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Ultimate Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Style)

Close-up of a perfectly cooked, crispy-skinned air fryer whole chicken resting on a wooden cutting board.
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Learn how to cook a whole chicken in your air fryer for incredibly crispy skin and moist, tender meat. This rotisserie style method is fast, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 lemon, halved (optional, for cavity)

Instructions

  1. Remove the chicken from its packaging. Take out any giblets from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken very dry, inside and out, using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and rosemary to create your best air fryer chicken seasoning.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the exterior of the chicken. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the entire surface of the chicken. Gently massage the rub into the skin.
  4. If using, place the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Carefully place the seasoned whole chicken breast-side up into the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  7. Cook the chicken for 40 minutes at 360°F (180°C).
  8. After 40 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Increase the temperature to 380°F (195°C).
  9. Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). This method gives you that rotisserie style finish.
  10. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving. This resting period keeps the meat juicy.

Notes

  • For the juiciest inside, make sure your chicken is completely dry before seasoning. Moisture prevents crisping.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to slightly truss the legs or trim excess skin to fit the bird properly.
  • If the skin starts getting too dark before the chicken is fully cooked, loosely tent the breast with aluminum foil for the remaining cook time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/air-fryer-whole-chicken-recipe-crispy-juicy/