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–+ servings
A whole roasted chicken with crispy, browned skin sits in an air fryer basket. The skin is seasoned and slightly charred in spots. The air fryer rests on a striped cloth surface.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken is juicy on the inside, crispy and golden on the outside, and seasoned with a simple blend of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Remove the chicken from its packaging and remove the giblets from the cavity, if included. I like to give it a good rinse with cold water.
  2. Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy.
  3. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rub it all over the skin.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire chicken.
  6. Spray the air fryer basket on the bottom and sides with oil or nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the skin doesn't stick to the air fryer.
  7. Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
  8. Cook at 360°F for 40 minutes.
  9. Carefully flip the chicken so it is breast-side up using large tongs. I place the tongs in the cavity and flip it that way.
  10. Continue cooking at 360°F for 15–20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the breast and thigh reach at least 165°F.
  11. Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
  12. Carve and enjoy crispy skin and juicy chicken!

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0.1mgSodium: 776mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 248IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.2mg

Notes

  • Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer and the exact size and shape of the chicken.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying solely on cooking time.
  • Make sure your air fryer is large enough to accommodate a 5-pound chicken with adequate room for air circulation.
  • Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is key to crispy skin.
  • Let the chicken rest before carving to help keep the meat juicy.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
For longer storage, remove the meat from the bones and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
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