The air fryer is like magic in the kitchen—turning a humble chicken into something extraordinary. Imagine a chicken so juicy, it could almost quench your thirst, with skin crispier than your favorite potato chips. (Remember those viral air fryer hacks on TikTok?) Well, this recipe takes it up a notch, delivering a bird that might just become your new Sunday staple.
Steps
- Inspect the chicken cavity and remove any giblets; pat the chicken skin dry.
- Coat the chicken skin with olive oil and apply your choice of seasoning.
- Position the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and set the air fryer to 350°F.
- Cook the chicken for 30 minutes, then flip it and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Take the chicken out of the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3 ½ to 4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ? teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1776 | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 144g | Fat: 128g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 572mg | Sodium: 536mg | Potassium: 1440mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1172IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- What size chicken should I use for air frying?
- A chicken between 3 to 4 pounds is ideal for air frying. Ensure your air fryer can accommodate the size of the chicken before cooking.
- What type of oil is recommended for air frying a whole chicken?
- Olive oil is recommended as it helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and enhances the crispiness of the skin. Alternatively, cooking spray may also be used.
- How can I ensure the chicken cooks evenly in an air fryer?
- Cook the chicken breast-side down initially, then flip it after 30 minutes. For a 3-pound chicken, cook for 45-50 minutes, and for a 4-pound chicken, extend the cooking time to about 60 minutes.
- How should I check if the chicken is fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Begin checking the temperature early to prevent overcooking.
- What can I do with leftover chicken?
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Consider saving the carcass for making broth. To reheat, microwave the chicken and refresh the flavors with a bit of salt and pepper or a quick gravy.
Tips
- Before cooking, make sure to remove any giblets from inside the chicken. If the chicken is large and touches the air fryer’s heating element, consider untying the legs or gently pressing the breast to flatten it slightly.
- Cook the chicken with the breast side down for the first 30 minutes, then flip it over for even cooking. Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, to avoid overcooking.
- Use olive oil to help the seasoning adhere to the chicken skin and enhance its crispiness. Customize your seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences, but avoid fresh garlic as it can burn in the air fryer.
- After the chicken cooks, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Use the drippings to season vegetables, such as green beans or cauliflower, and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Ensure it is large enough to fit a 3-4 lb chicken. The recipe mentions using a 5.8qt air fryer.
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165°F.
