Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked, juicy whole chicken with crispy skin, all made in just over an hour! The "Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken" is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will impress your family and friends while saving you time in the kitchen. With minimal prep and the magic of air frying, you can achieve that coveted roast chicken flavor without the hassle of traditional methods. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to be a hit at your table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for stuffing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather the whole chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. Make sure your air fryer is clean and ready for use.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice crispy skin.
- While the air fryer is preheating, rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help achieve a crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful rub.
- Using your hands, rub the olive oil mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover the entire surface, including under the skin where possible for maximum flavor. This will help keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. This will infuse the meat with aromatic flavors as it cooks.
- Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Cooking it this way initially will help keep the breast meat juicy.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 30 minutes at 360°F (180°C). This will allow the skin to crisp up nicely.
- After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over so that the breast side is facing up. Continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy chicken.
- After resting, carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy your juicy air fryer whole chicken!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy nights, consider marinating the chicken with the olive oil and spices a few hours in advance or even the night before. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh for safe consumption.
- Air Fryer Size Matters: Make sure your air fryer is large enough to accommodate a whole chicken. If it’s too small, consider cutting the chicken into pieces for even cooking.
- Resting is Key: Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. This step is crucial as it helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful chicken.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your spice rub! Try adding herbs like oregano or thyme, or spices like cayenne for a little kick. The possibilities are endless!
- Serve with Sides: Pair your juicy chicken with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
