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Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon and Thyme

Name: Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon and Thyme
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)); 2 cloves garlic (minced); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 lemon (halved (optional for added flavor))

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: March 13, 2018

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Discover the juicy and flavorful Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon and Thyme recipe, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. This easy recipe combines the aromatic essence of fresh thyme and zesty lemon, resulting in a tender and crispy chicken that the whole family will love. Enjoy a savory meal in less time with minimal cleanup!

Air fryer whole chicken seasoned with lemon and thyme in air fryer basket.

If you love the flavor of slow roasted flavor, you will love this recipe for whole lemon chicken in air fryer! It’s amazing!

I have really been enjoying using my air fryer to create Sunday Meals, and this is one of my favorites! If you love slow roasted flavor in about half the time, try my recipe for Air Fryer Cornish Hens, Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Roast Beef Sirloin Roast, or Cracker Barrel Mushroom Pot Roast.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Flavorful Herbs: The combination of lemon and thyme infuses the chicken with a bright, aromatic flavor that elevates every bite.
Crispy Skin: Cooking in the air fryer gives the chicken a perfectly crispy skin, making it irresistible to enjoy.
Quick Cooking Time: The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional roasting methods, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Moist and Tender Meat: The air fryer locks in moisture, resulting in juicy, tender chicken that is full of flavor.
Easy Cleanup: With minimal mess and quick prep, this recipe makes cooking and cleanup a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.

Plated air fryer whole chicken with lemon and thyme, served with roasted vegetables.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon and Thyme on a kitchen table.

Whole Chicken: Choose a whole chicken that will fit comfortable in the air fryer basket or air fryer oven.
Fresh Rosemary: Offers a fragrant, earthy flavor that penetrates the chicken.
Olive Oil: Helps to crisp the skin and lock in moisture.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
Black Pepper: Adds a slight heat and complexity of flavors.
Garlic: Introduce a pungent depth of flavor.
Lemon: Slices or wedges of lemon tucked inside the chicken cavity or squeezed over the top before cooking.

How To Make Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon

Preparing the Chicken: Rinsing the whole chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels.

Prep the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure the skin gets crispy when air fried.

Seasoning the Chicken: Sprinkling salt, pepper, lemon zest, and thyme over the chicken, ensuring even coverage

Season: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chopped rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. For deeper flavor, gently lift the skin and rub some of the mixture directly onto the meat. If using lemon, squeeze the juice of one half over the chicken and place both halves inside the cavity.

Rub the seasoning mixture over the top of the chicken.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (182°C), for 3-5 minutes.

Air Fry: Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is round, you might need to truss the chicken or tie the legs together to fit better. Air fry at 360 degrees F (182°C) for about 60-75 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.

Juicy air fryer whole chicken garnished with lemon slices and fresh thyme.

Rotate: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to rotate or flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.

Rest: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and flavorful. Carve the chicken and serve it with your choice of side dishes. Drizzle any collected juices over the sliced chicken for added flavor.

Close-up of crispy skin on air fryer whole chicken with lemon and thyme seasoning.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon Recipe Tips

Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Room Temperature: Let the chicken sit out for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature before cooking. T
Use a High Smoke Point Oil: Although olive oil is suggested, consider using an oil with a higher smoke point, like avocado oil, to prevent any smoke during cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s enough space around the chicken in the air fryer.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking at the right temperature from the moment it goes in, contributing to a crispy skin and even cooking.
Temperature Probe: The safest internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
Rest Before Carving: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
Leverage the Cavity: Stuffing the cavity with lemon halves, garlic, and additional rosemary sprigs can add moisture and flavor from the inside out as it cooks.
Rotate for Even Cooking: If your air fryer doesn’t automatically rotate food, manually rotate the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crisping.
Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning – salt, pepper, and rosemary should be used generously inside and outside the chicken to flavor every bite.
Let Flavors Marinate: If time allows, season the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to deepen the herb and garlic flavors.

Image of a golden-brown whole chicken seasoned with lemon and thyme, resting on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe Faqs

How do I keep the chicken moist? Avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken remains moist.

How do I get crispy skin? To achieve crispy skin, ensure the chicken skin is dry before applying the oil and seasoning.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with various sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.

How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked? The most reliable way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Please insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I stuff the chicken before air-frying it? Yes, you can stuff the chicken with aromatics like lemon slices, garlic, and additional herbs for more flavor.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I make this recipe with chicken parts instead of a whole chicken? Absolutely! Chicken parts such as thighs, breasts, or drumsticks can be seasoned and cooked in the air fryer following similar steps. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of chicken parts used.

A perfectly cooked Air Fryer Whole Chicken, golden and crispy, garnished with fresh thyme and lemon slices, displayed on a serving platter.

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