Easy Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

If you’re new to using an air fryer and feeling a bit nervous about cooking a whole chicken, don’t worry! With this simple and delicious recipe, you’ll be able to prepare a moist and flavorful chicken that will impress your family and friends. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium whole chicken (about 1.315 kg)
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• Fry light spray (or any cooking spray)
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
• 1/2 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

• Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your Ninja air fryer to 170°C on the “roast” setting for 3 minutes.

1. Seasoning:

• Carefully rub the softened butter under the skin over the breast of the chicken. This helps keep the meat moist and adds a wonderful flavor.
• Spray the chicken all over with Fry light spray.
• Sprinkle the garlic granules and mixed herbs evenly over the chicken.
• Place half a lemon inside the cavity of the chicken.

1. Cooking:

• Place the chicken breast side down in the preheated air fryer.
• Cook on the “roast” setting at 170°C for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, carefully turn the chicken over.
• Sprinkle a bit more garlic granules and mixed herbs on the other side.
• Continue cooking on the “roast” setting at 170°C for an additional 30 minutes.

1. Resting:

• Once the cooking time is up, check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 75°C using a meat thermometer.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and cover it with foil. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.

1. Serving:

• While the chicken is resting, prepare your sides. I cooked potato wedges in the air fryer and vegetables on the gas hob simultaneously.
• Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• Photo Note: Even though I didn’t manage to take a picture before my husband started carving, the end result was fantastic, and the photo gives a good idea of how delicious it turned out.
• Safety Tip: Always ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 75°C.

Enjoy your delicious, moist air fryer chicken! Don’t let the nerves get to you; with this method, you’re sure to succeed. Happy cooking!