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–+ servings
Melany

Crispy Whole Chicken in Air Fryer is easy to make!

This Air Fryer Whole Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor from a simple homemade seasoning blend. It’s a no-fuss dinner that delivers big-time roasted chicken vibes with half the effort!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken 3½ to 4 pounds, cavity emptied and patted dry 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon black pepper ⅙ teaspoon dried thyme leaves Optional: 1 tablespoon of your favorite prepared chicken seasoning blend (in place of the homemade mix)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken: Ensure the cavity is empty and pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
  2. Season: Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix (or your preferred chicken seasoning).
  3. Air fry breast-side down: Place the seasoned chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Cook for 30 minutes: Air fry the chicken for 30 minutes to begin the crisping process.
  5. Flip and continue cooking: Carefully flip the chicken breast-side up and continue to air fry for another 20 to 30 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
  6.  
  7. Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Dry skin = crispier skin: Patting the chicken completely dry is key to getting that golden, crispy skin.
  • Customize seasoning: Feel free to use any favorite seasoning blend if you're short on time.
  • Check size vs. air fryer capacity: Make sure your air fryer can fit a whole chicken of your selected weight.
  • Don’t skip resting: Resting allows the juices to settle back into the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.

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