with 40min, flipped chicken and added 10 more min.
Thanks for the recipe!
Betty Steffler says
OMG this chicken was so good thank you for sharing your right easier dinner. love my airfryer
Lauren J says
This chicken was EVERYTHING! My first time air frying a whole chicken and I can’t see myself doing it any other way from now on. My husband loved it. It was seasoned great, juicy, and the skin was so crispy and delicious. After I flipped it for the last 10 mins, I did have to put it back in for another 5 mins bc the meat was still a little pink between the leg and thigh. But it came out great! Will definitely share this recipe
Michelle says
How many Watts should I choose to cook this in my air fryer? Mine shows options of 900W, 1500W and 1800W. Thanks!
jenniferbanz says
I use 1800
Kyrie says
I haven't tried the spices yet but I adapted the recipe to:
Salt generously with pink sea salt from Costco under skin of chicken and put in fridge over night
Pat down moisture
one stick of softened salted kerry gold butter and 1/8 cup chopped fresh sage mixed and put under the skin
Followed cooking directions and mmmm delish
Marilyn C Daley says
This is my first time making a whole chicken in the air fryer. It was fabulous! So easy, simple. Juicy!
Andrea russell says
It came out beautiful! Thank you so much for your recipe. Family and myself loved it. Will make this more iften!