Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

Chicken: The star of the dish, a whole chicken about 4 pounds in weight.

Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken, helping to crisp the skin and add flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Garlic powder: Provides a rich, savory flavor that complements the chicken.

Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor and a beautiful color to the chicken.

When preparing a whole chicken in the air fryer, ensure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the olive oil and seasonings. This helps achieve a crispy skin. Additionally, truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine. This promotes even cooking and keeps the chicken compact, allowing it to fit better in the air fryer basket.

• whole chicken - Substitute with cornish hen: Cornish hens are smaller but can be cooked similarly and offer a tender, flavorful alternative.

• whole chicken - Substitute with bone-in chicken thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they cook well in an air fryer.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for air frying.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral oil with a high smoke point, suitable for air frying.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger crystals and can enhance the flavor similarly to table salt.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a slightly different mineral content and texture but can be used in the same quantity.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, offering a different flavor profile.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a similar savory depth, though with a slightly different flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a bit of heat and complexity, making it a good alternative to paprika.

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the chicken, carve it into smaller pieces. This makes it easier to store and reheat later.

• Wrap each piece of chicken individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• For optimal quality, consume frozen chicken within 2-3 months. While it can be stored longer, the texture and flavor may degrade over time.

• When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the meat's texture and flavor.

• Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the meat is heated through without drying out.

• For a quick meal, shred the leftover chicken and add it to soups, salads, or sandwiches. This versatile protein can enhance a variety of dishes.

• To keep the chicken moist during reheating, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or covering it with a damp paper towel if using a microwave.

• If you have leftover chicken bones, use them to make a rich and flavorful chicken stock. Simply simmer the bones with vegetables and herbs for a few hours.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Heat for 5-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even reheating.
• For a microwave option, carve the chicken into smaller pieces. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and turning halfway through.
• If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• For stovetop reheating, shred the chicken and place it in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• To retain the crispy skin, use a combination method: start by microwaving the chicken for 1-2 minutes to warm the inside, then transfer to a preheated air fryer or oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp up the exterior.

• Air fryer: This is the main cooking appliance used to cook the whole chicken, ensuring it gets crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.

• Meat thermometer: Essential for checking the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

• Basting brush: Used to evenly coat the chicken with olive oil and seasoning.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process without burning yourself.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for carving the chicken once it has rested.

• Chef's knife: Necessary for carving the chicken into serving pieces after it has rested.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika accurately.

• Small bowl: Useful for mixing the olive oil and seasonings together before applying them to the chicken.

• Paper towels: Helpful for patting the chicken dry before seasoning, which helps achieve a crispy skin.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer while you prepare the chicken to save time.

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F quickly by using a meat thermometer instead of guessing.

Prepare seasoning mix in advance: Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika ahead of time for quick seasoning.

Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to keep it juicy and flavorful.