Air Fryer Whole Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
307 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Description
The Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe starts by loosening the skin and spreading softened butter underneath to enhance juiciness and flavor. The chicken is generously coated with BBQ seasoning before placing it breast-side down in the air fryer basket. After 30 minutes at 350°F, the chicken is flipped breast-side up and cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Resting the chicken for 10 minutes allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat. The cooking method produces a crisp skin and flavorful crust from the spice rub, contrasting with the tender breast and thigh meat inside.
This straightforward preparation uses simple ingredients and the air fryer's hot circulating air for even cooking without added oils, making it easier to prepare compared to oven roasting. It fits well as a main course for dinner served alongside vegetables or side dishes. Because the recipe covers a range of chicken sizes, cooking times should be adjusted accordingly, with a meat thermometer recommended to check doneness.
Leftovers can be stored up to 4 days refrigerated and reheated safely in the air fryer or microwave. Using a 6-quart or larger air fryer basket helps accommodate larger whole chickens comfortably. Applying butter under the skin and starting with breast-side down are key tips to enhance moisture and texture in this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter softened
- 1 chicken about 3-5 pounds, whole
- 2 Tablespoons BBQ rub and seasoning or bbq rub of your choice, Trader Joe's
Instructions
- Remove chicken from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Remove and discard neck and giblets from cavity of chicken.
- Loosen skin from the breast meat of the chicken by running a small spatula or your fingers gently underneath the skin. Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter underneath the skin on both breasts. Use your fingers to spread it around under the skin.
- Liberally sprinkle the bbq seasoning over all sides of the chicken and rub into the skin so that it sticks. Place the whole chicken breast-side down in the basket of your air fryer.
- Set the air fryer to 350 degrees and cook the chicken for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes is up, pull out the basket and flip the chicken breast side up. Place back in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 15-25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees.
- Allow chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Spread softened butter under the chicken skin on the breast to keep meat juicy during cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer a few minutes before cooking to ensure proper temperature and crisp skin.
- Air frying times vary with chicken size; use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
- Start cooking breast-side down, then flip midway to retain moisture in the breast meat.
- Use a 6-quart or larger air fryer basket for a whole chicken; smaller baskets may not fit larger birds.
- Let the chicken rest about 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 4 minutes or briefly in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 307 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 307kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 105mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 123mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 240mg | 5% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 296IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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