• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Simply Low Cal
  • Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Main Dish
    • Dips, Dressings & Sauces
    • Drinks
    • Instant Pot
    • Salads
    • Side Dish
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soup
    • Snack
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Tips & Digital Downloads
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Printables
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Recipe Roundups
    • Printables
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Whole Chicken

    Published: May 14, 2020 - Last updated: February 9, 2023 by Erika

    air fryer whole chicken thumbnail picture.
    Jump to Recipe
    air fryer whole chicken pin.

    This post contains affiliate links. I make a commission from sales. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

    Thanks to the amazing air fryer, making rotisserie chicken has never been easier. This Air Fryer Whole Chicken is coated in a flavorful dry rub, then roasted in the air fryer. As the skin renders, it becomes crispy while the meat stays moist and delicious!

    cooked whole chicken on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations & Serving
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ‘s
    • More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
    • Air Fryer Whole Chicken

    Check out my Air Fryer Carnitas and my Air Fryer Sesame Chicken for more delicious air fryer recipes!

    Can you put a whole chicken in the air fryer? You sure can, and these step-by-step instructions will teach you how to cook a perfectly crisp and juicy whole chicken in your air fryer that tastes exactly like a rotisserie chicken!

    Here's how it works; a rotisserie chicken slowly rotates as it cooks next to the heat source, rather than directly on top of the heat. This technique crisps the skin creating a delicious caramelized crust on the surface while cooking the meat evenly and locking in all the moisture and juices.

    Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer essentially works the same way. The chicken is placed below the heat source, and the hot air continuously rotates around all sides creating gorgeous golden skin and perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone meat.

    The best part? You don't need any heavy oils or butter! Instead, the chicken is coated with a homemade dry rub made with seasonings that you probably already have in your spice cabinet!

    top view of whole cooked chicken.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It's easy to make and perfect for weeknights. Clean-up is a cinch!
    • Air frying a whole chicken makes crispy skin and juicy meat like a rotisserie chicken.
    • The delicious chicken dry rub is flexible and easy to modify to your tastes.
    • You can shred the meat and repurpose it for other meals throughout the week.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    whole chicken labeled ingredients.

    Whole Chicken: Be sure to choose a chicken that will fit your air fryer. If your air fryer has a 4-6 quart capacity, you should have plenty of room for a 5-pound chicken. If your air fryer's capacity is less than 4 quarts, I recommend buying a small 3 to 4-pound whole chicken.

    Chicken Dry Rub: This mixture of spices incorporates a dynamic blend of smoky, savory, and spicy flavors. You will need:

    • Salt: Salt is at the core of any good chicken dry rub. It enhances flavor but also pulls moisture to the surface of the meat, which encourages even browning.
    • Dry Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, white pepper, and thyme bring smoky and savory flavor, and a pinch of cayenne brings the heat.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    four image process making air fryer whole chicken.

    Step 1: Prep whole chicken.

    Remove the chicken from the packaging. If it came with the giblets intact, be sure to remove them. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

    Step 2: Make the dry rub and apply.

    Stir salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and thyme in a small bowl. Sprinkle an even layer of the dry rub on all sides of the chicken. Use your hands to rub the spices into the crevices, including the inner cavity.

    Step 3: Cook whole chicken.

    Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket, and cook at 370 degrees F for 30 minutes. Use tongs to flip the chicken breast side up, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

    Step 4: Rest, then serve.

    Remove the chicken from the air fryer, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Enjoy!

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    chicken with slice carved out.

    Expert Tips

    • To ensure the chicken roasts in the air fryer evenly, set it out on the counter 30 to 35 minutes ahead of time to bring it to room temperature.
    • The dry rub recipe yields a little less than three tablespoons. You can use more or less dry rub to taste. I like to use at least one tablespoon of dry rub per pound of chicken.
    • Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminum foil for easier clean-up.
    • To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and close the bone. It's cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165F.
    • The exact time it takes to cook will depend on the functionality of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the chicken and use an instant-read thermometer.

    Variations & Serving

    You can flavor the whole chicken however you prefer before cooking it in the air fryer. Feel free to substitute the dry rub with one of these spice blends: cajun, lemon pepper, chili seasoning, herbes de Provence, jerk, Greek, Italian, or za'atar.

    Make this air fryer rotisserie chicken a healthy and wholesome dinner, and serve it with any of these low-calorie and low-carb sides.

    • Keto Mashed Cauliflower
    • Garlic & Herb Mashed Cauliflower
    • Cauliflower Stuffing
    • Keto Broccoli Salad
    • Balsamic Vinegar Broccoli

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: Allow chicken to cool, place in an airtight container, or wrap in a tight layer of aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

    Freezing: After cooling, set the chicken in a freezer-safe zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

    Recipe FAQ‘s

    How long does it take for a whole chicken to cook in the air fryer?

    The exact time it takes to cook a whole chicken to a safe internal temperature will vary depending on your air fryer's functionality and the chicken's size. For instance, a 5-pound bird will take about 1 hour to cook in the air fryer at 370 degrees F.

