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.
Nadine says
This turned out perfect! Just as pictured and described!
Junella Kittleson says
This recipe is great! I no longer use oven when I cooked whole chicken. My family loves it. This is recipe is a keeper.
Sherry Fillmon says
This chicken is the best!!! Juicy and tender. I’m making it for the second time today!
Cynthia Ruffier says
I am air frying my whole chicken now. The only complaint right now is that my house is full of smoke from it. Maybe the unwave is a better air fryer. Anyone else experiencing this. I am anxious to try the chicken it does smell good
jenniferbanz says
Smoke comes from grease reaching a smoke point. That could only be possible if there were leftover grease in your air fryer before cooking the chicken or your air fryer is getting hotter than it is being set at.
Barbara says
It's only been 15 minutes and I moved my whole air fryer to the back deck and plugged it in outside. Smoky.
Maria says
Great recipe, I put my air fryer under the kitchen vent in case of smoke. Problem solved.
Sherry says
My air fryer sets off the smoke alarm my husband installed opposite our stove, which is where I plug in the air fryer when in use. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but simply turning on the ceiling fan in the adjacent utility room fixes that problem. Before the ceiling fan, we'd use our pedestal floor fan.
Sevans says
Got an Air Fryer for Christmas and wanted to try an whole chicken in it and found this recipes, I have never made a chicken that came out so juicy and my oldest boy was asking for more and he asked why is this so good. we had no left overs will make again for sure
Vicki Catterall says
I also never leave comments - and in this case, I had to. This is an amazing way to do a whole chicken! I’ve done slow cooker on cut onions (still a fav), resting on potatoes in a fry pan in the oven, many more. This recipe in an air fryer blew my mind. Crispy skin all over! The only tweak I am making is to extend the cooking time slightly, both breast down and breast up. A little more fall off the bone crispyness. Thank you!!!
Sabra says
This is by far the easiest and most tasty way to cook a whole chicken. I don’t know I’d I’ll ever bake a chicken again!
Tatum Westphal says
OMG this BLOWS the grocery store rotisserie chickens OUT OF THE WATER. This is my new GO TO recipe for a quick weeknight dinner LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
Laura says
Any tips on making this recipe on air-fryer setting in range with that feature? Our new oven has that option, but we haven’t mastered it yet Recipe looks amazing -thank you!
Tom says
Why “ Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray” although the fat in the chicken will melt and do the job?
Mark says
I'd like to know as well. I just heard that cooking spray is the best way to ruin your basket grill plate because it burns it
jenniferbanz says
It depends on what cooking spray you use but I have used PAM cooking spray in my air fryer with no issues
Linda says
I made this recipe a couple of days ago and it was wonderful. The seasoning was great but I was out of Basil so I omitted it and I added some Cumin. It was so tasty. The skin was crispy, the chicken was tender and juicy. Thank you so much.
Amelia says
Amazingly good! So quick and easy and tasted soooooo Good! Thank you for the recipe! It was so good that I had to leave a comment, I never leave comments ????
Jim petrell says
best damn chicken ever - moist and tender - had to do more than 10 minutes after turning over. Beats oven chicken hands down.
May says
The recipe is super easy. Instead of putting some dried basils (coz i don't have any), I put italian seasoning. And it turns out to be very tasty! The chicken is so moist. I love it! My husband and daughter loved it too! Im gonna cook this again. Thank you so much for the super easy recipe Jen.
Pierrette says
I have a question: in the description, you say to put the seasonings in the cavity and in the recipe, you say to make a paste with the oil and seasonings and spread it all over the chicken, could you please explain the way to do it right.If I put the paste on the chicken and put the chicken breast down, won't the the oil paste burn. Thanks
Jodee says
You’ll put the paste on the outside of the chicken not in the cavity. The oil helps the skin get crispy
Mandy says
Super easy. My family loved it. This will be only way I make a whole chicken from now on.
Susan says
This was the best whole chicken I have ever made. The only thing I changed was I used canola oil instead of avocado oil. I placed a $6 six-pound whole young chicken in my 7.25 qt. air fryer and there was still room to spare. My picky-eater son asked if it was a special occasion because it was so good. The seasoning was perfect and the chicken was tender, juicy and crispy. I went back to the grocery store and stocked up on more chickens. This will be a weekly meal from now on. Thank you!
