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Whole Chicken in Air Fryer Recipe

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe is a game-changer for quick and delicious homemade meals.

Equipment

  • Air fryer (large enough for a whole chicken)
  • Tongs
  • Small bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken 3.5–4 pounds, giblets removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Air Fryer:
  • Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
  • Prepare the Chicken:
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  • Season the Chicken:
  • In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and optional thyme or rosemary. Rub olive oil or melted butter all over the chicken, then evenly coat it with the seasoning mixture.
  • Air Fry:
  • Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.
  • Flip and Finish:
  • Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken breast-side up. Cook for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (79°C) in the thighs.
  • Rest the Chicken:
  • Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.