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Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

This easy air fryer whole chicken recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat with minimal effort. The chicken is seasoned with a flavorful blend of Italian and poultry seasonings, paprika, and salt, then cooked in the air fryer to achieve a delicious golden crust while keeping the white meat moist. Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Seasoning Mix

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Main Ingredient

  • 1 (5 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed

Instructions

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, paprika, and salt until well combined.
  3. Season Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Brush the prepared spice mixture over the entire chicken, making sure to get underneath the wings for full flavor coverage.
  4. Cook Chicken - First Side: Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. Cook undisturbed for 45 minutes to start rendering the skin and seal in moisture.
  5. Flip and Continue Cooking: Carefully flip the chicken using tongs so the breast side is up. Continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 20 more minutes.
  6. Rest: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the juices absorb back into the meat, enhancing tenderness and flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking for even results.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
  • The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and chicken size.
  • Resting the chicken is key to juicy meat—don’t skip this step.