Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Crispy Skin

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Are you looking for an easy way to make a whole chicken that’s juicy inside and crispy outside? Try cooking it in your air fryer! This air fryer whole chicken recipe gives you tender meat and crispy skin in about an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without much fuss.

You only need a few basic ingredients and spices to make this delicious chicken. The air fryer does most of the work for you. Just season the bird, pop it in the basket, and let it cook. You’ll have a golden-brown chicken with crispy skin that your family will love.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make this tasty air fryer whole chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), giblets removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For optional stuffing:

• 1 lemon, cut in half
• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 whole onion, cut in half

You can find these items at most grocery stores. The spices give the chicken a yummy flavor, while the oil helps the skin get nice and crispy.

Remember to check that your chicken fits in your air fryer basket before you start cooking. If it’s too big, you might need to cut it into pieces first.

Instructions

First, get your chicken ready. Pat it dry with paper towels. Take out the giblets and trim any extra fat or skin. If you want, stuff the inside with lemon, onion, and rosemary.

Next, turn on your air fryer. Set it to 360°F (180°C) and let it heat up.

While that’s warming, make your seasoning. Mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Now, it’s time to season your bird. Rub the spice mix all over. Don’t forget to get under the wings and legs. Make sure you cover every inch!

Place your chicken in the air fryer basket. Put it breast side down first. Cook it for 40 minutes.

After that, flip the chicken over carefully. Cook for another 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s done by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Finally, take your chicken out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep all the juices inside. Then, cut it up and enjoy your crispy, juicy chicken!

Possible Substitutes List

You can swap out some ingredients in this air fryer whole chicken recipe. Here are some tasty options:

Instead of a whole chicken, try:

• Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)
• Cornish game hens
• Turkey breast

For the oil, you can use:

• Melted butter
• Coconut oil
• Ghee

Spice mix swaps:

• Cajun seasoning
• Italian herb blend
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Taco seasoning

Stuffing alternatives:

• Apple slices and cinnamon sticks
• Garlic cloves and herbs
• Orange wedges

No air fryer? Try these cooking methods:

• Oven-roasted
• Slow cooker
• Instant Pot

Remember to adjust cooking times for different cuts of meat or cooking methods. Always check that your chicken is fully cooked before serving.

How to Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can enjoy this tasty air fryer chicken while managing diabetes. Start by removing the skin before eating to cut down on saturated fat. This simple step helps keep your heart healthy.

Choose lean white meat over dark meat. White meat has less fat and fewer calories. Fill half your plate with non-starchy veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance your meal.

Watch your portion size. Stick to about 3-4 ounces of chicken, which is roughly the size of a deck of cards. This helps control your carb and calorie intake.

Skip the stuffing to reduce extra carbs. Instead, add flavor with herbs and spices. The recipe already uses tasty seasonings that are diabetes-friendly.

Here’s a tip: Cook extra chicken to use in salads or wraps later. This gives you quick, healthy meal options for busy days.

Remember to pair your chicken with low-glycemic sides. Try roasted vegetables or a small serving of quinoa. These choices won’t spike your blood sugar as much as white rice or potatoes.

By making these small changes, you can savor this crispy air fryer chicken while keeping your blood sugar in check.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For super crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps remove extra moisture that can make the skin soggy.

Let your chicken sit at room temp for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly throughout.

Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space around the chicken so hot air can move freely.

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.

For extra flavor, try stuffing herbs like rosemary or thyme under the skin before cooking.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Then put it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

You can freeze leftover chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Try using different spice blends to change up the flavors. Lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, or curry powder work great.

Save the bones to make homemade chicken stock. Just simmer them with veggies and herbs for a tasty base.