Go Back
air fryer whole chicken
Anderson Jorge

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 529

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Marinade:
  • 1 whole chicken (approx. 1.8–2.0 kg / 4 lb), giblets removed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Zest of 1 large orange + juice of ½ orange
  • 1 tbsp plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for warmth)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus extra for seasoning skin
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
For Finishing & Serving:
  • 1 tbsp melted butter or more olive oil, to brush skin
  • 1 tsp orange zest (extra for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 orange, thinly sliced for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, being sure to get the cavity too. Loosely tuck the rosemary sprig inside the cavity.
  2. Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange zest and juice, Greek yoghurt, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, ½ tsp salt, black pepper, garlic and parsley until a smooth paste.
  3. Apply to chicken: Rub about two-thirds of the marinade under the skin (especially around the breast and thighs) by gently lifting the skin with your fingers. Rub the remaining marinade over the outside of the chicken, covering both sides.
  4. Air fry – first phase: Preheat your air fryer (if required by model) to 175 °C (350 °F). Place the chicken breast-side down in the basket. Cook for 30 minutes.
  5. Flip and brush: Remove the basket and carefully flip the chicken so the breast is now facing up. Brush the skin with melted butter or olive oil, and sprinkle an additional pinch of sea salt for crispiness.
  6. Air fry – second phase: Continue cooking for another 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast reads 75 °C (165 °F) and the thighs are around 82 °C (180 °F). The skin should be deep golden-bronze and the juices run clear when you insert a skewer.
  7. Rest the chicken: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes, tented loosely with foil. This allows juices to redistribute and ensures the meat remains juicy.
  8. Carve & serve: Carve the chicken into portions. Garnish with the remaining orange slices, sprinkle the extra orange zest and chopped coriander leaves. Serve with your favourite side (roasted vegetables or a simple green salad).

Notes

  • Tip – use a thermometer: For best results, invest in an instant-read meat thermometer. The chicken will stay juicier if removed a few degrees shy and allowed to rest.
  • Variation – spice swap: Replace the North-African spice mix with a Cajun-style blend (½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp thyme, ¼ tsp oregano) for a southern-twist crispy bird.
  • Make-ahead option: Rub the marinade onto the chicken the evening before, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Vegan / alternative: Omit chicken and use a large cauliflower head instead. Adjust cook time to about 20-25 minutes at 180 °C (350 °F) until just tender. Use same marinade.
  • Soggy skin prevention: Make sure the chicken is very dry before applying oil and seasoning. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so air can circulate freely.