An air fryer whole chicken is the easiest way to make a super juicy, crispy-skinned chicken without any crazy effort. You just season the chicken with whatever spices you like (garlic powder, paprika, salt), pop the whole thing in the air fryer, and let it do its thing. The hot air circulates around the chicken, so the skin gets all golden and crunchy, kind of like rotisserie chicken from the store, but you made it yourself. Plus, it’s way faster than the oven and healthier than deep frying.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Since getting my air fryer, whole chicken has never tasted better—like, it’s actually life-changing. I remember the first time I tried it: I threw on some seasoning, popped the chicken in, and hoped I didn’t mess it up. When I pulled it out, I couldn’t believe it. The skin was perfectly crispy and golden, and the meat? So juicy and tender it felt like I’d just discovered some secret hack. Since then, I’ve gone all in and tried dozens of Air Fryer Chicken Recipes. The options are seriously endless, from Crispy Buffalo Wings and Fried Drumsticks to Tandoori and Spicy Korean Style Wings. It’s wild how easy it is, and everything comes out tasting like I ordered it straight from a restaurant. Honestly, I don’t know how I survived without it.
I love how air fryer whole chicken is super convenient – I only season the chicken, pop it in the air fryer, and let it do its thing. I love it for a quick weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering with friends and family. A whole chicken that might take over an hour to roast in a conventional oven can be ready in just 45 to 60 minutes in an air fryer. Once you try cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to the oven or grill!
How to Cook a Whole Chicken in an Air Fryer
Here I highlight my ingredient choices for my air fryer whole chicken recipe and alternatives. For exact quantities and nutritional data, please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Will it fit?
To check if a whole chicken will fit in your air fryer, measure the basket size. Most air fryers can fit a 3-4 pound chicken, but if yours is smaller, consider using a smaller bird or cutting it in half. The chicken should fit comfortably without touching the sides or heating element, allowing hot air to circulate for even cooking. For example, a 4-pound chicken fits perfectly in my Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven with about an inch of space from the heating element. Just make sure there’s enough room for the hot air to circulate around it so it cooks evenly. If the chicken’s too big, you could end up with uneven cooking!
Ingredients
Whole chicken. Select a chicken that weighs around 3-4 pounds, as this size will fit comfortably in most air fryers. I cooked a 4 1/2-pound chicken in my Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven. Opt for organic or free-range chickens if possible. Not only does it taste better than the commercially raised alternative, but it’s also free of harmful chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics that can make their way into your body.
Seasoning. A well-seasoned chicken is key to a flavorful dish. Create a simple marinade using olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. I like to use dried thyme, oregano, and rosemary. Rub this mixture generously all over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated, including under the skin and inside the cavity. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or overnight if time allows, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Directions
Preheat your air fryer is crucial for achieving that crispy skin. Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes. This step ensures that chicken starts cooking immediately, locking in juices and flavors.
Cook and Turn. Place the seasoned chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket (or tray). This allows the juices to flow into the breast meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Set the timer and cook for 30 minutes. Turn. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breast side up. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest. Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Carve. Remove the legs, thighs, and wings by cutting through the joints. Next, make a cut through the breastbone to separate the two halves. Finally, slice the breast meat and serve it up with your favorite sides. Kitchen Tip: You can save the carcass for homemade chicken broth! You can store it in the fridge in the storage bag for 3-4 days or freeze it for later if you’re not quite ready to make your broth right away.
What to Serve with Air Fry Whole Chicken
The options are endless! May I recommend some of my favorites: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Carrots, or Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. Try a refreshing Tomato Cucumber Avocado salad with a sprinkle of lime juice. Or throw in some Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts or a batch of Garlic-Marmesan Mashed Potato Cakes.
Tips for the Best Air-fried Whole Chicken
Before cooking your whole chicken in the air fryer, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy skin when cooking. Season the chicken generously with your favorite herbs and spices, both inside and out, to enhance the flavor.
Do not use chunky herbs and spices. This is because any large pieces of seasoning on the skin may end up burning and becoming unpleasantly charred (Avoid my mistake, Picture 2 above). Instead, opt for finely ground herbs and spices that will meld into the chicken during cooking, giving it a delicious flavor without sacrificing texture.
