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Overhead view of a golden-brown Air Fryer Whole Chicken resting in the black air fryer basket, with crisp seasoned skin and browned edges.
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Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Juicy meat, crackly seasoned skin, and about an hour of cook time. Season the bird in two passes so the flavor stays on the skin instead of scorching.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 335kcal
Author: Shauna

Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 pound whole chicken
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  • Remove the chicken from its packaging and take the neck and giblets out of the cavity. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, inside and out.
  • Stir the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and smoked paprika together in a small bowl.
    Overhead view of the seasoning mixture for Air Fryer Whole Chicken, with paprika, coarse salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt arranged in a wooden bowl.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rub it into the skin.
  • Sprinkle one third of the seasoning over one side of the chicken and one third over the other side, rubbing it over the exterior and inside the cavity. Reserve the final third.
    Raw whole chicken being rubbed with olive oil and seasonings by hand on a white platter while preparing Air Fryer Whole Chicken.
  • Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer and fold the wings behind it. Cook at 350°F for 30 minutes.
  • Turn the chicken breast side up. Tie the legs with kitchen twine if desired, then sprinkle the reserved seasoning over the breast and legs.
  • Cook for another 25 to 30 minutes, until a thermometer in the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F.
    Overhead view of a golden-brown Air Fryer Whole Chicken resting in the black air fryer basket, with crisp seasoned skin and browned edges.
  • Rest the chicken 5 to 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • Choose a chicken that fits your air fryer with room for air to circulate.
  • If the legs catch when you open it, press down on the breastbone to flatten the bird slightly.
  • Cook times vary by air fryer model and chicken size, so check your manual and use a thermometer rather than the clock.
  • Tuck the wings behind the chicken and tie the legs so those thinner pieces don't dry out.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1071mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 287IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg