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Air fryer whole dry rub chicken has the perfect blend of dry rub spices. The chicken comes out of the air fryer moist and delicious.

Did you know you can cook a whole chicken in the air fryer? It’s another reason to love this kitchen appliance so much. The air fryer gives the outside of the chicken nice crispy skin, while the meat inside is nice and juicy. It’s such a versatile meal too.
You can eat the chicken with your favorite salad or side dish or shred the chicken and use in another meal.
All you need is a whole raw chicken about 5 lbs, and several spices that you likely already have in your pantry.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy, no mess air fryer cooking
- Delicious mixture of dry rub spices
- Crispy skin, juicy meat
- Versatile, chicken can be used in other recipes too
- Chicken makes great meal prep for the week

Ingredients
What you’ll need to make this recipe.
- Whole raw chicken
- Salt
- White pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Dried thyme

How to make this recipe
1 – Remove the chicken from any packaging and pat dry with a paper towel.
2 – Combine the salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne and thyme in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken.
3 – Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 370 degrees for 30 minutes. Flip the chicken over to breast side up and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165 degrees. Measure this at the thickest part of the chicken near the bone. Continue cooking until chicken reaches temperature.

How do I store my leftover chicken?
Place cooled chicken in an airtight container, or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Can I freeze my leftover chicken?
Yes! Place the cooled chicken in a freezer safe container or freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months.
Please Note
Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on your food so it doesn’t burn.
Calories per serving (approximately 1/2 cup, so skin): 329
Air Fryer Dry Rub Whole Chicken

Air fryer whole dry rub chicken has the perfect blend of dry rub spices. The chicken comes out of the air fryer moist and delicious.
Ingredients
- 5 lb whole raw chicken
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Remove chicken from any packaging and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne and thyme in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken.
- Place chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370° for 30 minutes. Flip the chicken over to breast side up and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°.
Notes
- The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165 degrees. Measure this at the thickest part of the chicken near the bone. Continue cooking until chicken reaches temperature.
- Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on food.
Recommended Products
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Habor 022 Meat Thermometer, Instant Read Thermometer Digital Cooking Thermometer, Candy Thermometer with Super Long Probe for Kitchen BBQ Grill Smoker Meat Oil Milk Yogurt Temperature
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6) Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set - Easy To Clean, Nesting Bowls for Space Saving Storage, Great for Cooking, Baking, Prepping
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KitchenAid Classic Measuring Spoons, Set of 5, Aqua Sky/Black
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Power Air Fryer XL 5.3 Quart
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 329Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 158mgSodium: 578mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 52g
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. Nutrition facts for this recipe are measured without the skin and bones of the chicken.
Other air fryer recipes you’ll love
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Enjoy!

Kushigalu
They look so moist and delicious. I will soon try this air fryer version.
simplylowcal
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Jessica Formicola
This dry rub looks incredible! I am definitely going to break out my air fryer to make this chicken for dinner tonight!
simplylowcal
I hope you enjoy it, Jessica. 🙂
Toni
This is so good!! Love how easy it is!
simplylowcal
Thanks, Toni. 🙂
Lisa Huff
Wow looks so much better than those grocery store rotisserie chickens! Love that you made your own dry rub!
simplylowcal
Thanks, Lisa. 🙂
Amanda
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!
simplylowcal
That’s great to hear, Amanda. I’m glad you enjoyed. 🙂
Erin
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.
simplylowcal
Thanks, Erin! I’m glad you enjoy. 🙂
Choclette
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.
simplylowcal
Thanks, Choclette. It’s so easy to make in the air fryer. 🙂