Use the Drip Tray: If your air fryer has a drip tray, make sure to place it underneath the chicken. It’ll catch any drippings, making cleanup a breeze.
Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is fully cooked. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Check for burned skin. Beginner tip: Check on your chicken at least 3 times or every 20 minutes. If you find that the skin of your chicken is burning, don’t panic! Quickly remove the chicken from the air fryer and cover the burnt skin with a layer of aluminum foil. Use toothpicks or even a little kitchen twine to secure the foil to the chicken. This will ensure that the foil stays put and does not fly in the air fryer. (Pictures 3 and 4 above).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a whole chicken that’s larger than 4 pounds in the air fryer?
Most air fryers are designed to cook chickens up to 4 pounds comfortably. If your chicken is larger, it might not fit properly. In that case, you can try cutting the chicken in half or consider cooking smaller chickens for better results.
Do I need to flip the chicken halfway through cooking?
Yes, flipping the chicken halfway through ensures even cooking and helps get both sides crispy. Start by cooking the chicken breast-side down, and then flip it over for the second half of the cooking time.
Can I cook a frozen whole chicken in the air fryer?
It’s best to thaw your chicken first for even cooking, but if you’re in a pinch, you can cook a frozen whole chicken in the air fryer. It will take longer (around 60-70 minutes), and you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the size. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when done.
How do I know if my whole chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. If it reads 165°F (75°C), your chicken is fully cooked.
How do I clean my air fryer after cooking a whole chicken?
Cleaning your air fryer after cooking a whole chicken is super easy, but you’ve gotta do it right. First, let it cool down so you don’t burn yourself. Then, take out the basket and drip tray – most of these can go straight into the dishwasher, but if you’re hand-washing, just use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to get rid of any grease. For the inside of the air fryer, grab a damp cloth and wipe it down, especially around the heating element. If there’s any stubborn grease, you can use a little baking soda paste to scrub it off. Just make sure everything is completely dry before putting it back together so it’s ready for your next meal!
What to do with leftover whole chicken?
Let the chicken cool down to room temperature, but don’t leave it out for more than two hours to avoid bacteria growth. Once cooled, carve the chicken and store the meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the air fryer again to get the skin crispy! Leftover chicken can also be used in tons of recipes like chicken salad, tacos, sandwiches, or added to soups and casseroles. Transform your already-cooked chicken into a new meal. Shred or finely dice the chicken and use it as a topping for a salad or bowl, make Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas, or even turn it into a Chicken Fitters for a simple, yet satisfying appetizer.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
- Boneless Chicken Breast with Pesto
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Coconut Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Best Damn Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken Select a chicken that weighs around 3-4 pounds, as this size will fit comfortably in most air fryers. I used a 4-pound chicken and my Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven. Opt for organic or free-range chickens if possible.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil or Avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Dried rosemary or fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnishing
Instructions
- Discard the neck from the inside of the cavity. Remove any excess fat. Pat dry with paper towels.In a small bowl, combine the oil with all the above seasoning to make a paste.Rub this mixture generously all over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated, including wings, legs, under the skin, and inside the cavity.
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or overnight if time allows, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360F/180C
- Cook and Turn. Place the seasoned chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. This method allows the juices to flow into the breast meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Set the timer and cook for 30 minutes. Turn. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breast-side up. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest. Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.Carve. Remove the legs, thighs and wings by cutting through the joints. Next, make a cut through the breastbone to separate the two halves. Finally, slice the breast meat and serve it up with your favorite sides. Kitchen Tip: You can save the carcass for homemade chicken broth! You can store it in the fridge in the storage bag for 3-4 days or freeze it for later if you're not quite ready to make your broth right away.Serve. May I recommend some of my favorites: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Carrots, or Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper?
Notes
Nutrition
Can you give a recipe for butterflied chicken please? My air fryer is too small to fit a whole chicken .
HI Gillian. May I recommend this Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks recipe
My air fryer has 3 fan speeds…low, medium and high. Which fan speed would you recommend?
Hi Cindy, I’d recommend using the medium or high fan speed for a whole chicken to ensure it cooks evenly and gets that crispy skin. Just keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning—lower the speed to medium if needed as it gets closer to done. Happy air frying!