This whole chicken in the air fryer is one of the best meal prep options available.  In just one hour you can have a juicy, flavorful protein source for multiple meals.

The Air Fryer

This thing is amazing! For me, it has been one of the best cooking aids when time is of the essence (or I just don’t want to devote my full attention).  Want some roasted baby potatoes for a side? Throw them in the air fryer.  Boudin with your gumbo? Air fryer.  Chicken wings? Air fryer.  Fries or tots with the kid’s dyno nuggets? Air Fryer.  Whole chicken? Yep, air fryer!   

The Chicken

It’s as juicy as a rotisserie chicken, but with crispier skin.  It can go a long way, too.  Once this bird is fully cooked, the follow-on options are endless. It can be eaten as is with some sides or (with skin removed) can be used in Chicken Waldorf, chicken enchiladas, chicken tacos, chicken and dumplings, any type of chicken soup, chicken casserole, and chicken sliders (just off the top of my head).  Once you’ve pulled and used the meat, throw the carcass in a pot with some celery, onion, carrots, garlic, and herbs to make a chicken stock.  The stock can be used in soup, dumplings, risotto, or anything else that utilizes stock in the preparation.  I’ve fed my family four times with a whole chicken in the air fryer: Chicken, veggies, and potatoes; chicken tacos, chicken florentine, and chicken Ramen. 

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

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This whole chicken in the air fryer is one of the best meal prep options available.  In just one hour you can have a juicy, flavorful protein source for multiple meals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• Seasoning/rub

Instructions

1. Wash chicken and pat dry. Ensure the giblets are removed. The 15 minute prep time is if you choose to let the chicken rise toward room temperature for a more even, thorough cook. Some go longer, I met in the middle here.
2. Typically, if you were just roasting a chicken in the oven, I would say to rub the bird down with olive oil prior to seasoning to help give the skin the crisp golden texture. With the air fryer, I do not find this step necessary. But, feel free if you wish. I just rub the seasoning (typically a rotisserie or garlic & herb blend) on and go to the next step.
3. Place the chicken in the fryer breasts up for one hour at 360. Some recommend flipping the bird for the final quarter (15 min +/-). Again, I do not find this necessary. To be honest, in attempting that I've only made a mess, mangled the chicken, burnt myself, or all three simultaneously.
4. Remove from fryer and let cool for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 179Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 61mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 20g