cookitrealgood.com
cookitrealgood.com
  3. Recipes
  5. Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Air Fryer Roast Chicken

WRITER BYCassie
POSTEDNovember 20, 2019
JUMP TO RECIPE

Air Fryer Roast Chicken is an easy and healthy weeknight roast that is ready in an hour (or less). Get ready for juicy chicken on the inside and the crispiest skin you'll ever try on the outside. All you need is a few simple ingredients and very minimal prep to get this air fryer whole chicken on the table. This chicken is Whole30 and Paleo compliant, Keto, Low Carb, and Gluten-Free. 

Whole roast chicken sitting in air fryer basket.

One of the things I was most intrigued to try cooking in the air fryer was a whole roast chicken. For years, I've made a classic Roast Chicken with Lemon and Rosemary in the oven, and I wondered how the air fryer version could possibly stack up.

I'm happy to report that the air fryer did not disappoint. The chicken is so juicy and tender, and the skin is the crispiest I've ever tried. Not only that, it was ready in just under an hour!

I'd call this Air Fryer Roast Chicken your "everyday" chicken recipe. It's healthy, quick, and easy to prep, and you could easily pull it off any night of the week.

Oh, and just to top it all off, it's Whole30 and Paleo compliant, Keto, Low Carb, and Gluten-Free. Phew, what a powerhouse! Cooking this whole roast chicken in your air fryer really is a must-try.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS AIR FRYER WHOLE CHICKEN

The first time I tried to air fry the chicken, my husband actually thought I had bought rotisserie chicken from a deli. That's how extra crisp skin the air fryer achieved. Here's why this roasted chicken is my go-to recipe:

  • Quick and easy.
  • Minimal, budget-friendly ingredients.
  • Juicy and tender on the inside, crispy skin on the outside..

New to air frying?  Be sure to get your free printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart filled with cooking times & temperatures for all your favourite foods, plus tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your air fryer.

Whole roast chicken sitting in air fryer basket.
 
 

WHAT MAKES THIS AIR FRYER ROAST CHICKEN SPECIAL

Roasting whole chickens is a centuries-old tradition that crosses cultures. The French have their poulet rôti. In Greece, lemon and oregano are classic. This air fryer version draws inspiration from traditional roast chicken in the oven but adapts the method to modern kitchens. You get that golden brown skin and juicy meat without heating the entire house.

KitchenAid notes that air-fried chicken often has a drier and crispier exterior compared to the sometimes oily crust of deep-fried chicken, offering a healthier alternative without compromising on texture.

INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER ROAST CHICKEN

You really don't need much to make a juicy and flavourful roast chicken in the air fryer:

  • Whole Chicken
  • Olive Oil
  • Paprika
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Salt & Pepper

MORE SPICE MIX OPTIONS

The spices above are what I regularly use for my air fryer chicken but don't let that limit you.  Try a mix of your favourite spices, like oregano and rosemary, or even a smoked paprika for deeper flavour. You can also use a homemade seasoning blend or a dry seasoning rub if that's what you have on hand.

Whole roast chicken sitting in air fryer basket.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/350°F. If you don't have a preheat setting, just run the air fryer for 5 minutes.

Mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder together in a bowl.

Place the chicken breast side up on a plate and spread a teaspoon or two of the oil mix all over the chicken either with your hands or a brush—season with salt and pepper. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side. You'll want to reserve a little of the oil mix for later, but other than that, use it liberally.

chicken sitting on a large plate rubbed in seasoning.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down and cook for 30 minutes.

chicken sitting in air fryer basket ready to be roasted.

Using tongs carefully flip the chicken breast side up and pour remaining oil mix over.  Continue cooking for 20 minutes or until cooked through.  Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 75C / 165F.

whole chicken sitting in an air fryer basket being grabbed with tongs.

Remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and allow to rest on a carving board uncovered for 10 minutes, then carve and serve.

roast chicken on a wooden cutting board.

TOP TIPS FOR THE BEST WHOLE CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER

This air fryer roast chicken recipe has become a go-to in our home. It's faster than oven roasting, and the results are consistently tender and flavorful. I've tested it with different sizes, spice blends, and air fryer models, so you don't have to. Here are my go-to tips to always season the chicken nicely:

  • Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer. I recommend you check in on your chicken at the 45-minute mark and go from there.
  • Depending on how big your air fryer is, you may wish to use a bigger or smaller whole chicken. Just be sure to adjust your spice and oil mix and the cooking time (a 5-pound chicken may need more of your seasoning blend). The great thing about having a meat thermometer is that it takes the guesswork out, but the air fryer also allows you to periodically check on the crispy-skinned chicken without issues.
  • Feel free to play around with your favourite spice mixes. Try oregano and rosemary, or even smoked paprika for extra flavour.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH YOUR CHICKEN

