How to Air Fry a Whole Chicken

Air Fry Whole Chicken to get salty and crispy skin on the outside and juicy, herbaceous meat on the inside. This air fryer rotisserie chicken rivals any store version available — and it’s ready in about an hour!

Air Fry Whole Chicken

Yes, you can cook a whole chicken in the air fryer, and believe me it’s a game changer!

I’ll be the first person to admit that I never had the ambition to cook a whole chicken until I bought an air fryer. When I did, I knew it was finally time to air fry a whole chicken rotisserie style! It turned out incredible.

I always thought that there was nothing better than a store-bought rotisserie chicken — until I make a rotisserie chicken in the air fryer. Now, I’m convinced it’s the best way to prepare and enjoy chicken at home. 

You’ll love this air fryer rotisserie chicken if, like me, you used to buy it at the grocery store. Plus, there are so many different ways to use it after it’s cooked. Wraps, sandwiches, casseroles…the list goes on and on.

If you love this air fryer rotisserie recipe, be sure to try my AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGH SCHNITZEL, AIR FRYER GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN LEGS, andAIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN WINGS!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken

• Moist and delicious
• Incredibly crispy skin
• Seasoned beautifully
• 10 minutes prep + 1 hour cooking time
• Family-friendly
• You can adjust seasonings to fit your preferences
• Works in either a rotisserie-style air fryer (rotisserie air fryer) or a classic basket quart air fryer

What Is a Rotisserie Chicken?

The term rotisserie refers to how the chicken is cooked. It is usually placed on a rod or stick and turned slowly above the heat source.

With this process, the fat drips off the chicken, leaving you with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.

I didn’t have a rotisserie rod for my air fryer, but my method of turning the rotisserie chicken in the air fryer gives you the same result. If you were to taste-test them side by side, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference!

Ingredients Needed to Cook Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer

Here is a list of a handful of ingredients and tools you will need to make this air fryer rotisserie style chicken recipe. You can find the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions on the printable recipe card below.

• Olive Oil
• Whole Bird
• Instant-Read Thermometer
• Seasonings: Sea Salt, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Thyme, White Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder

How To Make the Best Air Fryer Rotisserie Style Chicken

Step 1: Prep the whole bird

Start by cleaning your chicken!

Remove the package of heart/gizzards, liver, etc., then run water through the bird until it comes out clean. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Set the entire chicken in the air fryer basket and rub oil over it.

Step 2: Add the seasonings

In a small bowl, mix all of the spices together. Rub the whole chicken with the spices.

Step 3: Cook whole chicken

Set the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F and set the cooking time for 30 minutes, with the chicken breast side either up or down.

After 30 minutes, flip, oil, and season the now upright side, then set for another 30 minutes.

NOTE: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Cover the air fryer rotisserie chicken with aluminum foil if the skin starts to brown too quickly.

Rotisserie Air Fryer Pro Tips

• Add more seasoning than you think. The most important part of making rotisserie air fryer chicken is ensuring it’s well seasoned. You can also use a dry rub.
• Completely cover the chicken with oil. Not only does this add moisture to the bird, but it ensures the skin crisps up nicely.
• Check the internal temperature. After you air fry whole chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure that it is fully cooked. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the breast or thigh, avoiding any bones for an accurate reading.
• Rest: Wait at least 10 minutes before slicing into the bird so the juices have time to redistribute throughout the meat.
• Crispiest skin: For the best rotisserie air fryer chicken, make sure you baste the chicken frequently during the cooking process.
• Side: It doesn’t matter if you place the chicken breast side down or up when you start cooking since you will flip the chicken halfway through.

What Size Whole Chicken Can You Air Fry?

The size of the bird that you can cook will depend on how large your air fryer is. I have a 5-quart one and my chicken was just over 3 pounds — and it fit perfectly! You can also use kitchen twine or butcher’s twine to tie the chicken up so it fits into the air fryer basket.

I have made this recipe in a 4-quart air fryer or 6-quart air fryer. I found that this recipe works well for any size air fryer.

What is the Best Cooking Time for Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer? 

The timing when you air fry whole chicken is dependent on two things:

1. How big is your chicken is
2. The air fryer model

An average whole chicken will take about 40 to 60 minutes to cook, but the true indication of a cooked chicken is when the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F.

As I have mentioned a few times, a handy meat thermometer is one of the best investments you’ll ever make. 

Always test the thickest part of your chicken to check the temperature — the thigh is your best bet!

How Long Should I let Whole Chicken Rest Before Slicing?

You should allow any poultry to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Letting it rest allows the juices to run into the middle and not onto the cutting board. This way the center will be as juicy as the ends!

Can I Reheat an Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes! You can air fry a whole chicken to reheat it or break it down and warm different pieces. To do so without drying it out:

• Add it to the basket.
• Set the temperature to 350 degrees F and cook for 3-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the meat is warmed through.

Can I Air Fry Whole Chicken From Frozen?

Yes, you can air fry any frozen chicken — including a whole frozen chicken.

First, let it thaw for around 30 minutes at room temperature, then proceed with the recipe instructions. You’ll also need to increase the cooking time by 20-30 minutes until it reaches 165 degrees F internally.

Is Using an Air Fryer Healthy?

Yes, using an air fryer is a healthier cooking method compared to deep frying.

Hot air circulates to perfectly crisp up your food instead of being fried in a pan of oil. This saves you both calories and fat intake!

An air fryer is a perfect appliance and a new cooking technique that can help anyone on a low-fat diet.

How To Store Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

If you have any leftover air fryer rotisserie chicken, let it cool to room temperature and then place it into an airtight container. This is a great recipe for meal prep!

Leftovers are great for chicken salad, enchiladas, and more — and you can use the drippings to make pan gravy!

How To Cook on a Rotisserie Air Fryer Spit

If you have an air fryer with a rotisserie spit, here is how to use it. This will also work if you’re making a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer oven like Tower, Vortex Plus, or Emeril.

Step One: Unscrew the spit and add the whole chicken into the cavity. Ensure that your chicken ends up in the middle of the spit rod.

Step Two: Attach the other side of the spit rod.

Step Three: Place the metal rod (spit) into the air fryer oven and firmly attach both sides.

Note: Make sure that the rotisserie function works — you don’t want the chicken to interfere with the rotisserie function. Also, ensure that the chicken is not resting on the drip pan or hitting the heating elements, otherwise, the spit will not work. Plus, it might cause some damage to the heating element.

Step Four: Proceed with the recipe as written.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN WINGS
• CRACK CHICKEN CRESCENT BITES IN THE AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER SHREDDED CHICKEN 
• AIR FRYER OLIVE GARDEN COPYCAT CHICKEN PARMIGIANA
• BROCCOLI AND CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER
• THE BEST AND EASIEST AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES RECIPE
• AIR FRYER BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND BACON

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