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Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken

A juicy, whole chicken cooked perfectly in the air fryer, featuring richly seasoned, crispy, dark skin resting in its juices.

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Cook a whole chicken in your air fryer for crispy skin and moist meat. This simple method delivers rotisserie-style results quickly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Remove the giblets and neck from the chicken cavity. Pat the entire chicken dry, inside and out, using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the exterior of the chicken.
  4. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken skin, rubbing it in gently.
  5. Place the chicken breast-side up in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  6. Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken.
  7. After 30 minutes, check the chicken. If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely tent the top with aluminum foil.
  8. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, stuff the cavity with half a lemon and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary before cooking.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the chicken in two smaller pieces or use a larger oven-style air fryer.
  • If you prefer a deeper brown color, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

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