Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Ready in about 70 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
A whole roast chicken with crisp golden skin and juicy meat, cooked faster than in the oven. Perfect for an easy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Method
- 1Pat the chicken completely dry, inside and out.
- 2Rub all over with oil, then the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and thyme.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 180°C / 360°F.
- 4Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket.
- 5Air fry for 30 minutes, then flip breast-side up and cook another 20-30 minutes.
- 6Check the thickest part of the thigh reaches 74°C / 165°F, then rest 10 minutes before carving.
Tips for the best results
- Choose a chicken that fits with room for air to circulate.
- Resting is essential for juicy meat - do not skip it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer whole chicken?+
Cook at 180°C / 360°F for 50-60 min, flip halfway.
How big a chicken fits in an air fryer?+
Most air fryers fit a chicken up to about 1.6-1.8 kg. Check it sits with space around it for airflow.