Are you looking for tips on how to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll show you how to create a perfect roast chicken that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor using an air fryer.
An air fryer is not only a fast and easy way to cook dinner, but roasting a whole chicken in an air fryer gives you restaurant-quality results.
In this article, we reveal the secrets behind cooking a delicious, whole chicken in your air fryer step by step.
From choosing the right ingredients to creating crispy skin without deep frying, you can make a succulent meal easily.
Let’s get started!
Preparing The Whole Chicken Before Cooking In Air Fryer
Ingredients Needed
- Whole chicken
- salt, pepper
- garlic powder
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken dry with a paper towel and then season it generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Place the seasoned whole chicken onto a plate or cutting board.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes before starting cooking in the air fryer.
- Put the prepared whole chicken into the preheated air fryer basket carefully without overcrowding it so that heat can circulate evenly around each side of the bird while cooking.
See also: How To Cook A Steak In Air Fryer?
How To Cook A Whole Chicken In An Air Fryer
Preheat The Air Fryer
Now it’s time to preheat your air fryer before adding in the chicken! Most machines require about 10 minutes of preheating at 350°F.
This step is important because if your machine isn’t hot enough when you put in the food, it won’t cook properly, resulting in undercooked pieces instead of delicious roasted perfection.
See also: How To Cook A Baked Potato In Air Fryer?
Cooking Time
Once preheated, put it in the basket, and place the chicken thawed out into the basket. Make sure it’s centered evenly so heat circulates equally throughout the cooking process.
Avoid overload baskets. More food can cause uneven results. Now lower the basket down slowly into the fryer.
Close the lid securely, and set the timer for 15-20 min per pound.
Flip halfway through cooking to ensure the bottom side has a chance to crisp up nicely, just like the top did.
Then, brushing more melted butter over the finished product gives a nice sheen appearance.
Depending on how crispy the skin you want, adjust the setting to the temperature higher or lower until the desired result is achieved; it usually takes another 3-5 min.
Once the whole chicken is cooked, carefully remove it and serve immediately with your favorite servings!
See also: How To Cook A Sweet Potato In Air Fryer?
How To Preheat The Frozen Whole Chicken In Air Fryer
To preheat a frozen whole chicken in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Cleaning Up Air Fryer After Cooking The Whole Chicken
To clean an air fryer after cooking a whole chicken, first, remove the basket and any other removable parts. Then wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any food residue.
If there are stubborn stains, use a mild detergent and warm water to scrub them away. Finally, dry all components thoroughly before reassembling your air fryer.
See also: How To Cook Burgers In Air Fryer?
FAQs
Can You Fit A Whole Chicken In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can fit a whole chicken in an air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the chicken into smaller pieces or use a smaller bird, such as a Cornish hen.
Should I Wrap My Chicken In Foil In The Air Fryer?
It is not recommended to wrap the chicken in foil when cooking it in an air fryer. Foil can block the hot air from circulating the food, resulting in unevenly cooked or soggy food.
What Temperature Should Chicken Be Cooked In Air Fryer?
Chicken should be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How Do You Make Juicy Chicken With An Air Fryer?
To make juicy chicken with an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 375°F. Then, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper or any other desired seasoning. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
Flip the pieces over and cook for another 8-10 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How Do You Make Chicken Crispy In Air Fryer?
To make chicken crispy in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on the basket and spray with cooking oil.
Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Conclusion
Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is easier than you think! The process is straightforward and yields delicious results.
With the right ingredients, proper cooking time, and careful temperature control, you can make a succulent meal that will tantalize your taste buds.
Try it today and see why so many people love to cook their chickens this way.
It’s sure to be an instant hit!