If you’re craving a delicious roast chicken but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, look no further than this Air Fryer Roast Chicken recipe! Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer results in a beautifully crispy skin and juicy meat, all while being incredibly easy and quick. This method is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cooking a roast chicken in the air fryer not only saves time but also creates a delightful crunch that’s hard to resist. With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, you can achieve a mouthwatering chicken that’s tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside. Plus, the air fryer cooks the chicken evenly, ensuring it’s perfectly done every time!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your favorite herbs)
- 1 lemon, halved (for stuffing)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, smashed (optional, for stuffing)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs or a spatula
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Clean the Chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging, and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin by removing excess moisture.
- Season the Chicken: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken, ensuring you cover every surface, including inside the cavity.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place the halved lemon and smashed garlic (if using) inside the cavity of the chicken. This adds flavor and moisture during cooking.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Place in the Air Fryer: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. This helps keep the breast meat juicy.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken at 360°F (182°C) for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs.
- Continue Cooking: Cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)in the thickest part of the thigh and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve and Serve: After resting, carve the chicken into pieces and serve it with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Chicken
- Use a Small Chicken: A smaller chicken (3-4 lbs) works best in the air fryer, as it cooks more evenly and fits better in most air fryer baskets.
- Check the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone for an accurate reading.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix to your liking. Herbs like rosemary or oregano, or spices like cumin or chili powder, can add different flavors.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Roast Chicken is a simple yet delicious recipe that will become a go-to in your kitchen. With its crispy skin and juicy meat, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a fantastic meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor!
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