Description
Craving something crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor without spending hours in the kitchen? This Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken is the ultimate answer. It delivers golden, crispy skin with tender, succulent meat inside—all in under an hour. Perfect for quick dinners, healthy meal prep, or when you’re short on time but still want a hearty homemade meal. Whether you’re after dinner ideas, healthy snack options, or an easy recipe to impress, this air fryer chicken fits the bill. It’s an ideal choice when looking for quick breakfast leftovers, easy dinner ideas, or delicious food ideas to elevate your weekly meals.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 lbs), giblets removed
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1 lemon, halved (optional)
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)
Instructions
1. Remove giblets and pat the chicken completely dry using paper towels. Let rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Rub olive oil all over the chicken, then coat thoroughly with the spice mix—including under the skin and inside the cavity.
4. Optional: Stuff the cavity with halved lemon and fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
5. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 4–5 minutes.
6. Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket.
7. Air fry at 360°F for 30 minutes.
8. Flip chicken carefully with tongs, now breast side up.
9. Air fry an additional 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
10. Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes after cooking.
11. Carve and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Preheating the air fryer ensures a crispier, evenly cooked chicken.
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for getting that golden, crackly skin.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness—165°F is your goal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 95