Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is the easiest way to cook a whole chicken with a crispy and salty skin, and tender, juicy center. You’ll love my method for ensuring a juicy chicken breast, because it's perfect for meal prep, using in recipes, or making a delicious dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, 3 1/2 lbs to 5 1/2 lbs*
- 2-3 Tbsp extra light olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, or kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken - Set the chicken over a baking sheet or platter. Remove the neck and any giblets present inside the chicken cavity and discard them. Thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels — dryness equals crispiness. Rub oil all over the skin. In a small bowl, stir together all of the seasonings. Sprinkle seasonings all over the outside of the chicken.
- Place in Air Fryer basket- If your chicken is larger than 4 lbs, remove the rack from the air fryer basket. Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket - this also keeps the chicken breasts juicier as it self-bastes.
- Cook at 350 °F for 30 minutes, then use tongs and a spatula to flip the chicken breast-side up. Continue cooking 15-35 minutes (*see timing chart below) or until a thermometer reads 165 °F in the thickest part of the breast. Thighs will usually read 175˚F+, which is ideal.
- Rest - Let the chicken rest 5–10 minutes to redistribute juices before carving.
Notes
*Pick the Right Size Chicken for your Air Fryer: With a rack in, most air fryers can accommodate up to 4 pounds, but I can cook a 5 1/2 lb chicken in my 6 qt air fryer with the rack removed. You want air movement around the chicken, so be sure the meat doesn't touch the sides of the basket or the heating element. If it's touching, remove the rack or choose a smaller chicken.
Total Cook Times by Weight (Flip at 30 minutes)
Since air fryer models vary, always check for doneness with a thermometer, and it should reach 165˚F at the thickest part of the breast.
- 3 1/2 lb chicken: 45-50 min total
- 4 lb chicken: 50-55 min total
- 4 1/2 lb chicken: 55-60 min total
- 5 lb chicken: 60-65 min total
- 5 1/2 lb chicken: 65-70 min total
- To refrigerate - cool the chicken to chill within 2 hours after cooking, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- To freeze - once cool, remove the bones from the meat and pack the freezer bag or containers for 3-4 months. Keep the carcass for Chicken Stock. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- To reheat - the meat can be reheated in the air fryer. Brush or spray with oil to prevent drying and air fry at 325˚F until heated through to 165°F.
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Amount per Serving
Calories
318
% Daily Value*
Fat
24
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
6
g
38
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
11
g
Cholesterol
95
mg
32
%
Sodium
671
mg
29
%
Potassium
258
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
1
g
0
%
Fiber
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
0.1
g
0
%
Protein
24
g
48
%
Vitamin A
343
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
17
mg
2
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
