Air Fryer Whole Chicken – The Almond Eater

May 17, 2025

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This Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe is an easy way to make a delicious, crispy yet tender rotisserie chicken at home! Simply coat the chicken in dry rub, then let the air fryer cook the chicken for you.

My air fryer chicken thighs and air fryer chicken breast are two of my most beloved recipes, so I have a feeling this air fryer whole chicken will be too.

We tend to eat rotisserie chicken on a regular basis, and this air fryer chicken recipe tastes just like the store-bought kind, but better!

Why you’ll love this recipe

A very simple way to prep a homemade rotisserie chicken!
Crispy skin on the outside and juicy, tender chicken that doesn’t dry out.
There’s no need to turn on the oven; you can make perfect chicken right in your air fryer.
A fantastic way to ensure you’re getting protein throughout the week.

Ingredients

Whole chicken – Since the chicken needs to fit into a standard air fryer, I recommend a 4-5 lb. chicken. Anything larger and you risk that it won’t fit. If you’re cooking something smaller than a 4-pound chicken, you’ll want to reduce the cook time a bit.

Spices – A mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt and black pepper creates a simple yet flavorful dry rub.

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the spices. Start by mixing the garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.

whole chicken on a plate with spices in a small dish off to the side

Step 2: Coat the chicken. Next, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Then, use your hands to rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure it’s completely coated.

Step 3: Air fry. Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray, then place the chicken breast-side down into it. Air fry the chicken at 360° F for 50 minutes. Then, use kitchen tongs to carefully flip it over and air fry for an additional 10 minutes until crispy on the outside.

raw whole chicken placed inside an air fryer

Step 4: Slice. Carefully remove the chicken and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Tips and FAQs

Remember to remove the giblets inside the chicken before cooking.
I’m partial to the seasoning blend suggested in the recipe, but this chicken can be made with all kinds of seasonings — don’t be afraid to get creative!
Besides eating the chicken as-is, try adding it to a salad, making chicken salad, using it in soup, or using it on a sandwich.

Tip

Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before slicing. You’ll know the chicken is done once it reaches 165° F and the juices run clear.

How long will it take the chicken to cook?

A 4 lb. chicken will take 50-60 minutes, while a 5 lb. chicken will take at least 1 hour, if not a little bit longer.

What should I serve this with?

Storage

Refrigerator: Store chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Wait for the chicken to cool a bit, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat: To reheat, place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 30 second increments until warm. Or, heat the oven to 350° F, place chicken in a shallow dish and into the oven and heat until warmed through.

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If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!