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.
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