    How do you reheat chicken in the air fryer without drying it out?

    It's best to carve off the chicken portions you intend to eat, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and reheat at 360 degrees F for 5-8 minutes. For larger pieces, spray them with cooking spray to keep them moist.

    Can you put a whole frozen chicken in the air fryer?

    Yes. To make this from frozen, place the whole frozen chicken directly in the air fryer basket and heat at 160 degrees F until thawed (about 20 minutes). Once the chicken is fully thawed out, remove it from the air fryer, and then proceed to season and cook the chicken as instructed in this recipe.

    Click here to download my FREE kitchen cheat sheets.

    More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love

    • air fryer pork chops thumbnail picture.
      Air Fryer Pork Chops
    • air fryer bbq drumsticks thumbnail picture.
      Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    air fryer whole chicken thumbnail picture.

    Air Fryer Whole Chicken

    Erika
    Thanks to the amazing air fryer, making rotisserie chicken has never been easier. This air fryer whole chicken is coated in a flavorful dry rub, then roasted in the air fryer. As the skin renders, it becomes crispy while the meat stays moist and delicious!
    4.96 from 23 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
    Course Air Fryer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 Servings
    Calories 329 kcal

    Equipment

    • Meat Thermometer
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6)
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Power Air Fryer XL 5.3 Quart

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 pound whole raw chicken
    • ½ tablespoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon white pepper
    • ½ tablespoon garlic powder
    • ½ tablespoon onion powder
    • ½ tablespoon paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Remove the chicken from the packaging. If it came with the giblets intact, be sure to remove them. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. 
    • Stir salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and thyme in a small bowl. Sprinkle an even layer of the dry rub on all sides of the chicken. Use your hands to rub the spices into the crevices, including the inner cavity.
    • Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket, and cook at 370°F for 30 minutes. Use tongs to flip the chicken breast side up, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
    • Remove the chicken from the air fryer, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Enjoy!

    Notes

      • To ensure the chicken roasts in the air fryer evenly, set it out on the counter 30 to 35 minutes ahead of time to bring it to room temperature.
      • The dry rub recipe yields a little less than three tablespoons. You can use more or less dry rub to taste. I like to use at least one tablespoon of dry rub per pound of chicken.
      • Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with aluminum foil for easier clean-up.
      • To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and close the bone. It's cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
      • The exact time it takes to cook will depend on the functionality of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the chicken and use an instant-read thermometer.
      • Storing: Allow chicken to cool, place in an airtight container, or wrap in a tight layer of aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
      • Freezing: After cooling, set the chicken in a freezer-safe zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 329kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 52gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 158mgSodium: 578mg

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Air Fryer Dry Rub Whole Chicken, air fryer whole chicken, Dry Rub Whole Chicken
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    signature

    More Air Fryer

    • air fryer corn fritters thumbnail picture.
      Air Fryer Corn Fritters
    • air fryer bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts thumbnail picture.
      Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
    • air fryer fish and chips thumbnail picture.
      Air Fryer Fish And Chips
    • air fryer cauliflower rice balls thumbnail picture.
      Air Fryer Cauliflower Rice Balls

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kushigalu

      May 14, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      They look so moist and delicious. I will soon try this air fryer version.

      Reply
    2. Jessica Formicola

      May 14, 2020 at 4:10 pm

      This dry rub looks incredible! I am definitely going to break out my air fryer to make this chicken for dinner tonight!

      Reply
    3. Toni

      May 14, 2020 at 4:29 pm

      This is so good!! Love how easy it is!

      Reply
    4. Lisa Huff

      May 14, 2020 at 4:38 pm

      Wow looks so much better than those grocery store rotisserie chickens! Love that you made your own dry rub!

      Reply
    5. Amanda

      May 18, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      Talk about a game changer! The skin came out perfectly crisp, and I love how moist the chicken stayed in the air fryer. Definitely making this a regular dinner!

      Reply
    6. Erin

      May 18, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      I'm obsessed with my air fryer and this dry-rubbed whole chicken is the perfect way to have a comfort food dinner with the crispy skin that I love.

      Reply
    7. Choclette

      May 20, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      Have to say I had no idea you could cook a whole chicken in an air fryer. But now I've read your recipe, it makes sense. Great for summer time cooking when you don't want to switch the oven on.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Hi and welcome! My name is Erika and I’m a huge foodie with an appetite for almost anything. I love all foods, especially desserts! I try to cook things that are simple, practical, and delicious. Read More…

    My Recent Posts

    • air fryer corn fritters thumbnail picture.Air Fryer Corn Fritters
    • Mediterranean naan pizza thumbnail picture.Mediterranean Naan Pizza
    • air fryer bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts thumbnail picture.Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
    • Instant Pot pork loin roast thumbnail picture.Instant Pot Pork Loin With Apples And Onions
    • Instant Pot chicken quinoa soup thumbnail picture.Instant Pot Chicken Quinoa Soup

    Footer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Work With Me
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    204 shares