Cooking A Whole Chicken In An Air Fryer
Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer can be a great way to achieve crispy skin and tender meat without the need for excessive oil. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you cook a delicious whole chicken in an air fryer:
- yield: 4-6
- prep time: 5 MINUTES
- cook time: 1 HOUR
- total time: 1 HOUR 5 MINUTES
Ingredients:
- Whole chicken (size depends on the capacity of your air fryer)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper
- Your preferred seasoning or herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Remove any giblets or excess fat from the chicken cavity. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring it is coated evenly. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning or herbs of your choice both inside the cavity and all over the skin. This will add flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and helps to achieve a crispy skin.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer: Once preheated, open the air fryer basket and carefully place the seasoned whole chicken inside. Make sure the chicken is not too big to fit in the basket and leave enough space around it for the hot air to circulate.
- Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. After this time, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should register 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Flip the chicken (optional): If you want the skin to be extra crispy on all sides, you can carefully flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs or silicone-tipped utensils to avoid damaging the skin.
- Rest the chicken: Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Let the chicken rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken.
- Carve and serve: After resting, carve the chicken into pieces and serve it with your favorite sides.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for your specific air fryer model. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the air fryer’s capacity, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried whole chicken!
Notes
- Serve with chips, potato wedges, rice, salad – anything goes with chicken.
- Experiment with different seasoning rubs, and you can change up the taste each time.
