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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Style)

A perfectly cooked air fryer whole chicken resting on a white plate, showing juicy, shredded white meat exposed.

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Follow this simple guide to cook a whole chicken in your air fryer. You get incredibly crispy skin and moist, tender meat every time. This rotisserie style chicken is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Remove the chicken from its packaging. Take out any giblets or neck pieces from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken very dry, inside and out, using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and onion powder to create your seasoning rub.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the exterior of the chicken.
  4. Generously sprinkle the seasoning rub over the entire surface of the chicken, making sure to cover the legs, wings, and breast evenly.
  5. Place the seasoned whole chicken breast-side up into your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; the air needs to circulate.
  6. Set your air fryer temperature to 380°F (195°C). Cook for 45 minutes.
  7. After 45 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp the skin further.
  8. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving. This resting period keeps the meat juicy.

Notes

  • If your chicken is larger than 4 lbs, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the total cook time. Always rely on the internal temperature reading.
  • For extra flavor, stuff the cavity loosely with half a lemon and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary before seasoning the outside.
  • If the skin is browning too quickly before the internal temperature is met, loosely tent the breast with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

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