Name: Crispy Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs, giblets removed and patted dry); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1 lemon, halved; 2-3 garlic cloves

Hey y'all! If you love juicy, golden chicken with irresistibly crispy skin—and who doesn't?—this Crispy Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe is about to be your new favorite weeknight dinner. Easy to prepare, packed with aromatic herbs and spices, and ready in less time than the oven, it's perfect for Sunday feasts, meal prepping, or impressing your family and friends. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

The air fryer creates perfectly crispy skin and moist, tender meat.
Minimal prep time—just season, air fry, and serve.
Healthier than deep frying, with less oil and fewer calories.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
Bursting with aromatic flavors and ready in about an hour!

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs, giblets removed and patted dry)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 lemon, halved
2-3 garlic cloves

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat the bird dry with paper towels. This helps ensure extra crispy skin.

Step 2: Season and Stuff

Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Generously sprinkle the seasoning blend all over the chicken. Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves and garlic cloves.

Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 30 minutes. Flip the chicken over so it's breast side up, and air fry for another 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. (Total time: 55-60 minutes.)

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This helps retain the juices, keeping the meat moist.

Notes

Pating the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin—don't skip this step!
Cooking times may vary based on the size of your chicken and air fryer model; always use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
For extra crispy skin, spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray before air frying.

Variations

Lemon-Pepper Chicken: Swap out herbs for extra lemon zest and cracked black pepper.
Spicy Cajun Chicken: Use 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning in place of the herbs and smoked paprika.
Herb Butter Chicken: Rub chicken with 2 tablespoons softened herb butter under and over the skin before seasoning.

Required Equipment

Air fryer (large enough for a 4 lb chicken)
Kitchen tongs
Paper towels
Meat thermometer
Cutting board
Sharp knife for carving

Storage Instructions

Store leftover air fryer chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze pieces (well-wrapped) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Drizzle with pan juices or a squeeze of fresh lemon for extra flavor.
Perfect alongside crusty bread or seasoned rice.

Pro Tips

Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking and a prettier presentation.
Let the chicken rest after air frying for juicier, more tender meat.
Rotate or reposition the chicken halfway through if your air fryer cooks unevenly.

FAQ

Can I cook a larger (or smaller) chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly—about 12-15 minutes per pound, and always check the internal temperature for doneness.

Can I prep the chicken ahead?

Absolutely! You can season and stuff the chicken a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to air fry.

How do I avoid dry chicken?

Don't overcook—remove the chicken as soon as it hits 165°F and let it rest before carving to keep the meat juicy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes