Tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly seasoned, crispy skin made right in the air fryer! This Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe is our absolute favorite way to make a simple, flavorful roast chicken with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Nothing beats the smell of a whole chicken roasting, and nothing makes dinner feel more special, yet it’s surprisingly easy. The air fryer takes all the guesswork out of roasting and delivers crispy skin, juicy white meat, and tender dark meat every single time.
Our air fryer whole chicken turns out perfect, crackly skin with classic rotisserie-style seasoning, moist breast meat, and fork-tender legs and thighs.
Plus, making a whole chicken in the air fryer keeps your kitchen cool and cuts down on cooking time compared to the oven. It’s fast, efficient, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
We love making chicken in the air fryer, everything from wings to thighs, but it was only a matter of time before we perfected a whole bird. This is now one of our go-to meals: ready in about an hour, simple to season, and endlessly versatile!
Ingredient Notes:
Whole Chicken – Choose a chicken that fits your air fryer comfortably. A 4-pound chicken works great in most 5–6 quart air fryers. Make sure the giblets are removed.
Lemon & Onion – These get stuffed into the cavity to add moisture and flavor from the inside out.
Seasonings – Smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper create that classic rotisserie chicken taste. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices.
Oil – A little olive oil or avocado oil helps the seasoning stick and gives you that golden, crispy skin.
How to Make a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer:
1. Stuff the Chicken
Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Cut the lemon and onion in half and place them inside the chicken.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the outside with oil. In a small bowl, mix all seasonings together. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire chicken, including the legs and wings.
3. Air Fry the Chicken
Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 30 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken breast-side up and continue cooking for another 25–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
4. Rest & Carve
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier and juicier.
Serving Suggestions:
Looking for the perfect complete meal? Serve your air fryer whole chicken with:
-
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
-
Honey Glazed Carrots
-
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
-
Buttered Green Beans
-
Warm Dinner Rolls
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Chicken - Remove giblets and neck from the chicken cavity. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.
- Stuff the Cavity - Place the halved lemon and onion inside the cavity of the chicken.
- Season the Chicken - Rub olive oil all over the outside of the chicken. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub seasoning evenly over the entire chicken.
- Air Fry – First Side - Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 30 minutes.
- Flip & Finish Cooking - Carefully flip the chicken breast-side up. Continue cooking at 360°F for another 25–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
- Rest & Carve - Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F before serving.
- Chicken size may affect cook time, larger birds may need an extra 5–10 minutes.
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken very dry before seasoning.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQ:
What temperature does air fryer chicken need to be safe to eat?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I cook a frozen whole chicken in the air fryer?
It’s best to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning.
Do I need to flip the chicken?
Yes! Cooking breast-side down first helps keep the breast juicy, and flipping halfway allows the skin to crisp evenly.
What size air fryer do I need for a whole chicken?
A 5–6 quart air fryer works well for a 3.5–5 pound chicken. The chicken should fit without touching the heating element.