The best sides for air fryer roast chicken complement its crispy skin and juicy meat without overpowering the flavors. These three are my go-to favorites because they're easy to prepare and pair perfectly with the chicken's savory spices:

  • Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary: Golden and crunchy on the outside, soft inside, these potatoes soak up the chicken's juices beautifully.
  • Green Lemon Potatoes: This lighter side brings a bright, tangy contrast. I like to toss baby potatoes with lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs before roasting. It's a simple way to balance richness and add freshness to your plate.
  • Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: For a savory crunch, Brussels sprouts cooked with crispy bacon add texture and a smoky flavor. It's a personal favorite combo I often serve when I want a hearty meal.

HOW TO STORE AIR-FRIED ROAST CHICKEN

Although there's usually no leftover roast chicken in my house, here's how to store it in case you want to enjoy it later:

  • Storing: Let the chicken cool to room temperature (no more than two hours after cooking). Then, carve the chicken into pieces and place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  • Freezing: If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap carved pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: To keep the skin crispy, reheat chicken pieces in the air fryer at 160°C/320°F for 5–7 minutes. If you don't have an air fryer, use the oven at 180°C/350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it tends to make the skin soggy.

This makes the air fryer whole chicken perfect for meal prep. You can cook once, then enjoy it over salads, sandwiches, or wraps throughout the week.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR AIR FRYER ROTISSERIE CHICKEN

After testing this recipe more times than I can count, I've run into just about every air fryer roast chicken hiccup out there. Here are the most common issues people face and how to fix them:

  • Chicken too dry? You may have overcooked it. Use a thermometer to hit 165°F exactly.
  • Skin not crisp? Try patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning.
  • Undercooked? Air fryer sizes vary. Check your chicken at 45 minutes and adjust the cook time if needed.
  • Too big for your air fryer? Aim for a chicken under 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs), or spatchcock it to fit.

FAQs

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Roast Beef
  • Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
  • Air Fryer Roast Pork
  • Air Fryer Sausages
  • Air Fryer Baked Apples
  • Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
  • Air Fryer Tater Tots
  • Air Fryer Tilapia
  • Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
  • OR see all Air Fryer Recipes

Want more great Air Fryer recipes?  Be sure to join our Facebook Group - Air Fryer Fun.

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Pop a comment and a star rating below! 

You can also follow me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes.

Air fryers are a must-have kitchen gadget, but which air fryer is the best? Check out the Best Air Fryer 2024 👇

Best Air Fryer 2024

Air fryer cleaning is vital after every use, check out my tips and tricks on how to clean air fryer 👇

How to clean air fryer
cookitrealgood.com
Privacy PolicyWork with meContact

Never Miss A Recipe!

Copyright © 2024 Cook It Real Good.
PinterestPinterestInstagramInstagramFacebookFacebook

RECIPE

Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Total Time

55 minutes

Air Fryer Roast Chicken is an easy and healthy weeknight roast that is ready in an hour (or less).  Get ready for juicy chicken on the inside and the crispiest skin you'll ever try on the outside.  All you need is a few simple ingredients and very minimal prep to get this air fryer whole chicken on the table. 

4.91 Stars (288 Reviews)

servings

4

Scale

Ingredients

Instructions

1

Mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder together in a bowl. 

2

Place the chicken breast side up on a plate and spread a tsp or two of the oil mix all over the chicken either with your hands or a brush.  Season with salt and pepper.  Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side.  You'll want to reserve a little of the oil mix for later, but other than that use it liberally. 

3

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down and cook for 30 minutes on 180C / 350F.  Using tongs carefully flip the chicken breast side up and pour remaining oil mix over.  Continue cooking for 20 minutes on 180C / 350F or until cooked through.  Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 75C / 165F.

4

Remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and allow to rest of a carving board uncovered for 10 minutes, then carve and serve.

Notes

Tips for making Air Fryer Roast Chicken

  • Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer.  I recommend you check in on your chicken at the 45 minute mark and go from there.  
  • Depending on how big your air fryer is you may wish to use a bigger or smaller whole chicken.  Just be sure to adjust your spice and oil mix, and the cooking time.  The great thing about having a meat thermometer is it takes the guesswork out, but the air fryer also allows you to periodically check on the chicken without issues.  
  • Feel free to play around with your favourite spice mixes!  Try oregano and rosemary, or even smoked paprika for extra flavour. 

Did you make this? Tell us about it!

