Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a game-changer! With minimal prep, you can achieve crispy, golden skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. This recipe gives you a perfectly seasoned, restaurant-quality roast chicken in less than an hour—perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. Using the air fryer also cuts down on the cooking time, so you can enjoy a flavorful roast chicken without the wait.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, quartered (optional, for added flavor)
- 4 garlic cloves (optional, for stuffing)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Clean and Pat Dry: Remove any giblets from the cavity of the chicken, then rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, making sure to cover all the skin. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken, including inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
- Optional Flavor Additions: For an extra burst of flavor, stuff the cavity of the chicken with quartered lemon and garlic cloves. This will infuse the chicken with a fragrant aroma as it cooks.