Whole chicken: Look for one that is around 4 pounds/1.8 kilograms. You’ll want to remove the giblets If they haven’t been already. Seasoning: I like to season my chicken generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Air Fry a Whole Chicken
With the air fryer’s ability to achieve crispy skin, shorter cooking times, and easy clean-up, you’ll love this hassle-free recipe! Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process of making it. I always start by brining my chicken. It makes it so succulent and juicy! Brining chicken takes time, so if you have 12 – 24 hours before you want to air fry the chicken, then I strongly suggest giving it a try. If you don’t want to brine, then you can still make this recipe and it will be delicious.
Recipe Tips
Always make sure to pat the chicken dry before applying the oil and seasoning. This ensures that the seasoning sticks to the chicken better, giving it more flavor. Throw in some veggies. If there’s room in your air fryer basket, you can add some baby potatoes 10-15 minutes into the cooking and some green beans closer to the end. You can also experiment with other vegetables and adjust the cooking times accordingly. Keep an eye on browning. If you notice the air fryer whole chicken browning too quickly, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too dark. Don’t throw away the chicken carcass! You can use it to make chicken stock or broth.
Using Leftovers
From salads to sandwiches, soups to stir-fries, chicken is your versatile friend! Shred the leftovers to add to Instant Pot chicken soup or slice it to lay on top of Caesar chicken salad. One of my favorite ways to use up leftovers is to make a creamy chicken salad which I then serve on croissants. It’s the perfect lunch! For a quick dinner, throw some of the cooked leftovers together with veggies for an easy stir fry. Teriyaki chicken stir fry is a tasty choice or a simple chicken and broccoli stir fry never disappoints!
Storing Tips
Store leftover air fryer whole chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 325°F/160°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate in 30-second increments until the chicken is warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it in the microwave, as it can dry out the meat. I hope you try this delicious roast chicken in the air fryer! It will truly surprise you with how good it is!
What To Serve With
The thing about a simple air fryer whole chicken is that it pairs well with a plethora of side dishes! For something a little simple, a side of oven baked potato wedges and grilled corn on the cob is always popular. If you’re feeling a little fancy or are serving dinner guests you could opt for something a little extra like Boursin mashed potatoes, mushroom spinach orzo, or lemon ricotta pasta. When you’re looking to keep it low-carb, roasted root veggies and a parsnip purée are the way to go! Save this recipe for the next time you want something simple, flavorful, and elegant to serve your dinner crowd. Pin it for more people to enjoy too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
