4lb whole chicken – A 4 lb chicken fits perfectly in my 5.8 qt air fryer
Italian seasoning – adds flavor to the chicken
Ground Black Pepper – adds a little spice and additional flavor
Salt – Add a little salt for extra flavor
Paprika – I used regular paprika for this recipe, but you can also use smoked paprika if you have it.
Flavor Variations
Lemon-Herb: Add zest of 1 lemon and 1 Tbsp fresh parsley inside cavity; use rosemary & thyme.
Smoky BBQ Rub: Use smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, onion powder, pinch cayenne + brown sugar (sparingly).
Asian-Style: Use soy sauce (reduce overall salt), grated ginger, garlic, five-spice, and a touch of honey.
Cajun / Creole: Use Cajun seasoning + paprika + garlic powder (especially good in the South).
Spiced / Indian-inspired: Garam masala, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder (mix with yogurt for paste under skin).
What You’ll Need to Make a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer – I use the Cosori 5.8 qt basket style air fryer.
Silicone liner – Use a silicone liner to make for easy basket cleanup.
Olive oil– I use extra light olive oil because it has a higher smoke point than regular olive. Avocado oil is another great choice to use and has a higher smoke point.
Twine – Use the twine to hold the legs together during the cooking process.
Learn more about oils and smoke points and the best oils to use in the air fryer.
How to Make a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
If doing a dry brine, season inside and under the skin, wrap, and refrigerate (uncovered) up to 24 hours. Preheat your air fryer to 360 °F (basket) or 350–360 °F (oven style) for ~5 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse (or pat) chicken and remove any residual moisture inside. Tie the legs with twine, tuck wing tips under.
Rub with oil all over — even under wings. Mix seasonings and rub or sprinkle over entire bird.
Seasoned whole chicken in air fryer basket.
Place the chicken breast-side down in the fryer basket or tray. Cook for ~25–30 min (for ~4 lb). After that time, flip the bird (breast-side up). Continue cooking for ~25–35 min more.
Optional crisp finish: If skin isn’t golden enough, increase to 400 °F for final 5–10 min. Check internal temperature, where the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) should read 165 °F. Let rest (loosely tented) for 8–10 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute.
Expert Tips
Make sure to keep an instant read thermometer on hand to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
First cook breast-down protects breast meat from overexposure to heat.
Use twine to hold the legs together during the cooking process. It keeps the legs together for easy maneuverability, and helps keep any stuffed items (such as onion or lemon slices) inside of the cavity.
Dry skin = crisp skin: Patting the chicken thoroughly dry before seasoning helps the skin brown.
Add a Tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before air frying the chicken. The water will help absorb some of the fat drippings and cut back on the smoke from the fat.
Save the chicken bones from the cooked chicken and boil it for chicken stock to be used for your favorite soups and stews.
Catch drippings if possible (for gravy or broth).
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Remove meat from bones, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meat (in portions) up to 3 months (vacuum-sealed or airtight).
Reheating: In the air fryer: 325 °F for 3–5 minutes until warmed. In oven: 300–325 °F covered for ~10 min.
Use leftovers: soups, tacos, salads, sandwiches, casseroles, fried rice, etc.
Tip: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to prevent dryness.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe FAQs
What size Air Fryer do you need to cook a whole chicken?
Can I cook a whole frozen chicken?
How do I keep the chicken thighs from flaring out while cooking?
Why does the cooking time vary so much by size?
How do I serve leftover chicken?
What is a good side for whole chicken?
Air fried whole chicken on a serving plate with rosemary sprigs on the top and served with lemon slices.
This is such an easy recipe, and it’s perfect for a hands off meal when you need to feed a crowd.
If you’re looking for more chicken recipes, check out some of our favorites below.
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Whole chicken in air fryer basket, fully cooked and ready to remove, slice, and serve.
5 from 5 votes
Servings: 6
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
By Jen
This Air Fryer Whole Chicken is a delicious and easy way to make a large dinner to feed the whole family, or to shred and use for meal prepping.
Prep:
5minutes mins
Cook:
1hour hr
Total:
1hour hr 5minutes mins
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