Kate says
Really tasty and very easy to prepare. Husband is very picky about chicken, and couldn’t believe how crispy the skin was and how juicy the meat turns out, Will make again and again. Thank you!
Sherlan Cabralis says
Came out good everything. When I get a smaller chicken, I just lessen the time.
Syd says
Fantastic moist chicken with crispy skin!
Cheng says
I am Asian and tonight was the first time I made a whole roast chicken and using air fryer for it too. I was abit apprehensive as I had invited guests for dinner. Ok I admit I was pretty worried, cos I had asked my hubby to get some KFC chicken just in case. And it turned out the roast chicken was very good - crispy outside and juicy inside. Very tasty. Everyone gobbled up the roast chicken in no time! And the KFC chicken was still on the table practically left untouched! Thanks Jennifer!
Jasmine R. says
Perfect every time!
Ricky D says
New to cooking, so please forgive. Question..
If you cook the chicken at 160, how can the internal temperature be 165?
jenniferbanz says
You cook the chicken at 360F
ang says
Hello, the recipe is 360 degrees not 160.
it's so good, Been making it everywhere!
Diane Santos says
I love this recepie! I did substitute lemon juice for the oil and added 1/2 tsp cumin and chilli powder, still juicy and crunchy skin, I have had family members request this for holiday dinners!
KayJay says
This is my go-to recipe for whole chicken in the air fryer! Sometimes have to cook the legs and thighs a little longer. But, otherwise, this is perfection!
Samia says
Thank you for this perfect recipe. We're having it every Sunday.
Christine Gulden says
First time using an air fryer and the whole chicken I cooked was tender and juicy. The recipe and directions were easy to follow for a novice!!
Liz Felix says
Love this recipe! I have an older style Air Fryer and had to adjust the cooking time but it was still delicious. I'm not a fan of white meat, I find it dries out too much but the Air Fryer keeps it very moist. I definitely recommend this recipe!
Melissa says
A new family favorite! I put the rub under the skin. Gives the meat so much flavor!
Anne Macchione says
This s recipe is excellent. Mine looked as beautiful as the photo and was so juicy and tender. I used McCormick Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning and Italian Seasoning which was delicious.
Loretta Baber says
I am making a chicken this year instead of turkey and I can't wait to try this recipe it sounds delishes.
Samantha says
This was so delicious! The chicken was moist and the skin was nice and crispy. The smoked paprika added a nice flavor and it couldn't be any easier. Thank you for this!!
Vicky says
I was concerned my air fryer was not large enough. This was the first time I cooked with the basket being so full. I have to say it turned out amazing, and was one of the easiest chicken recipes I have made. Crispy on the outside yet moist and full of flavor inside. I will certainly be making this often.
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Marisa says
Love this recipe. I’ve used it a few times. Thank you!
Victoria Coss says
Absolutely delicious! Crispy skin, juicy meat…big hit with the family!
Helen says
I just got my air fryer. I haven't used it yet but plan on making your chicken recipe today. My air fryer has a rotisserie and I was wondering if there would be any difference with using that vs laying the chicken on a rack.
Dio A. Landeros says
I'm usually a little leary of five star reviews, but after making this recipe this evening, it most definitely warrants five stars! The chicken came out most and juicy. I did add two tablespoons of soften butter underneath the skin as well. I will be making this again. THANK YOU.
Beverly Quan says
Tasty and good instructions. I purchased the air fryer that you used. Cooks great. Thank you Jennifer.
Dionne Watley-Adger says
I tried your recipe and my chicken was the bomb!!! I ate half the chicken by myself. My husband and son gave an outstanding review!!! Oh by the way, I’ve had my XL air fryer for a year plus and the only thing I’ve made in it is chicken nuggets for granddaughter. But oh it’s on now with my rotisserie chicken baby!
Sheena says
Would you cook a 3lb chicken at the same temperature and time?
jenniferbanz says
It probably wouldn't need as much time but check with a meat thermometer just to be sure