Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a great way to achieve crispy skin and tender meat without the need for a lot of oil. Here’s a basic recipe to air fry a whole chicken:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- If desired, season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Be sure to season both the outside and the cavity of the chicken.
- You can also rub the chicken with a little olive oil or use a cooking spray to help the skin become crispy.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Refer to your specific air fryer’s manual for preheating instructions.
- Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer:
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the air fryer basket breast-side down.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cook the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. This initial cooking time will help crisp up the skin on the bottom of the chicken.
- Flip the Chicken:
- After the initial 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs or a spatula, so the breast side is now facing up.
- Continue Cooking:
- Cook the chicken for another 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken and the specific model of your air fryer.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become more tender.
- Carve and Enjoy:
- Carve the chicken into pieces and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Remember to adjust cooking times and temperatures based on the size of your chicken and the specific features of your air fryer. A meat thermometer is a valuable tool to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature. Enjoy your air fryer whole chicken!
