Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

I think I speak for everyone when I say that we’ve all ruined a whole chicken at some point in our lives! That’s why I can’t recommend using the air fryer enough. This air fryer whole chicken recipe is hands down the easiest way I’ve ever cooked a whole bird! It’s quick, easy, and tried and true. My family loves when I cook a whole chicken for dinner, because everyone gets their favorite piece – wings, drumsticks, breasts, etc. This air fryer method makes it easy for me to fulfill the request for a whole chicken with just 5 minutes of prep work!

What’s in air fryer whole chicken?

You’re going to love how budget friendly it is to cook a whole chicken!

Whole Chicken: This recipe works for a 5 lb chicken. If yours is bigger, you’ll need to adjust the cook time. Avocado Oil: Olive oil also works well if preferred. Seasonings/Herbs: A combination of kosher salt, cracked black pepper, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, thyme and oregano (both fresh) give the chicken the BEST flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

Store any leftover cooked chicken you have in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Feel free to reheat in the microwave or back in the air fryer. Try not to overheat it – you don’t want to dry it out.

How to Freeze

You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled to room temperature prior to storing in an airtight container.

Notes and Tips

To add some truly mouthwatering zest, squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto the chicken before cooking. If you can’t find any avocado oil, any other neutral flavored cooking oil will work just fine. Vegetable or olive oil will get the job done! Be picky when selecting a whole chicken. Sadly, they’re not all created equal! Ask your local butcher for the best or the best – that’s what I do. Making this for a holiday meal? Try it paired with this classic Green Bean Casserole.

How to Make Air Fryer Whole Chicken Step by Step

Make the oil mixture: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp avocado oil, 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt and pepper. Season: Brush the seasoned oil all over the raw chicken. Stuff and tie the chicken: Stuff whole chicken with sprigs of fresh thyme and oregano. Then tie the legs together with cooking twine. Cook the chicken: Place chicken into air fryer, breast side down. Set fryer to 350℉. Cook for 1 hour. Flip it: When cook time is complete, carefully flip the chicken, breast side up, and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Make sure internal temperature has reached 165℉ to serve.