Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Clean and Dry: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy skin.
- Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs to create a seasoning paste.
- Apply Seasoning: Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, both under and over the skin, ensuring it is evenly coated. If using lemon, squeeze a bit of lemon juice inside the chicken cavity and place the lemon halves inside.
Step 2: Truss and Preheat
- Truss the Chicken: For even cooking, truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wing tips under the body.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately at a high heat to lock in juices.
Step 3: Air Frying
- Cook: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Air fry for 50 minutes to 1 hour, flipping the chicken to breast side up halfway through the cooking time.
- Check Doneness: The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier when carved.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the chicken into portions. Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a salad, or mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
Air fryer roast chicken is a straightforward and efficient way to prepare a roasted chicken. This cooking method reduces the usual cooking time while still delivering a deliciously crispy skin and moist, flavorful meat. Perfect for a quick Sunday roast or a special weekday meal, this air fryer chicken promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any table. Enjoy the simplicity and delicious results of air frying!