Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Crispy Skin
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You can make a tasty whole chicken with crispy skin using your air fryer. This easy recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and about an hour to cook. The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly, keeping the meat juicy while making the skin super crispy.
The recipe uses simple spices like paprika, garlic powder, and herbs to flavor the chicken. You can also stuff the cavity with lemon, onion, and rosemary for extra taste. The air fryer does most of the work, so you can focus on other things while your dinner cooks.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll 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
Optional stuffing ingredients:
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 whole onion, cut in half
You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. The optional stuffing adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Remember to pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps the skin get nice and crispy. Happy cooking!
Instructions
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Remove giblets and extra fat. Stuff the cavity with lemon, onion, and rosemary if you want.
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
Mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Rub the spice mix all over the chicken. Make sure to get under the wings and legs.
Put the chicken in the air fryer basket with the breast side down. Cook for 40 minutes.
Flip the chicken over carefully. Cook for another 20-25 minutes until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. Check after 40 minutes and adjust time if needed.
Take the chicken out and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then carve and serve your tasty meal!
Remember to use oven mitts when handling the hot air fryer basket. The chicken will be very hot, so be careful when flipping it.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this recipe to suit your tastes. Try these simple swaps and variations:
Herbs: Use dried herbs instead of fresh. Replace rosemary with thyme or sage.
Seasoning: Swap paprika for smoked paprika or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Oil: Replace olive oil with melted butter or coconut oil.
Stuffing: Skip the stuffing or try orange slices and garlic cloves instead.
Chicken size: Use a smaller 2-3 pound chicken and reduce cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
Spice blends: Try Italian seasoning, Cajun blend, or lemon pepper instead of individual spices.
Low-carb option: Skip the lemon and onion stuffing.
Here’s a quick reference table for seasoning substitutes:
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Paprika | Chili powder |
| Garlic powder | Onion powder |
| Thyme | Oregano |
| Rosemary | Sage |
Remember to adjust cooking times based on your air fryer model and chicken size. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This removes moisture that can make the skin soggy.
Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space around the chicken for hot air to circulate.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
Rest the chicken for 10 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, making the meat juicier.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place chicken pieces in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Try different spice blends to change up the flavor. Italian seasoning or cajun spices work great!
Use leftover chicken in salads, sandwiches, or soups for quick meals later in the week.
