Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

Chicken: A whole chicken weighing about 4 pounds is ideal for this recipe.

Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken and help the seasonings adhere.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Garlic powder: Provides a savory, aromatic quality.

Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the chicken.

To ensure even cooking and a crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before rubbing it with olive oil and seasoning. This removes excess moisture, allowing the spices to adhere better and the skin to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

• whole chicken - Substitute with whole turkey: If you want a larger bird or a different flavor profile, turkey can be a great alternative. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

• whole chicken - Substitute with cornish hen: For a smaller portion size or individual servings, cornish hens are a good substitute. They cook faster and have a similar flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in air frying.

• olive oil - Substitute with melted butter: Melted butter can add a rich flavor and help achieve a crispy skin, though it has a lower smoke point than olive oil.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory depth of flavor and a bit of saltiness, but be mindful of the additional liquid.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger crystals and can be used in the same quantity for a similar effect.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used, but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic can provide a more intense garlic flavor. Use about 2-3 cloves to replace 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: If you want a different but complementary flavor, onion powder can be used in the same quantity.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the flavor profile while maintaining the same quantity.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: For a bit of heat and a similar color, chili powder can be used, but it will add a spicier note to the dish.

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If you plan to freeze the chicken, carve it into smaller pieces first. This makes it easier to reheat and use in various recipes.
• Wrap each piece of chicken individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the freezer-safe bag or container with the date. The chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be sure to cook it immediately after thawing.
• Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Use the reheated chicken in various dishes like salads, sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

• Use the microwave for a quick reheat. Place the chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and turning halfway through.

• For a crispy skin, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and heat for 5-7 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the meat is heated through.

• Reheat on the stovetop by placing the chicken in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover and heat over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through.

• Use a slow cooker for a gentle reheat. Place the chicken in the slow cooker with a bit of chicken broth or water, cover, and set to low for 2-3 hours or until heated through.

• Air fryer: This is the primary cooking device used to cook the whole chicken evenly and to achieve a crispy skin.

• Meat thermometer: This tool is essential for checking the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

• Basting brush: Used to rub the olive oil onto the chicken, ensuring an even coating.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the olive oil with the seasonings before applying them to the chicken.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process without burning yourself.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for carving the chicken once it has rested.

• Chef's knife: Essential for carving the chicken into pieces after it has rested.

• Kitchen timer: Helps keep track of the cooking and resting times to ensure perfect results.

Preheat while prepping: Preheat the air fryer while you season the chicken to save time.

Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature quickly with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked perfectly.

Prep ahead: Season the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge for a quicker start.

Resting time multitask: Use the 10-minute resting period to prepare side dishes or clean up.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple chickens if your air fryer is large enough, and use leftovers for other meals.