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Ultimate Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken

A perfectly cooked, golden-brown air fryer whole chicken resting on a white plate, showing crispy skin.
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Cook a whole chicken in your air fryer for crispy skin and moist meat. This simple recipe delivers rotisserie-style results fast, making it a perfect weeknight centerpiece meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 lemon, halved

Instructions

  1. Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity. Pat the entire chicken dry, inside and out, using paper towels. This step helps achieve crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme to create your seasoning blend.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the exterior of the chicken. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin.
  4. 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 chicken breast-side up in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  7. Cook for 45 minutes at 360°F (180°C).
  8. After 45 minutes, carefully increase the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The temperature must reach 165°F (74°C).
  10. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  • If your chicken is larger than 4 lbs, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
  • Use the drippings from the bottom of the air fryer basket to make a simple pan gravy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/air-fryer-whole-chicken-recipe/