- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Make sure the cavity is empty.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme or rosemary (if using).
- Rub the Chicken:
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the outside of the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. You can also lift the skin and rub the seasoning directly onto the meat.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Truss the Chicken (Optional):
- Trussing the chicken (tying the legs together) can help it cook more evenly. If you’re not familiar with trussing, you can skip this step.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 30 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking:
- After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken so the breast side is up. Continue cooking for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Carve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving. This helps retain the juices.
- Serve:
- Serve the air-fried whole chicken with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked and crispy air-fried whole chicken! Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your chicken and your specific air fryer model.