Nutrition Facts

Servings:4
Serving Size:1

Amount Per Serving:

calories

195kcal

carbohydrates

1g

protein

14g

fat

15g

saturated fat

3g

polyunsaturated fat

11g

cholesterol

56mg

sodium

117mg

About Cook It Real Good

Cook It Real Good focuses on making the most of simple ingredients. Learn to cook fast, easy meals that don't sacrifice taste. Oh and the less washing up, the better!

Learn More

Recent Recipes

See more

garlic parmesan sauce recipe
Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Air Fryer Meatballs
Air Fryer Meatballs
Oatmeal Smoothie
Oatmeal Smoothie
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Chicken Florentine
Chicken Florentine

Trending

Strawberry Mango Popsicles
Strawberry Mango Popsicles
healthy banana pancakes stacked on a pattered plate with butter and maple syrup on top
Healthy Banana Pancakes
close up image of greek salad topped with lemon slice
Easy Greek Salad
pumpkin, haloumi and avocado salad
Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado Salad
roast pumpkin and chickpea salad
Roast Pumpkin and Chickpea Salad

Air Fryer

See more

Whole roast chicken sitting in air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Roast Chicken
breakfast potatoes on a white plate.
Air Fryer Crispy Breakfast Potatoes {Home Fries}
roasted cauliflower on a white plate.
Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
Air Fryer Tilapia with Garlic Butter Sauce
Air Fryer Tilapia with Garlic Butter Sauce
French fries on a grey plate with a bowl of aioli.
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Peanut Butter Eggs Recipe 🥜🥚🍫 : https://www.cookitrealgood.com/peanut-butter-eggs/ OR comment with "Peanut" and I'll DM you the link! For me, this Peanut Butter Eggs recipe is a holiday staple—not just for Easter. It’s my ultimate comfort treat that shows up during every festive season, including the run-up to Christmas. I hope that’s not weird 😆😁. They've got that nostalgic chocolate-peanut butter combo everyone loves, but with a homemade twist that makes them even better. Plus, you can dip and drizzle them in any chocolate you like—dark, white, milk—and decorate them to look just like colourful eggs. #peanutbuttereggs #peanutbutterrecipe #appetizerrecipes #sweetTooth #chocolatepeanut #cookitrealgood #peanutandchocolate
Cook Real. Eat Good. https://www.cookitrealgood.com/ is your go-to spot for simple, reliable recipes that actually work in real kitchens. We focus on approachable comfort food, tested tips, and no-fuss cooking you can feel confident about. Whether it’s a holiday dish or an everyday meal, we’re here to make cooking easier and more fun. #cookitrealgood #easymeals #quickrecipes #airfryerrecipes #appetizersideas #EasyLunchRecipe #dinner
Nutella Brownies Honestly, I first tried making these on a whim. A friend and I were having a lazy weekend baking session, and we had a jar of chocolate hazelnut spread lying around. We decided to see what happened if we added it to our brownie batter. Ingredients: 125g unsalted butter 100g brown sugar 50g granulated sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 200g Nutella ¼ teaspoon salt 150g all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 100g dark chocolate chips OR comment with "NUTELLA" and I'll DM you the full recipe 🖐 #nutellabrownies #nutellarecipes #browniesrecipe #brownies #cookitrealgood #chocolatelover #chocolatebrownies
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe 🥬🍴: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts/ Still recovering from the nightmare of being force-fed stinky and bitter boiled brussels sprouts as a child? Never fear - these Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon will turn even the most adamant brussels sprouts hater around. Brussels sprouts really shine when oven roasted - crisp and caramelised on the outside and tender on the inside. Not to mention how simple it is - throw everything on a tray in the oven for 25 minutes and voila! #brusselssprouts #brusselssproutsrecipe #RoastedVeggies #veggiesrecipe #cookitrealgood #healthylifestyle #healthyrecipes
Chicken Florentine If you're craving a comforting, creamy dish, Chicken Florentine is the answer. Imagine golden-fried chicken smothered in a rich, garlic spinach cream sauce. The sauce is silky smooth, with just the right amount of tang from the Parmesan cheese and a burst of flavor from the fresh baby spinach. Ingredients: For the chicken: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon onion powder 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons olive oil For the sauce: 3 tablespoons butter 1 large shallot, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 cup heavy cream ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups fresh baby spinach OR comment with "FLORENTINE" and I'll DM you the full recipe. #chickenflorentine #creamychicken #chickenrecipes #cookitrealgood #CreamyGoodness #italianfood #ItalianCuisine #ItalianChicken
Glazed Carrots full recipe 🥕🍵: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/#sidedishrecipes OR comment with "CARROT" and I'll DM you the link! 🖐🍴 Maybe it’s because of the cute color—my kids really love carrots. Especially when they’re roasted with potatoes, the kids go wild for it… well, their dad too, haha. But I’m worried they’ll get bored, so I try to look for different recipe variations where carrots are the main ingredient. #glazedcarrots #carrotrecipes #vegetarianrecipes #cookitrealgood #veggies #sidedishes #sidedishrecipes
The long-awaited holiday season is finally here. Gathering with family on this joyful Christmas day 🎄✨. Celebrate the holidays deliciously with cookitrealgood.com! 20 Christmas Main Dishes: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/christmas-main-dishes/ 30 Christmas Side Dishes: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/30-christmas-side-dishes/ OR comment with "XMAS" and I'll DM you the link 🤗 #ChristmasMenu2025 #christmasmaindishes #ChristmasSideDish #christmasfoodideas #cookitrealgood #holidayseason #christmas2025
Mexican Chicken Salad Full Recipe 🌯🥗: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/mexican-chicken-salad/ OR comment with "MEXICAN" and I'll DM you the link! 🖐 I love Mexican food, so it's no surprise that one of my favourite salads is Mexican inspired. This Mexican Chicken Salad is full of good-for-you ingredients and is filling enough to be a complete meal on its own. The chicken is juicy and bursting with flavour. It's on the table in 15 minutes. Yes, you heard right - 15 minutes! This does require a little multi-tasking, like chopping salad ingredients while waiting for the chicken breast to cook. But totally doable. #mexicanchickensalad #mexicansalad #mexicanrecipe #saladrecipe #cookitrealgood #mexicancuisine #healthyeating
Gigi Hadid Pasta 🫕🍴 Maybe this is the closest I’ll ever get to Gigi Hadid, hahaha. This Gigi Hadid Pasta is actually just a version of the classic Italian-American dish, penne alla vodka. But back during the Covid era, Gigi Hadid shared the recipe on her social media, and ever since then, everyone’s been calling it Gigi Hadid Pasta. Plus, it's super simple to make with minimum prep time, so even if you're not a pro in the kitchen, you've got this. Here's what you'll need to make this recipe: 8 ounces or 225 grams of pasta (like penne) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 small shallot, chopped (or red onion) ¼ cup tomato paste 2 tablespoons vodka (optional) ½ cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon chilli flakes (or add red pepper flakes) ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 1 tablespoon butter A handful of fresh basil for garnish OR comment with "GIGI" and I'll DM you the full recipe 😁🤗 #gigihadidpasta #gigihadid #pastarecipe #vodkapasta #pennepasta #cookitrealgood #easypastarecipe #easyrecipe
Follow On Instagram @cookitrealgood

