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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Style)

Close-up of a perfectly cooked air fryer whole chicken, sliced open to show juicy white meat and crispy skin.
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Cook a whole chicken in your air fryer for perfectly crispy skin and moist, tender meat. This simple recipe delivers rotisserie-style results fast, making it an ideal weeknight main course.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 lemon, halved (optional, for cavity)
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for cavity)

Instructions

  1. Remove the whole chicken from its packaging. Take out any giblets or neck pieces from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken very dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and onion powder to create your seasoning rub.
  3. Rub the entire surface of the chicken, including under the wings and legs, with the olive oil.
  4. Generously sprinkle the seasoning rub all over the chicken. Use your hands to massage the seasoning into the skin.
  5. If using, place the lemon halves and fresh herb sprigs inside the chicken cavity.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for about 5 minutes.
  7. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  8. Air fry the chicken at 380°F (195°C) for 40 minutes.
  9. After 40 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs.
  10. Continue to air fry at 380°F (195°C) for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
  11. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest on a cutting board, tented loosely with foil, for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • For the best results in achieving crispy skin, make sure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to slightly flatten the chicken (spatchcocking) or cook a smaller bird.
  • Check the temperature early if your chicken is smaller than 3 lbs.
  • Resting the chicken is crucial for a juicy inside. Do not skip this step.

Nutrition

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