How long do you cook a whole chicken in the air fryer?

For a 4–5 lb air fryer whole chicken , cook at 360°F for 55 to 60 minutes , flipping halfway. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally .

How long should you cook chicken in an air fryer?

That depends on the cut. Boneless pieces take 15–20 minutes , while a whole chicken requires 45–65 minutes depending on size. Always adjust for your specific air fryer model.

Is it better to roast or bake chicken in the air fryer?

Air frying is essentially a form of roasting with hot air. It creates crispier skin in less time than oven baking, making it the better choice for most home cooks.

Do I cover chicken in foil in an air fryer?

No. Avoid covering with foil, as it blocks airflow and prevents proper crisping. However, foil can be placed underneath the chicken to catch drippings if allowed by your air fryer’s manual.

Does chicken need to be flipped in Airfryer?

Yes. Flipping halfway through ensures even browning and doneness . Start breast-side down and finish breast-side up for best texture.

Is it cheaper to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer?

Yes. It uses less energy and time compared to an oven, and buying a whole chicken is more cost-effective per pound than buying individual cuts.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken – The Best 60-Minute Juicy Dinner Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Description

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

Scale

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

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and remove any giblets.
Rub the chicken with olive oil.
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.
Optional: Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and fresh herbs.
Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 30 minutes.
Flip the chicken breast-side up and cook for an additional 25–30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer whole chicken, crispy air fryer chicken, air fryer dinner, rotisserie-style chicken, air fryer chicken recipe