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Here is my go-to air fryer roasted chicken recipe, with crispy skin, juicy meat, and simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the bird. It’s become my favorite way to make a whole chicken since getting an air fryer.
This roasted chicken has become our Sunday dinner staple. I usually prep some extra vegetables to cook alongside it, and any leftovers make perfect sandwiches for Monday’s lunch. Nothing beats a home-cooked chicken dinner that’s this easy to make, right?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken
- Crispy skin, juicy meat – The air fryer creates that perfect golden-brown, crispy skin while keeping the inside incredibly moist and tender – just like a rotisserie chicken but made right at home.
- Simple ingredients – You only need a whole chicken and basic pantry seasonings you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Healthier cooking method – Using an air fryer means you’ll get that delicious roasted flavor with less oil than traditional roasting methods.
- Easy cleanup – Unlike traditional oven roasting, there’s no big roasting pan to scrub – just wipe down your air fryer basket when you’re done.
- Set-it-and-forget-it cooking – Once you season the chicken and pop it in the air fryer, you can focus on other things while it cooks to perfection.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
For air fryer roasted chicken, you’ll want to look for a bird that’s between 4-5 pounds – anything larger might not fit in your air fryer basket. Fresh chicken is great if you can get it, but a thawed frozen chicken works just fine too. When shopping, look for a chicken that’s plump with pink-colored skin (not gray), and avoid any packages with excess liquid pooling at the bottom. The best part about choosing your chicken is that you don’t need to spring for the fancy organic or free-range options to get good results, though they’re certainly nice if they fit your budget. Just make sure your chicken is completely thawed before cooking, and pat it dry with paper towels to help get that crispy skin we’re all after.
Options for Substitutions
This simple air fryer chicken recipe is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can switch up:
- Olive oil: You can swap olive oil with any neutral cooking oil like avocado oil, canola oil, or even melted butter. Just avoid oils with very low smoke points.
- Italian herbs: Don’t have Italian herb blend? Make your own by mixing dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Or try other herb combinations like Herbs de Provence or even just rosemary and thyme.
- Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic works great too – use about 3-4 cloves. You could also use granulated garlic, or in a pinch, onion powder for a different but still tasty flavor.
- Paprika: Regular, smoked, or sweet paprika all work well here. If you don’t have any, you can skip it or try a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
- Whole chicken: While a whole chicken is ideal for this recipe, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces instead. Just adjust the cooking time – pieces will cook faster than a whole bird.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying
The biggest mistake when air frying a whole chicken is not patting the skin completely dry before seasoning, which prevents you from getting that golden-brown, crispy exterior everyone loves. Another common error is overcrowding your air fryer basket – make sure your chicken has enough space for the hot air to circulate properly, and if your bird is too large, consider spatchcocking it to lay flat. Temperature control is crucial – starting at a higher temperature (400°F) for the first 20 minutes helps crisp the skin, then reducing to 350°F ensures the inside cooks evenly without burning the outside. For the juiciest results, let your chicken rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking, and always use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F before serving.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Roasted Chicken?
This juicy roasted chicken pairs perfectly with classic comfort food sides that can soak up all those tasty drippings. Mashed potatoes are my go-to choice, but roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli work great too since you can season them with the same herbs you used on the chicken. For a lighter option, try serving it with a fresh green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette, or go for some steamed rice to catch all those flavorful juices. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, don’t forget to warm up some dinner rolls or crusty bread to round out the meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once your air fryer roasted chicken has cooled down, place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. I like to slice or shred it ahead of time to make it easier to use in sandwiches and salads throughout the week.
Freeze: This chicken freezes really well! Remove the meat from the bones, pack it in freezer bags or containers, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Pro tip: freeze it in smaller portions so you can thaw just what you need for recipes like chicken salad or quick pasta dishes.
Reheat: To warm up your chicken without drying it out, sprinkle a few drops of water over it and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals. You can also pop it back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or warm it in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60-70 minutes |
| Total Time | 70-85 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 100-120 g
- Fat: 80-90 g
- Carbohydrates: 0-5 g
Ingredients
- One whole chicken (4-5 pounds, giblets taken out)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mixed italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by rubbing your chicken with a layer of oil to help the seasonings adhere and ensure even browning.
In a small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, along with a good pinch of salt and pepper.
Thoroughly rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover every part evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer
Place the seasoned chicken breast side down in your air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer to cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
This initial cooking time will help render the fat and start browning the skin.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking
After the first 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over so it’s breast side up.
Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.