This Air Fryer Whole Chicken delivers incredible results in just 55 minutes – juicy meat with perfectly crispy skin every time. With only 10 minutes of prep work, you’ll create a mouthwatering main dish that’s loaded with protein and healthy fats.
The air fryer works its magic to achieve that golden-brown exterior while keeping all the natural flavors locked inside. At 387 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying yet sensible choice for family dinners or meal prep.
Flavorful Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Butter: 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened for better spreading consistency
- Chicken: 3-5 pound whole chicken, giblets removed
- Oil: Olive oil for brushing the exterior
- Seasoning Mix:
– 3 tsp salt
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 2 tsp brown sugar
– 1½ tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp each of onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme
– ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning: Mix all seasoning ingredients in a bowl until well combined
- Prepare Chicken: Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels and remove giblets from cavity
- Butter Application: Carefully separate skin from breast meat and spread 1 tablespoon butter under each breast
- Season: Brush exterior with olive oil and generously coat with seasoning mixture
- First Cook: Position chicken breast-side down in air fryer basket, cook at 350°F for 30 minutes
- Flip and Finish: Turn chicken breast-side up, continue cooking for 15-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Rest: Let chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving for juicier meat
- Gravy Option: Collect drippings from air fryer basket to make gravy if desired
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
The secret to super juicy chicken is letting it rest after cooking – those 15 minutes make all the difference! While you’re waiting, the meat’s juices settle back into the chicken instead of running out when you cut it.
Also, starting with the breast side down is a game-changing trick that lets all those tasty juices flow right where you want them.
Flavor Swaps
Want to switch things up? Try these easy seasoning changes:
- Skip the brown sugar and add dried rosemary and sage for a classic herb taste
- Love garlic? Double the garlic powder and add some dried Italian herbs
- Make it spicier by adding more cayenne or some chili powder
- Keep it simple with just salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of your favorite dried herbs
Make It a Meal
This chicken tastes amazing with:
- Roasted potatoes (pop them in the air fryer after the chicken’s done!)
- A fresh green salad with light vinaigrette
- Steamed vegetables with a drizzle of the chicken’s gravy
- Warm, crusty bread to soak up those yummy juices
Storage and Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 4 days. The meat stays super tasty and is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or quick meal prep. You can even save the bones to make homemade stock – just pop them in a freezer bag until you’re ready to use them.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Paper towels
- meat thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter softened
- Olive oil
- 1 whole chicken about 3-5 pounds
Poultry/Chicken Seasoning
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or regular
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more, if you like it spicier
Instructions
- Combine poultry seasoning ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Remove chicken from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Remove and discard neck and giblets from cavity of chicken.
- Loosen skin from the breast meat of the chicken by running a small spatula or your fingers gently underneath the skin. Spread 1 tablespoons of softened butter underneath the skin on each breast, and smooth it out into an even layer.
- Brush the outside of the bird with a little oil, then sprinkle seasoning all over the outside.
- Place the whole chicken breast-side down in the basket of your air fryer. This will help all of the juice run to the breast meat during the first part of cooking, ensuring it stays moist.
- Set the air fryer to 350 degrees and cook the chicken for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes is up, pull out the basket and flip the chicken breast side up. Place back in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 15-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees.
- Allow chicken to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Enjoy!
- Use the drippings from the bottom of the air fryer to make gravy, if desired.
