Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50-60 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
Servings: 4-6
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course

This Air Fryer Whole Chicken comes out golden crispy on the outside while staying unbelievably juicy inside—with just 5 minutes of prep! No oven needed, and cleanup is a breeze.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Faster than oven-roasting (ready in 1 hour!)
✔️ No flipping needed—cooks evenly in the air fryer
✔️ Restaurant-quality crispy skin with minimal oil
✔️ Infused with lemon & herbs for extra flavor

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Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (1.5-2 kg / 3-4 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika (or smoked paprika)
• 1 tsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 lemon (optional, halved)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken

1. Pat dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels (key for crispy skin!).
2. Trim excess fat and remove any leftover feathers.

2️⃣ Season the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the mixture all over the chicken (including under the skin if possible).
3. (Optional) Stuff the cavity with lemon halves for extra juiciness.

3️⃣ Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 5 mins.
2. Place chicken breast-side down in the basket.
3. Cook for 30 mins, then flip breast-side up.
4. Continue cooking for 20-30 mins until internal temp reaches 75°C (165°F) at the thickest part.

4️⃣ Rest & Serve

1. Let chicken rest 10 mins before carving (keeps it juicy!).
2. Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or salad.

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Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken

🔹 For extra crispiness, spray the skin lightly with oil before cooking.
🔹 No preheating? Add 5-10 mins to cook time.
🔹 Smaller chicken? Check at 40 mins to prevent drying out.
🔹 Leftovers? Store in the fridge for 3-4 days (great for salads & wraps!).

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FAQs

❓ Can I use chicken pieces instead?

✅ Yes! Adjust time: 25-30 mins for thighs/drumsticks, 15-20 mins for breasts.

❓ Why cook breast-side down first?

✅ Prevents drying out—juices flow into the breast as it cooks!

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Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Whole Chicken is foolproof, flavorful, and perfectly crispy—no oven required!

Tried it? Rate this recipe below! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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