Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken
Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken (Crispy Skin, Juicy Inside!)
If you’ve never cooked a whole chicken in the air fryer, prepare to fall in love with the easiest weeknight roast you’ll ever make. The air fryer transforms a simple chicken into a beautifully browned, flavor-packed dinner with unbelievably crispy skin — all while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
This method is fast, reliable, and perfect for busy days when you still want something that feels like a Sunday roast.
🌿 Why Air Frying a Whole Chicken Works So Well
- Rapid airflow crisps the skin amazingly without extra oil
- The chicken cooks evenly and quickly, usually under an hour
- No basting, no hot oven, no fuss
- The drippings stay concentrated, giving incredible flavor
- Perfect for meal prep — leftovers stay moist!
🧄 Simple Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 2–3 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Salt & pepper
- Paprika or smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Optional: thyme, rosemary, lemon stuffed inside
🔥 How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Pat chicken dry — this is the secret to extra-crisp skin.
- Rub with oil or butter, then season generously on all sides.
- Place breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cook 40 minutes, then flip breast-side up.
- Cook another 15–20 minutes, or until skin is crisp and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before carving.
That’s it — a full roast chicken with restaurant-level crispiness, straight from your countertop.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Carve and serve with potatoes or rice
- Pair with roasted veggies or salad
- Shred for tacos, bowls, or wraps
- Save the carcass for homemade stock
