Crispy Whole Chicken (Air Fryer)

This recipe produces juicy meat with crispy, golden skin. It works best with a whole chicken that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lb / 1.4–1.8 kg)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 lemon, halved (optional, for the cavity)
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken
   • Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.
   • Remove any giblets from the cavity.
   • Rub the chicken all over with olive oil.
2. Season
   • Mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne.
   • Rub the seasoning evenly over the entire chicken, including under the wings and legs if possible.
   • If using, place the lemon halves and herbs inside the cavity.
3. Air fry
   • Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3–5 minutes.
   • Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket.
   • Cook for 30 minutes.
   • Carefully flip the chicken breast-side up.
   • Cook for another 20–30 minutes, or until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thigh reaches 175°F (79°C).
4. Rest
   • Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. This helps keep the juices inside.

Tips for Extra Crispy Skin

• Dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• If the skin isn’t crisp enough, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 3–5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Suggested Sides

• Roasted potatoes
• Air-fried carrots or Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Garden salad
• Rice or mashed potatoes

Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50–60 minutes