🍗 Chicken
Whole Chicken in Air Fryer – Simple and Crispy Recipe
🥘 Ingredients
whole chicken (1.3-1.8 kg / 3-4 lbs) — 1
salt — 1 tablespoon
black pepper — 1 teaspoon
garlic powder — 1 teaspoon
sweet paprika — 1 teaspoon
olive oil or cooking spray — for greasing the basket
lemon (optional) — 1/2
fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme (optional) — a few sprigs
👨🍳 Steps
1Choose a whole chicken (1.3-1.8 kg / 3-4 lbs) that fits in your air fryer basket.
2Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels – dry skin is the secret to a crispy crust.
3Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
4Optional: Place the lemon half and a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme inside the cavity for extra flavor.
5Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
6Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
7Place the chicken in the basket breast-side down. Cook for 60-90 minutes, depending on weight (about 20 minutes per 500 g / 1 lb).
8Turn the chicken breast-side up halfway through for even browning.
9Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer: it should reach 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh.
10When done, remove the chicken and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving – this allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
11Carve the chicken and serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
12Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Use them for sandwiches or salads.
🛒 Shopping List
1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs / 1.3-1.8 kg), 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, olive oil or cooking spray for greasing, 1/2 lemon (optional), a few sprigs fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme (optional)