Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken

Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken is a great way to cook a whole beer can chicken that has been seasoned with your favorite spices.

It also adds a delicious beer flavor that makes this dish stand out from other recipes. This recipe will show you how to prepare and cook the beer properly can chicken, so it comes out perfectly every time!

Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken is a tasty meal you can cook in the air fryer. It’s easy to make and fun for kids too! The beer steams up inside of this dish, giving it great flavor.

What Is Beer Can Chicken?

Beer Can Chicken, also known as Beer Butt Chicken or Drunken Chicken, is a popular method of cooking a whole chicken on a grill or in an oven. The technique involves placing an opened and partially filled beer can into the cavity of the chicken so it resembles the chicken is “sitting” on the can. The beer can serve both as a cooking vessel and a source of moisture, infusing the chicken with flavor and helping to keep it moist during cooking.

The chicken is typically seasoned with various spices, herbs, and a dry rub before being placed on the beer can. As it cooks, the beer in the can evaporates, creating steam that flavors and tenderizes the meat. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin on the outside.

Beer Can Chicken is often associated with outdoor barbecues and gatherings, and it’s a fun and flavorful way to prepare a whole chicken. It’s important to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Can You Cook Beer Can Chicken In Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook Beer Can Chicken in an air fryer., with a few adaptions.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken

Preparing an Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken is about infusing your bird with tantalizing flavors and achieving that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.

To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients to make your chicken a showstopper. Let’s look at what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Whole Chicken: A plump and whole chicken is the canvas for your Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken masterpiece. Tender and succulent meat is ready to absorb the flavorful infusion.”
• Beer or Beverage Can: The iconic beer or beverage can, partly filled with your favorite liquid, provides stability, moisture, and a unique flavor profile to the chicken, making it an authentic ‘beer can’ sensation.
• Dry Rub or Seasoning Blend: A dry rub or seasoning blend of your choice adds flavor to every inch of the chicken. Choose your favorite herbs and spices to customize the taste.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Oil: A drizzle of olive or your preferred cooking oil ensures a beautifully crispy and golden skin, creating that irresistible texture contrast.”
• Fresh Herbs and Aromatics: Fresh herbs and aromatic ingredients, such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, and onions, are the fragrant companions that infuse your chicken with depth and complexity.”
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Simple yet essential, salt and pepper enhance the flavors of your Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken, ensuring a perfectly seasoned bite in every mouthful.”

How To Make Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken

Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this easy and flavorful recipe.

Making Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken is a breeze, and the result is a perfectly cooked, juicy bird with crispy skin that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Step 1: Marinade Chicken

Pour your beer into a large bowl; the bowl should be larger than your Chicken. The amount of beer you will need will be determined by how big your Chicken is.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Rub your chicken with olive oil, then season it with the seasonings (see below for my suggestions). Rub the seasoning mix all over. Place chicken into the bowl. Place the chicken in the beer mixture into the refrigerator, covering it with aluminum foil. Let it marinate for up to 24 hours.

Step Three: Air Fry Beer Can Chicken

When ready to cook your chicken, remove it from the beer mixture, discarding the beer. Place your Chicken, on either side, into the air fryer basket, add some more of the seasoning mix, and set the temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting for 30 to 45 minutes, flipping the Chicken halfway during the cooking process.

Remove the Chicken when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Pro Tips For Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken turns out perfectly:

• Choose the Right Beer or Beverage: When selecting a beer or beverage for your beer can, choose one with flavors you enjoy. Some prefer a light lager, while others opt for a darker beer or fruit juices. The choice of liquid can influence the chicken’s taste.
• Use a Quality Dry Rub: Invest in a high-quality dry rub or seasoning blend for your chicken. Look for blends with a mix of herbs and spices that complement your chosen beer or beverage. Ensure you season the chicken generously, both inside and out.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer before cooking is crucial. It helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and prevents skin from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Position the Chicken Properly: Carefully place the beer can and chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring the chicken is balanced and stable. This will prevent any tipping or accidents during cooking.
• Check for Doneness: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
• Crisp the Skin: If you want extra crispy skin, brush the chicken with oil or melted butter before placing it in the air fryer. This will help achieve that coveted crispy texture.
• Rest Before Carving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful when you carve it.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your seasonings and liquids. Try different beer styles, marinades, or seasoning blends to discover unique flavor profiles for your Beer Can Chicken.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken, resulting in a delicious and memorable meal. Enjoy!

Best Beer For Air Fryer Beer Can Chicken

Beer can chicken is a recipe that has been around for ages. It’s easy to make and always turns out delicious! If you’ve never tried it, here are the top beers to use when cooking this dish.

First, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beer. Depending on your taste preferences, you may like one style better. That being said, here are some excellent options:

• IPA Beer: Harpoon IPA, Fiddlehead IPA, Lagunitas IPA, Founders All Day IPA
• Stouts: Guinness Extra Stout, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout, Samuel Adams Cream Stout Beer
• Fruit Flavored Beers: Sea Dog Blueberry, Budweiser Cheleda with Clamato, Miker’s Harder Black Cherry
• Sour Beers: Avery Apricot Sour, Four Loko Sour Apple, Four Loko Sour Grape, Avery Raspberry Sour
• Pilsners: Jever Pilsner, Grand Junction Brewing Ghost Imperial Pilsner Lager, Warsteiner Pilsner.
• Other: you can use any other beer that you want, including domestic beer, such as Coors, Bud Light, or even Michelob.

Can You Make This Without Beer?

Yes, although you can substitute the beer for another liquid, some of my favorites and common substitutions are:

• Soda: Coke, Sprite, Lemon-Lime, or even Ginger Ale
• Apples: Apple Cider or Apple Juice
• Beer Alternative: Non-Alcoholic Beer

Can I use a soda can instead of a beer can for Beer Can Chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use a soda can or any other beverage can instead of a beer can. The choice of liquid can vary based on your flavor preferences.

Can I cook a larger chicken in the air fryer using the Beer Can Chicken method?

The size of the chicken should fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. Be mindful of the air fryer’s capacity when selecting the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly.

Do I need to remove the giblets from the chicken before cooking it in the air fryer?

Yes, it’s essential to remove the giblets and any other internal organs from the chicken before cooking it.

Can I cook Beer Can Chicken in an oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, the Beer Can Chicken method can be adapted for oven cooking. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature and follow the same instructions, placing the chicken on a can in a roasting pan.

What should I do if my air fryer is too small for a whole chicken on a beer can?

If your air fryer is too small for a whole chicken on a beer can, consider using chicken parts like thighs or drumsticks instead. You can still achieve a similar flavor infusion and crispy texture.

How can I prevent the chicken skin from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Preheating your air fryer and lightly oiling the chicken’s skin can help prevent it from sticking to the basket. You can also use parchment paper or a non-stick liner to further prevent sticking.

Can I use other liquids besides beer for Beer Can Chicken in the air fryer?

Absolutely! You can use a variety of liquids like soda, fruit juices, or even broth to add flavor and moisture to your chicken.

How do I know when the Beer Can Chicken is done cooking in the air fryer?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat to ensure it’s safe to eat.

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