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Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Chicken crispy skin close-up

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This air fryer whole chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfectly seasoned and cooked in under 1 hour, it’s the easiest way to enjoy a rotisserie-style meal at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and remove any giblets.
  3. Rub the chicken with olive oil.
  4. In a bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible.
  5. Optional: Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and fresh herbs.
  6. Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
  7. Cook for 30 minutes.
  8. Flip the chicken breast-side up and cook for an additional 25–30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. Remove from air fryer and let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, dry-brine the chicken by rubbing it with salt and refrigerating uncovered overnight.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Best paired with roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or fresh salads.