How Long Do You Air Fry a Whole Chicken? The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Results

Let me tell you, air fryer whole chicken has become my absolute favorite way to cook a chicken! It’s quick, it’s easy, and the results are absolutely amazing – juicy on the inside with that perfectly crispy skin we all crave. But I know the question that brings most people here: how long do you air fry a whole chicken?

The simple answer is a 5-pound whole chicken will need about 60 minutes in the air fryer at 360°F. But there’s more to it than just the time, so I’m going to break everything down for you in detail

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Cooking Times at a Glance

Let’s start with the basics – here’s how long to cook a whole chicken based on its weight

Remember, these times are guidelines! The most important thing is that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Why Air Fryer Whole Chicken is a Game-Changer

Before we dive into the details, let me tell you why I’m obsessed with cooking whole chicken in my air fryer:

• It cooks much faster than a traditional oven
• The skin gets extra crispy on all sides
• The meat stays incredibly juicy and tender
• It’s practically effortless – season, place in air fryer, and let it do its thing
• Clean-up is a breeze compared to roasting pans
• It’s perfect for dinner or meal prep (I often cook an extra one for sandwiches and salads)

One reviewer on Allrecipes said, “Air fryers can be a bit intimidating, but well worth trying. I followed the recipe exactly and had the most perfect roasted chicken ever.”

Another comment from Spend With Pennies mentioned, “This is usually my go-to recipe when I want to cook a whole chicken. It’s quick and simple… the chicken is so every moist, and the skin is lovely and crispy.”

Step-by-Step: How to Air Fry a Whole Chicken

Now let’s break down exactly how to cook that perfect air fryer chicken:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 whole chicken (3-5 pounds)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• Seasonings of your choice (I’ll share my favorite below)

Basic Seasoning Mix:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅙ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Prep the chicken: Remove giblets from the cavity (save them for gravy if you like) and pat the skin dry with paper towels.

2. Season: Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then apply your seasonings generously, including underneath the wings.

3. Position correctly: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down first.

4. Cook the first side: Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 30 minutes.

5. Flip the chicken: Carefully turn the chicken over so it’s breast side up.

6. Finish cooking: Continue cooking for about 20-30 more minutes (depending on the size of your chicken) until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.

7. Rest: Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This is super important as it allows the juices to redistribute!

Important Tips for Success

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these tips really make a difference:

Choosing the Right Size Chicken

You need to make sure your chicken will fit in your air fryer! For most standard air fryers, a 3-4 pound chicken works best. If you have a larger air fryer like the Phillips XXL with a 3 lb / 4 qt capacity, you can fit a 5 lb chicken.

What If My Chicken Is Too Big?

If your chicken touches the top element of your air fryer, you have a couple options:

• Untie the legs if they’re trussed
• Gently press the chicken breast with your palm to slightly crack the breast bone and flatten it
• In extreme cases, you might need to cut the chicken in half

To Truss or Not to Truss?

Contrary to what you might think, you don’t need to tie the legs together! Many recipes say tying the chicken makes it moister, but I’ve found it stays super juicy without trussing. It also makes for a nice presentation served untrussed.

Should You Use Foil?

Some sources recommend wrapping the chicken in foil to prevent it from drying out. Personally, I find this defeats the purpose of air frying since you won’t get that crispy skin. I never use foil and my chicken stays plenty moist!

Make Use of Those Drippings!

Don’t waste those flavorful drippings in the bottom of your air fryer! Pour them over vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower and cook them in the air fryer while your chicken is resting.

Common Problems & Solutions

“My chicken is burning on top but raw inside”

This usually means your chicken is too close to the heating element. Try flattening it slightly or using a smaller chicken.

“The skin isn’t getting crispy”

Make sure you:

• Pat the skin completely dry before adding oil
• Don’t skip the oil (it helps with crisping)
• Aren’t overcrowding the air fryer

“The cook time isn’t working for me”

Remember that air fryer models vary widely! One reviewer noted, “My chicken took about 20 more minutes to cook fully, but other than that I followed the recipe and it was so good!!!”

Always use a meat thermometer rather than relying solely on timing.

My Favorite Seasoning Variations

While the basic seasoning mix is delicious, here are some variations I love:

1. Italian-Style: Use Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, paprika, and salt (similar to the Allrecipes version)

2. Herb Lover’s: Add rosemary, sage, and lemon zest to the basic mix

3. Tex-Mex: Use a Tex-Mex seasoning blend (one reviewer mentioned this was “Yummy!”)

4. DIY Blend: Combine salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, celery seed, cumin, and oregano for a custom poultry seasoning

What Size Air Fryer Do You Need?

This is important! For cooking a whole chicken, you want at least a 4-quart capacity air fryer. Here’s a quick guide:

• 3-4 quart air fryer: Best for chickens up to 3-4 pounds
• 5+ quart air fryer: Can handle chickens up to 5 pounds

If your air fryer is on the smaller side, opt for a smaller chicken or consider cutting the chicken in half before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a frozen whole chicken in the air fryer?

I don’t recommend it. Thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator before air frying for the best results and food safety.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

While some recipes don’t mention preheating, I find a 5-minute preheat helps with even cooking and crisper skin.

What should I serve with air fryer whole chicken?

It pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Glazed carrots
• A simple tossed salad
• Asparagus or green beans

How do I store leftover chicken?

Remove the meat from the carcass and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Save the carcass for making broth!

Final Thoughts

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is one of those game-changing techniques that makes weeknight dinners so much easier. The first time I made it, my family actually asked “what’s the occasion?” because it looked and tasted like a special holiday meal!

With just about 60 minutes of cooking time for a 5-pound chicken, you’ll have a delicious, crispy-skinned, juicy chicken that rivals any rotisserie chicken from the store. Just remember to check that internal temperature and let it rest before serving.