Top 27 Whole Chicken Air Fryer Recipes [NOT TO MISS]

Whole chickens are a versatile and delicious protein that can be prepared in many ways. One of the most convenient and efficient methods is using an air fryer. This kitchen appliance not only reduces cooking time but also produces juicy and flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 27 mouthwatering whole chicken air fryer recipes to elevate your culinary repertoire.

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer might seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple and yields fantastic results. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly, resulting in tender meat and crispy skin. Additionally, it requires minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option.

When selecting a whole chicken for air frying, opt for a fresh, high-quality bird. Ensure it’s properly thawed if frozen and remove any giblets or excess fat from the cavity. Seasoning plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of the chicken, so don’t be shy with your spices and herbs.

Now, let’s delve into 27 delectable whole chicken air fryer recipes that will delight your taste buds.

Top 27 Whole Chicken Air Fryer Recipes

1. Classic Roast Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme, ensuring even coating.
4. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
5. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.

2. Lemon Herb Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving.

3. Spicy Cajun Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even coating.
4. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
5. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

4. Honey Garlic Glazed Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
4. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then brush the honey garlic mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

5. Italian Herb Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and dried oregano, ensuring even coating.
4. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
5. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

6. Garlic Butter Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

7. Teriyaki Glazed Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the teriyaki mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

8. BBQ Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

9. Lemon Garlic Butter Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

10. Buffalo Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Blue cheese dressing for serving
• Celery sticks for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the buffalo sauce mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

11. Herb Roasted Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, chopped sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

12. Maple Dijon Glazed Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, soy sauce, and dried thyme.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the maple Dijon mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

13. Orange Ginger Glazed Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and grated ginger.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the orange ginger mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

14. Mediterranean Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

15. Pesto Stuffed Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Gently loosen the skin of the chicken, being careful not to tear it.
4. Spread prepared pesto under the skin of the chicken, covering as much surface area as possible.
5. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
7. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
8. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

16. Asian Glazed Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the Asian glaze mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

17. Mustard Herb Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, olive oil, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

18. Herbes De Provence Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons herbes de Provence
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, herbes de Provence, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

19. Balsamic Glazed Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the balsamic glaze mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

20. Lime Chili Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 2 limes
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

21. Greek Style Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

22. Tex-Mex Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

23. Pineapple Teriyaki Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Pineapple slices for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the pineapple teriyaki mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with pineapple slices and chopped green onions before serving.

24. Ranch Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix ranch dressing, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

25. Cranberry Orange Glazed Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange zest, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the cranberry orange mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

26. Chipotle Lime Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 teaspoons chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

27. Apple Cider Glazed Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush the apple cider mixture over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
6. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this versatile protein. With these 27 mouthwatering recipes, you can elevate your culinary skills and delight your family and friends with flavorful and tender chicken dishes. From classic roast chicken to exotic flavors like pineapple teriyaki and chipotle lime, there’s a recipe to suit every palate. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize your whole chicken air fryer creations and enjoy the convenience of this versatile kitchen appliance.

Top 10 Global Flavors

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is not only convenient but also yields deliciously juicy and tender results. The air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly and quickly, creating a crispy skin while sealing in the flavors.

When it comes to seasoning whole chicken for the air fryer, the options are endless. Here are ten globally inspired flavors to tantalize your taste buds:

1. Mediterranean Herb: Blend together olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and a medley of Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a fragrant and savory chicken.

2. Asian Soy Ginger: Create a marinade using soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil for a flavorful Asian twist.

3. Mexican Chipotle Lime: Combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, cumin, and paprika for a spicy and tangy marinade reminiscent of Mexican cuisine.

4. Indian Tandoori: Mix together yogurt, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala for a vibrant and aromatic Indian-inspired flavor profile.

5. Italian Lemon Rosemary: Infuse olive oil with fresh rosemary and garlic, then add lemon juice and zest for a bright and herbaceous Italian flair.

6. French Provencal: Blend olive oil with Herbes de Provence, garlic, and Dijon mustard for a sophisticated and fragrant French-inspired seasoning.

7. Greek Souvlaki: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a hint of red wine vinegar for a classic Greek marinade that’s both tangy and herbaceous.

8. Caribbean Jerk: Mix together scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, and citrus juice for a fiery and aromatic Caribbean-inspired marinade.

9. Thai Lemongrass Coconut: Create a marinade using coconut milk, lemongrass, garlic, lime juice, and Thai red curry paste for a creamy and fragrant Thai-inspired flavor.

10. American BBQ: Rub the chicken with a blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a classic and smoky American barbecue flavor.

My Favorite Air Fryer Recipe

One of my favorite air fryer recipes is the Mediterranean Herb Chicken. This recipe infuses the chicken with the bright and aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean, resulting in a juicy and herbaceous dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.

2. Make the Herb Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped oregano, thyme, and rosemary to create the herb marinade.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Rub the herb marinade all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.

5. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.

6. Flip and Continue Cooking: After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breast side up using tongs. Continue cooking at 360°F (180°C) for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.

7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking

Cooking chicken in an air fryer can be a breeze with these handy tips and tricks:

1. Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning or marinating the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up better in the air fryer.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like with traditional ovens, preheating the air fryer helps ensure even cooking and crispy results. Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

4. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Rotate or Flip the Chicken: For even browning, consider rotating or flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure that all sides cook evenly.

6. Baste with Marinade: If desired, baste the chicken with any remaining marinade or juices halfway through cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.

7. Let it Rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.

Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks

For busy cooks looking to save time in the kitchen, here are some strategies for making whole chicken air fryer recipes even more efficient:

1. Prep Ahead: Prepare the chicken and marinade in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This way, all you have to do is preheat the air fryer and cook the chicken when you’re ready to eat.

2. Use Store-Bought Marinades: Short on time? Opt for store-bought marinades or spice blends to season the chicken quickly and easily.

3. Cook in Bulk: Cook multiple chickens at once and store the leftovers for future meals. Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

4. Meal Prep: Use cooked chicken in meal prep recipes like salads, sandwiches, wraps, or soups for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

5. Experiment with Different Cuts: Don’t limit yourself to whole chickens. Experiment with different cuts like chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings for variety and versatility.

6. Clean Up as You Go: Keep the kitchen tidy by cleaning up as you go. Wash dishes, wipe down countertops, and clean the air fryer basket and tray immediately after use for easier cleanup later.

7. Share the Workload: Get the whole family involved in meal preparation. Assign tasks like seasoning the chicken, preheating the air fryer, or setting the table to lighten the load and make cooking a fun and collaborative experience.

Conclusion

Cooking whole chicken in an air fryer opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From Mediterranean herb-infused chicken to spicy Caribbean jerk flavors, the air fryer allows you to explore a variety of global cuisines right in your own kitchen. With the right techniques and time-saving strategies, you can enjoy delicious and hassle-free chicken dinners any day of the week. So fire up your air fryer, experiment with different flavors, and get ready to impress your family and friends with these mouthwatering whole chicken air fryer recipes. Happy cooking!