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.
Vera says
This Chicken was AMAZING!!!!! I tried one whole chicken at first because I was skeptical about air frying a whole chicken and I had just purchased mine and had never used one. After my two daughter saw (not tasted at that point) the results when I opened the basket they couldn’t wait to taste it! In the end they made me buy 2 more whole chickens so they could make lunch for the week! It was juicy, tasty, quick with a whole lot less fat. The only thing was I had to add ten more minutes on both sides!! Thank you so much for the recipe and tips!!!! ( I used Olive oil) it was delicious by the way!
Gwendolyn says
Just tried this recipe. It was super easy to make and it made an amazingly juicy roasted chicken! This is the first major food item I tried in my fryer and it worked so well! Thank you!
Carrie-Ann says
This recipe is just so good!! I've made it over 6 times now. My husband says its actually better then his beer can chicken on the BBQ!!! My whole house smells amazing when I'm cooking it! It's my go to chicken recipe now thank you! ❤
Linda says
I don’t have avocado oil, can I use olive oil instead?
Annie says
I found this recipe when I first bought my air fryer and tried it. My husband could not stop eating it straight off the chicken in the pan! The rub is life changing! I’ve successfully used smaller chickens and tonight I’m cooking one that is a little over 5 pounds. It always makes the kitchen smell so good. The rub could possibly be used for roasting a chicken in the oven and would be delicious. There is no reason to ever try another recipe! Thank you
Vera says
I used olive oil and it was great!
Carol says
I made this today and it is absolutely delicious and tender. I'm definitely saving this recipe so I can make it regularly. Thank you so much for sharing!
Kat says
The best air fryer recipe. Hands down. I do soften 1/2 a stick of butter and mix it with a little salt, cayenne and herbs and shove it under the skin. Perfect EVERY TIME!
Kris says
I was just wondering about doing this same thing. Thanks for posting!
Annie says
I made this and LOVED it! I'm planning on making it again and wondering about adding stuffing inside the chicken? Have you ever done that? If so, any tips? Thanks!
Lisa R says
Absolutely one of the best air fryer and rotisserie chicken recipes I've ever made. Thank you!
HintsFromHomie says
Having returned from a windy and chilly (61 degree) beach walk in St. Augustine “We” just made this with a 3.7lb chicken, mixed dried spices as stated but having not found dried thyme ( and forgetting I had fresh in the fridge) I put in some dried basil .
This came together fast, went in the Air Fryer and after turning at 50 min I reset for 15 more to help brown the “leg” side , 5 more than stated in recipe.
We are forgoing the gravy from drippings having left over cranberry sauce from last nights turkey legs. Yes, wait 15 minutes to have juices settle.....that gives you time to sample the wine you didn’t have to put in the recipe and get your veggies and in our case Yankee creole kidney beans and rice stirred and served. YUMMMMM, Nice recipe !!!
Debbie says
Turned out great
Kevin says
Your Air Fryer chicken recipe was great. I’m new to the Air Fryer and this was the best recipe so far. I’m certainly going to follow you for more great inspiration.
Winston says
Thank you for your advice on cooking whole chicken roast on Sunday looking forward to trying out my new Air fryer
Julie says
Overall, it tastes great but 1T is waaaayyyyy too much salt. I’ll cut it in half next time.
Debra R Green says
This was UN-real!!! Hands down THE best chicken we've ever had and the only way I'll cook a roaster again. Thank you!
Karen Catozzi says
Tried it last night...best chicken ever!!!!! Thanks!!
Barbara Bradley says
I made this it was absolutely delicious. I followed the recipe as is, I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you
Tracey says
Amazing chicken recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Hanne says
I've tried so many times to make perfect air fryer whole chicken and it always failed. This was so amazingly simple and the most delicious tender and oozing with juice chicken I've ever tasted! Total keeper! Thank thank you! I'm super eager to try more of your recipes!
Barb Gabriel says
This is the 4th time making. Perfect every time- crisp outside juicy inside and delicious. And SOOOOO. EASY .
Thank you so much
Kate says
This was the best chicken...hands down!
Dottie says
This is the best recipe and the seasoning is spot on. Making it again tonight!
Andrea W. says
Absolutely delicious! This is a staple in my house and my husband always asks for it!
Kristina says
Best Chicken ever.
Heather says
Made this last night for dinner and the chicken was so moist. It turned out really good. Thanks for the recipe
Barbara says
Taste wonderful everybody loves it ! I will be making it again, and again and again !
Amanda says
This recipe is absolute perfection! So simple and it is, hands down, the best chicken we’ve ever tasted. Thanks Jennifer!
Tana Vicknair says
Tried tonight. Chicken was cooked perfectly. Best way to cook a whole chicken. Looking forward to making soup with the leftovers.
Gloria Winker says
Wow!!!! Absolutly delicious and super easy.
Farhanna says
Thank you!
I love cooking and baking and have many delicious recipes. I am always looking for more to add to my list!
I am picky for quality and taste! You did awesome, thank you ☺️
Carolyn says
First time making a whole chicken in my air fryer. Followed recipe exactly and it was the best roasted chicken we’ve ever had! Even better than beer can chicken and rotisserie chicken. It was so flavourful and moist, we just loved it. Will definitely be making again!
Renee says
Didn’t use the rub, low sodium diet, added a touch of onion power and ginger!! It was delicious and the white meat super moist!! Will be making this many times!!
Dianne says
FABULOUS! The BEST chicken I've ever made. The BEST chicken I've ever eaten. I served with roasted fingerling potatoes (so un-keto but oh so good). Thank you, Jennifer!
Debbie says
OMG I made this chicken and it was the best I have ever had. I always have trouble cooking a whole chicken and getting it to cook all the way through. I used a 3+lb chicken and only cooked for 50 minutes. This is the easiest Sunday dinner chicken and the juiciest. Thank you
Dee says
This was, without a doubt, the greatest roasted chicken I have ever made!!! I followed the recipe exactly. I will be making this again and again and again. Thanks Jennifer!
Jessie Batchelor says
Absolutely delicious ?
Rob Becker says
What setting did you cook it on? Air fry or oven?
jenniferbanz says
Air fry
Jennifer Decker says
Love this recipe!! The chicken had flavor, not jut the skin.
Chrissy says
Made this today with a plan b on the side just in case...
this was soooo good even my 4 and 7 year old picky eaters ate this and loved it. Still in shock lol
I did read reviews and added soften butter on the meat and gently massaged it in.
Thank you so much for sharing
Jennie C says
Jennifer, my whole chicken turned out DELISH! It was a little smaller than yours so I reduced the time a smidge. It was the perfect balance of crispy and juicy-tender 😀
Mr says
Tried it today and it’s perfect! Added more spices like fresh parsley and lemon in the inside. Some wine and water on the bottom of the fried. It has come out super juicy and tender
Sydney says
Did you preheat your air fryer before putting the chicken in?
Gloria McWill says
Waiting on my air from Amazon! Thanks for the tips! Looking forward to using the whole chicken recipe!