Print

The Ultimate Juicy & Crispy Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Ready in Under an Hour)

A whole chicken cooked to golden brown perfection in an air fryer whole chicken recipe, resting on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cook a whole chicken in your air fryer for moist meat and perfectly crispy skin in less than one hour. This recipe uses simple seasoning for a weeknight-friendly main course.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3 to 4 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Remove the chicken from its packaging and remove any giblets from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken, inside and out, completely dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and thyme to create the seasoning blend.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the exterior of the chicken. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up into the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  5. Set your air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 45 to 55 minutes.
  6. After 30 minutes, check the chicken. If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely tent the top with aluminum foil.
  7. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
  8. Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can lightly brush the chicken with baking powder mixed with salt before seasoning, but ensure you pat it very dry first.
  • If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook the chicken for slightly longer or use a smaller bird (under 3 lbs).
  • Always check the internal temperature; cooking times vary based on the exact size and model of your air fryer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/air-fryer-whole-chicken-recipe-juicy-crispy/