Ingredients
Method
- Prep the Chicken – Set the chicken over a baking sheet or platter. Remove the neck and any giblets present inside the chicken cavity and discard them. Thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels — dryness equals crispiness. Rub oil all over the skin. In a small bowl, stir together all of the seasonings. Sprinkle seasonings all over the outside of the chicken.
- Place in Air Fryer basket– If your chicken is larger than 4 lbs, remove the rack from the air fryer basket. Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket – this also keeps the chicken breasts juicier as it self-bastes.
- Cook at 350 °F for 30 minutes, then use tongs and a spatula to flip the chicken breast-side up. Continue cooking 15-35 minutes (*see timing chart below) or until a thermometer reads 165 °F in the thickest part of the breast. Thighs will usually read 175˚F+, which is ideal.
- Rest – Let the chicken rest 5–10 minutes to redistribute juices before carving.
Notes
*Pick the Right Size Chicken for your Air Fryer: With a rack in, most air fryers can accommodate up to 4 pounds, but I can cook a 5 1/2 lb chicken in my 6 qt air fryer with the rack removed. You want air movement around the chicken, so be sure the meat doesn’t touch the sides of the basket or the heating element. If it’s touching, remove the rack or choose a smaller chicken.
Total Cook Times by Weight (Flip at 30 minutes)
Since air fryer models vary, always check for doneness with a thermometer, and it should reach 165˚F at the thickest part of the breast.
- 3 1/2 lb chicken: 45-50 min total
- 4 lb chicken: 50-55 min total
- 4 1/2 lb chicken: 55-60 min total
- 5 lb chicken: 60-65 min total
- 5 1/2 lb chicken: 65-70 min total
- To refrigerate – cool the chicken to chill within 2 hours after cooking, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- To freeze – once cool, remove the bones from the meat and pack the freezer bag or containers for 3-4 months. Keep the carcass for Chicken Stock. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- To reheat – the meat can be reheated in the air fryer. Brush or spray with oil to prevent drying and air fry at 325˚F until heated through to 165°F.