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

A perfectly cooked, glistening air fryer whole chicken with crispy, seasoned skin resting on a white plate.

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Learn how to cook a whole chicken in your air fryer for a meal that is crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside. This rotisserie style method is fast, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Remove the whole chicken from its packaging. Take out any giblets or neck 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 salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary to create your seasoning rub.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the exterior of the chicken. Then, generously sprinkle and rub the seasoning mix over the entire surface of the chicken, including under the wings and legs.
  4. If using, place the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes.
  6. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  7. Air fry the chicken at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 40 minutes.
  8. After 40 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Increase the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).
  9. Continue to cook for another 10 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Total cooking time will vary based on chicken size.
  10. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken tender inside.

Notes

  • For the best results, use a whole chicken that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket without touching the sides.
  • If your chicken browns too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; this is the most reliable way to get juicy meat.

Nutrition