If you love rotisserie-style chicken but want a faster, easier, and healthier alternative, this Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe will become your new go-to dinner. Using simple pantry spices and a few minutes of prep, you’ll get incredibly juicy meat with perfectly crispy golden skin—all in about an hour. This recipe is ideal for weeknight meals, meal prep, or anyone looking to elevate their air-frying game with a show-stopping main dish.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
- Total Time: 70–85 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Yield: 1 whole roasted chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 5 pounds), giblets removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Lemon wedges and fresh herbs for serving (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting crispy skin. If desired, tie the legs together with kitchen twine for more even cooking. - Season Generously
Brush the chicken with olive oil or melted butter. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, including underneath the skin when possible. - Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for best results. A hot basket helps the skin crisp up faster. - Cook Breast-Side Down
Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 40 minutes. - Flip and Continue Cooking
Carefully flip the chicken breast-side up using tongs or two spatulas. Cook an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer. - Rest Before Serving
Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Carve and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Tips & Best Practices
- Dry skin = crisp skin. Don’t skip patting the chicken thoroughly dry.
- Cooking time varies depending on your model and chicken size; always check the temperature.
- Avoid overstuffing. Don’t put anything inside the cavity—it blocks airflow.
- For extra flavor: Add a halved lemon and a few garlic cloves under the skin.
- If the skin browns too quickly: Lower the heat to 350°F for the last 10–15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
Pro Tip:
If you’ve never made a whole chicken in an air fryer before, you’ll be amazed at how evenly it cooks and how crispy the skin becomes—without heating your entire kitchen. Using a high-quality air fryer can make an even bigger difference, giving you more space, better airflow, and more consistent results every time. If you don’t own an air fryer yet, or if you’re ready to upgrade to a larger or more powerful model, this recipe is the perfect reason to leap. Click the button below to explore top-rated air fryers on Amazon and find the one that fits your cooking style best.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe delivers classic rotisserie-style results with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or serving a comforting dinner to your family, this air-fried chicken comes out tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned every time. Once you try roasting a whole chicken in the air fryer, you may never go back to the oven again. Enjoy—and feel free to experiment with your favorite seasoning blends to make it uniquely yours!
