Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken

Winner winner chicken dinner! If you browse a grocery store these days, you will see a new addition to Spatchcock Chicken’s chicken selection. I first started seeing them at Trader Joes, but I suddenly saw them at my local grocery store.

The reason why spatchcock chicken is so popular these days is because of time. It will take you less time to roast a spatchcock chicken in the air fryer than a whole chicken.

What Is A Spatchcock Chicken?

Spatchcock Chicken is simply a chicken where the backbone of a whole chicken has been removed. Another name you might have heard of before is butterfly chicken.

Can You Make Your Own Spatchcock Chicken?

If you can not find a pre-cut chicken, here are the steps to make your own:

• Use kitchen shears to cut both sides of the backbone.
• Then use your hands to flatten the chicken down and press between the chicken breasts.

Why Spatchcock Chicken Works So Well In The Air Fryer

1. Removing the chicken backbone allows the chicken to lay flat during air frying. This exposes all of the meat to the heating element, ensuring that all the chicken is cooked simultaneously.
2. All the skin is exposed, meaning you get crispy skin at the end of air frying.
3. It will cook faster since all of the surface areas are exposed.
4. They are easier to flavor since none of the spices or rubs will run off.

Why Spatchcock Chicken Works So Well In The Air Fryer

1. Removing the chicken backbone allows the chicken to lay flat during air frying. This exposes all of the meat to the heating element, ensuring that all the chicken is cooked simultaneously.
2. All the skin is exposed, meaning you get a crispy chicken at the end of air frying.
3. It will cook faster since all of the surface areas are exposed.
4. They are easier to flavor since none of the spices or rubs will run off.

Spatchcock Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 4-6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons minced garlic
• 4 tablespoons Italian Seasoning
• 1 Spatchcock Chicken (average is about 3 to 4 pounds)

How To Make This Spatchcock Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the chicken

Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Mix well.

Use a pastry brush and brush over the chicken.

Step 2: Air fry the chicken

Place chicken in the air fryer and set the timer for 15 minutes at 375 degrees F. air fryer setting.

Then open the air fryer, brush more of the seasoning blend onto the chicken, and air fry for another 20-30 minutes at 375 degrees F, air fryer setting.

Step 3: Check the temperature and serve

Check the chicken’s internal temperature, which should be about 165 degrees F, in the thickest part of the chicken.

Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

How To Serve

Here Are Some Great Side Dishes I loved Serving Alongside This Dish

• AIR FRYER BAKED POTATO
• AIR FRYER ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
• AIR FRYER SWEET POTATO (POTATOES)

You could also serve this succulent chicken with french fries, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and more!

How To Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let them cool to room temperature and place them in an airtight container. They will last about 3-5 days.

Freezing

If you would like to freeze any leftover chicken. Let the chicken cool to room temperature, and then place it into a freezer bag. This will last about 2 to 3 months.

Tips & Tricks

• Before seasoning, pat chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure the skin gets crispier.
• Make sure to remove any excess fat from the chicken before air frying for optimal results.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make spatchcock chicken in the oven by following the same steps.
• For a whole spatchcock chicken, increase cooking time and adjust accordingly.
• If you want extra crispy skin, brush melted butter over the spatchcock chicken after seasoning.
• Always check to ensure your chicken is cooked with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C or higher.
• Let your spatchcock chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help keep all of the juices in.
• Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to your spatchcock chicken before serving for extra flavor.
• Instead of Italian seasoning, you can make your flavor creations. Try using onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size of chicken should I use?

The size of the chicken should be based on the size of your air fryer. You want to ensure that you have enough room for the chicken to fit in the basket and still have space around it. If you use a larger bird, cut it into halves or quarters and then spatchcock it.

How long do I cook the spatchcock chicken in the air fryer?

Depending on the size of your bird and how hot your air fryer runs, this can vary. The average cooking time is about 30 minutes at 375 degrees F but check it with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it is cooked all the way through.

Can I use different seasonings for this recipe?

Yes, of course! Feel free to switch up the seasonings and spices to make it your own. You could also try making a compound butter or a dry rub for an extra flavor boost.

Does spatchcocking help the chicken cook faster?

Yes, spatchcocking is a great way to speed up the cooking time of your chicken without sacrificing any of the flavors. Since the surface areas are exposed, none of the flavors will run off, and the entire bird will cook evenly. Additionally, because it flattens out, you can simultaneously fit more in an air fryer.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN
• AIR FRYER BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH