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. 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.
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.
Llama says
I did a 6lb tonight. After flipping and doing the 10 minutes, I did 6 more on top of that and it was perfect.
Nancy says
This recipe helped me realize my air fryer is crappy! I followed this recipe and made extra spice rub. I baked some extra drums for the grandkids in the oven. The chicken in my air fryer took 2 1/2 hours. The chicken in the oven cooked in 50 minutes and was very good. I’m looking for a new air fryer.
jenniferbanz says
Yeah, that air fryer might not be working correctly
Aine says
So glad I found this recipe! I tried it for the first time yesterday and it was absolutely delicious. My husband who is generally the cook in our family said it was the tastiest chicken he's had it a long time, possibly the best ever. He couldn't believe how juicy it was and asked to show me where I found the recipe. My teenage son agreed that it was delicious. We will definitely be using this recipe again, thank you!
Cheryl says
Oh! My! Goodness! This was an amazing recipe. I should have turned mine over sooner. Regardless, the skins was crispy and the meat juicy, juicy, juicy!!! The gravy I made from the drippings - just give me a straw!! The only thing I did differently was to use garlic olive oil (love garlic). Then salt, rosemary and thyme? PERFECTION!!!
Peru Pillay says
It's about the easiest way of preparing a whole chicken
Tasty moist all the way through
A truly great recipe...thank you
Peru Pillay
SOUTH AFRICA
Margie says
Turned out perfect…crispy on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside and so easy!
Margaret says
I have been doing air fryer chickens since I got my air fryer for Christmas last year. My recipe is very similar to yours. Definitely a family favourite.
Flor says
My husband was extremely skeptical about this because I’ve never air fried an entire chicken. I am now told that this needs to be a once a week thing and to not change a single thing! 😂 Thanks for the recipe!
Cheryl says
So funny!! I, myself, was skeptical about air frying a whole chicken. After the results, I will be making this 2x a month!! Oh, and the chicken is so juicy, I simply bone the leftover chicken - getting every morsel - and throw it in the drippings gravy for hot chicken sandwiches the next day! Thanks to the author of this recipe!!
Junella says
Great recipe! My family love it.
Ashley says
I am new to using air fryers. Do I make this on the air fryer setting? Or the bake setting?? HELP!!
jenniferbanz says
Air fry
Jill says
I have made several times. Delicious!! Easy!
chris says
very good and easy to make
Linda Morris says
What if the chicken is 6lbs do I need to change anything
jenniferbanz says
It may take a little longer to cook
Llama says
I did a 6lb tonight. After flipping and doing the 10 minutes, I did 6 more on top of that and it was perfect.
Leon says
so simple and effective. forgot to reduce the time, put the result was still impressive.
Karen Bulpitt says
I'm about to use the air fryer for a whole chicken I'm sure it will turn out perfectly I'll let you know going to stuff it with rosemary chives garlic possibly and orange and rosemary did I say that already Western butter under the skin thank you very much for your post my air fryer arrived two weeks ago it's frigging fantastic. Phillips xl
Bonnie says
This was so easy and tasted amazing. Will be making it a lot!
Peter Spokus says
WOW. Incredible. Best whole roasted chicken ever
Diane says
I made this once and it turned out very well. But I'm curious, should the air fryer be preheated? Most recipes don't say, but my owner manual said to always preheat. Then I saw some recipes that said not to. So, I'm not sure anymore.
Thanks for the great recipe. Spices are great.
Diane
jenniferbanz says
I think it can help with recipes where you want something crispy but on a recipe like this, it really doesn't make much of a difference.
Lisa says
That’chicken recipe was delicious. Soooo tasty!!! I’ll definitely be making it a lot. The taste of the skin was amazing and nice and crispy. Thanks
Hope says
Hi, Thanks for the recipe! I tried this yesterday; it worked great! I had to cook the chicken a little longer, but I stuffed the cavity with garlic. The chicken was juicy and delicious, and it looked just like your picture. Kind regards, Hope
Ruben Pagan says
Easy to follow recipe with amazing results.
Even easier to devour...
Cheri says
I made this yesterday, and it was the best whole chicken that I’ve ever personally made. I used Italian seasoning instead of basil, oregano, and thyme, and I added onion powder. Thank you!!
Cynthia says
I don't normally comment on recipes but I had to here. This recipe is amazingly good. The rub is fantastic and flavours don't just stay on the skin, they permeate into the meat as well. My guests were raving over it. I will be using the rub on a lot more of my air fried and roasted chicken.
Gina says
Tastiest chicken I have ever made. This turned out exactly as everyone said, flavorful and juicy with a nice crispy skin. This will become a staple. Thanks for this wonderful recipe!
Barbara Eades says
I make this once a week. Comes out perfect every time! But I inject my chicken and use cooking spray on outside then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and Tony’s. My family absolutely loves it! It always comes out juicy inside and crisp on the outside ❣️ Love my air fryer!
C Davis says
OMG. This chicken recipe yields one amazing chicken. It was juicy, crispy and turned out just as pictured. This was my first time cooking with an air fryer and if other recipes are as good as this one, I am retiring my oven.
Debbie says
Delicious 🤤
Sabrina says
I love this chicken and my family and friends are always asking me to make it now. My friend has me making 4 for her boyfriend's birthday party this weekend 🙌🏾♥️😍. Thank you for a wonderful tasty juicy air fryer chicken recipe👍🏾🤩
Carin Kiphart says
My first time using an air fryer. This chicken was amazing!!! I'm hooked. Now I can make my own rotisserie-style chicken without the additives and sugar from store-bought. Great recipe, so crispy on the outside and with lots of juice on the inside.
dolargroup says
very nice… i really like your food blog. Very useful informations
Nancy L Norris says
I just want to thank you for this wonderful recipe. This chicken came out so good. I will definitely be making it again. The spice blend is perfect.
Thank you.
Ash says
I'm going to be trying this recipe for the first time today. Hope it's as good (and easy) as it sounds 🙂
Ash says
Just wanted to update that this has turned out to be a regular favourite for us. Easy, perfect and delicious every time! God bless you Jennifer 😊
Susan says
This chicken is wonderful! It’s on a rotating schedule for my lunch. After the first day, I make chicken salad with it. I have also shared with friends who have made it and love it too. Thanks for the recipe!
Ellen says
I’m cooking this right now probably the 3rd time! I love this recipe
Abby S says
The seasoning was good, the taste was great, but my chicken was burnt on the outside and raw on the inside. I had to cook it significantly longer to the point that we just ordered something for that night and had it the next day. Make sure you’re not on a time crunch and give yourself plenty of time to make it the first time.
Debbie Appleyard says
Love this chicken . Will never cook a whole chicken any other way than in the air fryer .m
Lynn says
This receipt is very good. The skins get crispy and seasoning is just right. Chicken comes out just like a rotisserie chicken. Next time I make it will baste it also under the skins.
Renee says
very easy recipe! I cooked mine a little longer for really crisp outside!
Cateau says
This is the only way I will ‘roast’ chicken from now on. It’s just that good.
Joey B says
The best chicken. The fastest. The easiest. Follow the recipe, it’s perfection. 😬
Ess Cee says
Great recipe. My 6yo ate almost half of a whole chicken 🤣🙌
Dawn says
This one of our favourites. And we have this very often.
Thank you so much for sharing this