Air Fryer Whole Chicken

5 from 28 votes

This game-changing technique promises perfectly crispy skin, succulent meat, and all without the need for excessive oil. Plus, it's faster than traditional oven roasting, giving you more time to savour your meal rather than spend it cooking.

This air fryer whole chicken recipe is not just about simplicity and speed. It's also about customization. You can season your chicken to create a flavour profile that suits your palate .

Be it a classic salt and pepper rub or an adventurous mix of herbs and spices. So let's dive into this culinary adventure and explore the best techniques to make your air fryer roast chicken successful.

Prep Time5

Active Time50

Total Time55

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, mains, Roast Dinner

Cuisine: British, English, European

Keyword: 1.2kg chicken in air fryer, air fried whole chicken, air fry whole chicken, air fryer roast chicken, air frying chicken whole, can you roast a chicken in the air fryer, cooking whole chicken in an air fryer, how long to air fry whole chicken, how to air fry chicken thighs, how to air fry whole chicken, roast chicken in air fryer, whole chicken air fryer, whole chicken in the air fryer

Yield: People

Calories: 237kcal

Author: Luke and Kay - Flawless Food

Equipment

Ingredients

1.2 kg Whole Chicken
1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Spray oil
2 large pinches of Salt and Pepper see notes for more Seasoning Ideas

Instructions

Start by preparing your 1.2 kg Whole Chicken. Pat it dry with kitchen paper towel and ensure the cavity is empty.
Next, coat the chicken skin with 1 tbsp Olive Oil. Either by spraying with oil or rubbing oil into the chicken with your hands.
Once your chicken is coated in oil, season it generously on both sides with 2 large pinches of Salt and Pepper. Be sure to cover all areas for a uniform flavour.
*See notes for more seasoning ideas
Spray or rub the bottom of your air fryer basket with a little bit of olive oil or line it with an air fryer liner.
Place your seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket, positioning it breast side down.
Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Cook the chicken for 25 minutes on that side .
*Cooking times given are for a 1.2kg whole chicken. See notes for other size cooking time.
After the initial 25 minutes of cooking, carefully use two forks to flip the chicken over so that it's now breast-side up.
Flipping halfway ensures the chicken skin crisps evenly on both sides.
Continue to cook the chicken at the same temperature (200°C / 400°F) for another additional 25 minutes.
Once your chicken is done cooking, open the drawer and check the temperature.
It should read at least 75℃/ 167℉ at the thickest part (check the thigh and breast). Make sure the thermometer is in the meat and not touching the bone.
Now let the cooked chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy bird. Add some fresh herbs to serve.
Serve with your favourite sides. We have served with air fryer sweet potatoes and coleslaw. See other suggestions on the blog post.

Video

Notes

You can buy many dry seasonings from supermarkets; here are some ideas.

- BBQ

- Piri Piri

- Italian Herb

- Smoked Paprika and Onion

- Jamaican Jerk spice blend

- Curry Powder

- Cajun

Or make your own dry spice mix using your favourite ingredients.

If using a sauce or a marinade, timing is crucial to prevent the sugars in the marinade from burning due to prolonged exposure to high heat.

Wait until the chicken has finished cooking in the air fryer before applying the marinade. Then, return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for a few additional minutes at a reduced temperature. This approach allows you to create a tasty glaze without the risk of burning or overcooking.

Cooking Times

Adjust cooking time depending on the size of your chicken.

1.2 kg Whole Chicken

Air fry for 25 minutes each side. 50 minutes total.

1.5kg Whole Chicken

Air fry for 30 minutes each side. 60 minutes total.

We can not fit a larger chicken in our air fryer drawer, so we have not cooked a larger one before, but if you have a larger air fryer, add extra time and test with a meat thermometer for doneness!

Nutrition