One of the things I was most intrigued to try cooking in the air fryer was a whole roast chicken. For years I’ve made a classic Roast Chicken with Lemon and Rosemary in the oven and I wondered how the air fryer version could possibly stack up. I’m happy to report that the air fryer did not disappoint. The chicken is so juicy and tender, and the skin is the crispiest I’ve ever tried. Not only that, it was ready in just under an hour! I’d call this Air Fryer Roast Chicken your “everyday” chicken recipe. It’s healthy, quick and easy to prep, and you could easily pull it off any night of the week. Oh and just to top it all off it’s Whole30 and Paleo compliant, Keto, Low Carb and Gluten-Free. Phew, what a powerhouse. Cooking this whole roast chicken in your air fryer really is a must-try!
Why you’ll love this recipe…
Quick and easy.Minimal, budget-friendly ingredients.Juicy and tender on the inside, crispy skin on the outside.
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Ingredients
You really don’t need many ingredients to make a juicy and flavourful roast chicken in the air fryer. Here’s what you’ll need (full measurements listed in the recipe card below)…
Whole ChickenOlive OilPaprikaGarlic PowderOnion PowderSalt & Pepper
MORE SPICE MIX OPTIONS
The spices above are what I regularly use for my air fryer chicken but don’t let that limit you. Try a mix of your favourite spices, like oregano and rosemary, or even a smoked paprika for deeper flavour.
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 180C / 350F. If you don’t have a preheat setting just run the air fryer for 5 minutes. Mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder together in a bowl. Place the chicken breast side up on a plate and spread a teaspoon or two of the oil mix all over the chicken either with your hands or a brush. Season with salt and pepper. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side. You’ll want to reserve a little of the oil mix for later, but other than that use it liberally. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down and cook for 30 minutes. Using tongs carefully flip the chicken breast side up and pour remaining oil mix over. Continue cooking for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 75C / 165F. Remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and allow to rest on a carving board uncovered for 10 minutes, then carve and serve.
What to Serve with Your Chicken
Crispy Roast Potatoes with RosemaryGreen Lemon PotatoesCrispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Top Tips
Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer. I recommend you check in on your chicken at the 45 minute mark and go from there.Depending on how big your air fryer is you may wish to use a bigger or smaller whole chicken. Just be sure to adjust your spice and oil mix, and the cooking time. The great thing about having a meat thermometer is it takes the guesswork out, but the air fryer also allows you to periodically check on the chicken without issues.Feel free to play around with your favourite spice mixes! Try oregano and rosemary, or even smoked paprika for extra flavour.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken WingsAir Fryer Chicken ThighsAir Fryer Roast PorkAir Fryer SausagesAir Fryer Baked ApplesAir Fryer Frozen French FriesAir Fryer Tater TotsOR see all Air Fryer Recipes
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Tips for making Air Fryer Roast Chicken
Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer. I recommend you check in on your chicken at the 45 minute mark and go from there. Depending on how big your air fryer is you may wish to use a bigger or smaller whole chicken. Just be sure to adjust your spice and oil mix, and the cooking time. The great thing about having a meat thermometer is it takes the guesswork out, but the air fryer also allows you to periodically check on the chicken without issues. Feel free to play around with your favourite spice mixes! Try oregano and rosemary, or even smoked paprika for extra flavour.
