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Air Fryer Whole Chicken

by chunkyinkentucky Leave a Comment

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Make a whole chicken in the air fryer with this easy recipe and simple seasonings. This rotisserie air fryer chicken is infused with paprika, onion powder, garlic and thyme. An entire air fryer rotisserie style chicken in about an hour!

whole chicken on a platter surrounded by lemon wedges and thyme seasonings
the juiciest chicken

Contents

  • make whole chicken in the air fryer
  • ingredients
  • instructions
    • Prep
  • expert tips
    • how long to cook a whole chicken in air fryer
      • cooking times may vary
  • FAQ
    • how to keep chicken from burning in air fryer
    • storing chicken leftovers
  • what to serve with a whole chicken
  • Air Fryer Whole Chicken
    • Equipment
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Notes
    • Nutrition
  • more air fryer chicken recipes…

make whole chicken in the air fryer

You might have wondered, is it possible to make a whole chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, and it’s delicious! Air fryer chicken is so yummy.

So juicy and tender, making your own rotisserie style chicken couldn’t be easier. 

Rub it down with oil, season it well (I like this blend of seasonings), then fry it in the air fryer, turning it halfway through cooking. Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer actually comes out better than any rotisserie I’ve ever purchased.

pieced of cut rotisserie style chicken on a large platter with thyme sprigs
just like store-bought rotisserie chicken

ingredients

Only a few simple seasonings and oil are needed to make this tender, juicy chicken.

whole air fryer chicken recipe ingredients including a chicken, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and oil
ingredients for air fryer whole chicken

instructions

Wondering how to cook an entire rotisserie style chicken in the air fryer? Follow these simple steps!

Prep

  1. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°.
  2. Wash the chicken and remove the neck and gizzards.  Pat dry.

Rub the olive oil over the entire chicken

Combine the dry ingredients and rub over the chicken
Place into air fryer basket upside down and cook at 350 F for 30 minutes
Flip the chicken and season again
Air fry for another 30 minutes
Remove when internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F

Equipment needed: air fryer, Ninja or Instant Pot Air Fryer

expert tips

Follow these expert tips for the perfect air fryer rotisserie style chicken recipe.

whole chicken with crisp outer skin on a platter
  • Some prefer to keep their chicken flavors simple: salt, pepper and squeeze of lemon juice is enough.  It’s your preference, so add or omit any seasonings.
  • Make sure you have a large enough air fryer or choose a smaller chicken.

how long to cook a whole chicken in air fryer

rotisserie style chicken on a platter with lemon wedges, rosemary and thyme seasoning blend
rosemary and thyme are great for seasoning chicken

Cooking times for a whole air fryer chicken depend on the weight of the chicken and your brand of air fryer. Your thermometer should read at least 160 degrees F when the chicken is fully cooked.

cooking times may vary

Follow these cook times depending on your chicken’s size:

4-pound chicken5-pound chicken6-pound chicken
20 minutes at 350°
flip
25 minutes at 350°
Total Time: 45 minutes
25 minutes at 350
flip
30 minutes at 350°
Total Time: 55 minutes
30 minutes at 350
flip
35 minutes at 350°
Total Time: 65 minutes
recommended cook times for a whole air fryer chicken

I prefer a smaller, more manageable chicken for air frying. You should have no trouble if using a larger air fryer or Instant Pot.

Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness so you don’t overcook the chicken. Make sure you insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or leg.

pieced of cut chicken on a platter, including chicken thighs, breast and legs
air frying a whole chicken is a time and money saver

FAQ

how to keep chicken from burning in air fryer

A bit of blackening is normal, but if your chicken is overcooking in the air fryer, here are a few steps to prevent a burnt chicken:

  • top it with aluminum foil
  • reduce the temperature setting until the last 20 minutes of cooking

storing chicken leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
cutting into a golden, juicy chicken with herbs around
don’t forget to save the leftovers, if you have any

what to serve with a whole chicken

If you’re wondering what to serve with a whole chicken, try these awesome side dish ideas.

  • vegetables, like corn or roasted potatoes
  • dinner rolls
  • garlic bread or cornbread
whole chicken in an air fryer basket

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Make an entire whole chicken in the air fryer in about an hour. Easy rotisserie style chicken right at home in no time!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 245kcal
Author: chunkyinkentucky

Equipment

  • large air fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken 4-6 lb recommended, giblets/neck removed, patted dry
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground pepper
  • ½ tsp thyme dried, ground
  • 1 tsp cajun seasoning optional
  • 1 juice of lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°.
  • Wash the chicken and remove the neck and gizzards.  Pat dry.
  • Rub the olive oil over the entire chicken.
  • Combine the dry ingredients and rub over the chicken.
  • Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and place it in the air fryer.
  • Set at 350° for 30 minutes.
  • Flip the chicken over and continue frying for an additional 30 minutes.  Check the chicken with a meat thermometer once it has been cooking for 50 to 55 minutes. (Meat thermometer should read 160°.)
  • Remove the chicken and let it rest and the temperature will go up to 165°.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

Storage
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips
  • Some prefer to keep their chicken flavors simple and salt, pepper and squeeze of lemon juice is enough.  It’s your dinner, so add or omit any seasonings you prefer.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness so you don’t overcook.  Make sure you insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or leg.
  • Make sure you have a large enough air fryer or choose a smaller chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 359mg | Potassium: 230mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 514IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

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