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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 a slice cut open to reveal moist white meat.
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Cook a whole chicken in your air fryer for incredibly crispy skin and moist, tender meat. This simple recipe delivers rotisserie-style results fast, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3 to 4 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)

Instructions

  1. Remove the whole chicken from its packaging. Take out any giblets or neck from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken very dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper to create your seasoning rub.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the outside of the dry chicken.
  4. Generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the entire chicken, making sure to cover the top, sides, and underneath. You can gently rub it in.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for about 5 minutes.
  6. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; the air needs to circulate.
  7. Air fry the chicken at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 40 minutes.
  8. After 40 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Increase the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).
  9. Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
  10. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving. This resting time keeps the meat juicy.
  11. Slice and serve your perfectly cooked, **tender inside crispy outside chicken**! Give yourself some kudos for this amazing main course!

Notes

  • If your chicken is larger than 4 lbs, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the total cook time. Always check the internal temperature.
  • For extra flavor, stuff the cavity with half a lemon and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary before rubbing with oil and seasoning.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the chicken at a slightly lower temperature for longer to prevent the skin from burning before the inside is done.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/air-fryer-whole-chicken/