This Air Fryer Whole Chicken is my foolproof method for cooking a perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful roast chicken with melt-in-your-mouth crispy skin. Super easy to make; all it takes is a little seasoning, olive oil, and about an hour in your favorite air fryer.

A whole cooked air fryer chicken in an air fryer basket.

Air fryer whole chicken is an easy way to enjoy delicious chicken without the hassle of traditional oven-roasting. Just like your favorite store-bought rotisserie chicken, cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer results in juicy, flavorful meat with perfectly crisp skin.

An easy and delicious recipe that anyone can master, this air fryer whole chicken is a great meal option that can be served on its own or with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. It’s a versatile dish perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special family gathering.

I made this recipe using my homemade poultry seasoning, but feel free to use your family’s favorite seasoning blend if preferred.

If you’re looking for more air fryer chicken recipes, check out my air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer chicken legs, super crispy air fryer chicken wings, and air fryer chicken breasts (no breading).

All of the ingredients needed to make air fryer whole chicken with homemade poultry seasoning.

How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer

1. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature. Then, pat the skin dry using paper towels.

2. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and coat the basket with non-stick cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix the ingredients for the homemade poultry seasoning. Reserve two tablespoons of the seasoning and store the rest in an airtight container for future use.

3. In another small bowl, combine the olive oil with two tablespoons of the homemade poultry seasoning, and stir until fully combined. Rub the mixture all over the entire chicken, including between the skin and meat, and the cavity of the chicken as well, ensuring even coverage. If desired, use butcher’s twine to tie the legs together.

Collage of six images showing the steps to make a whole chicken in the air fryer. The first image shows several dried seasonings in a small white bowl; the second image shows a whole uncooked chicken on a white plate next to a measuring cup filled with olive oil and a small white bowl filled with the poultry seasoning; the third image shows a white bowl with poultry seasoning and olive oil combined; the fourth image shows the olive oil and poultry seasoning slathered on top of a whole uncooked chicken; the fifth image shows a whole uncooked chicken on a cutting board covered in olive oil and poultry seasoning; the sixth image shows the uncooked and seasoned chicken in a the air fryer basket.

4. Place the chicken breast-side-down in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 30 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

5. Check the chicken’s internal temperature using a digital instant read thermometer. If it has not yet reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes.

6. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

What Air Fryer Do I Use?

The best air fryer is the COSORI Air Fryer. It works great!

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Let the chicken rest: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist chicken.
Experiment with different seasonings and flavors: Air frying allows endless possibilities when seasoning and flavoring your chicken. Try different spice blends or marinades to add some variety to your chicken.
Keep an eye on the size of your chicken: The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size of your chicken. Adjust accordingly to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly and evenly.
Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to pat dry the chicken skin dry. This guarantees even crispier chicken skin.

Storage and Leftovers

Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. The leftover chicken carcass is great for making homemade chicken stock. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes or in the microwave.

A whole cooked air fryer chicken covered in poultry seasoning.

How to Serve

I love serving this whole air fryer chicken with a fresh green salad, tomato salad, or roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus. I also love adding a side of mashed potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, or simple buttered egg noodles.

More Air Fryer Recipes