You May Also Like

garlic parmesan sauce recipe
Quick and Easy
Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Meatballs
Quick and Easy
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Dinner
Chicken Florentine

4.91

26 comments & reviews

Kathleen van Aswegen

Kathleen van Aswegen

January 7, 2020

Thank you for the nice recipes! I would appreciate it if i could get some more as I am new at the AF family. Thanking you in advance.

Cassie

Cassie

January 7, 2020

There is definitely more to come Kathleen! Welcome to the AF fam 🙂

Linda Smith

Linda Smith

March 15, 2020

Thank you so much for sharing this, I'm DEFINATELY gonna try it.

Cassie

Cassie

March 15, 2020

Enjoy Linda!

Cora

Cora

March 30, 2020

Thanks for sharing your recipe. I just want to find out if the chicken needs to be defrosted first. Much appreciate your response !

Cassie

Cassie

March 30, 2020

Hey Cora, you can cook meats in the air fryer from frozen but as this is a whole chicken I'd recommend defrosting first 🙂

Jen Cruz

Jen Cruz

April 20, 2020

Is this on the air fryer setting? Or bake?

Cassie

Cassie

April 20, 2020

air fryer 🙂

Linda

Linda

May 10, 2020

This is the second time I've made the AF Whole Chicken. Makes the house smell so good. Tastes a lot like the roasted chickens in the stores but better. This is such an easy way to make a whole chicken. This recipe is definitely a keeper!!!

Bridget

Bridget

May 11, 2020

So juicy, so crispy, so flavorful! The whole family loved and I’m making it again at request! Thank you!

Heather

Heather

May 20, 2020

What air fryer do you have? What size is it? I don’t have one yet, but definitely want one big enough for a whole chicken!

Cassie

Cassie

May 20, 2020

Hey Heather, I have a 3.2L / 3.3Q air fryer. Mine is from Kmart Australia and is their smallest model. I buy whole chickens that are on the smaller size (perfect for 2 people) and it fits well. I'd encourage you to get a bigger one if cooking for more than 2 though 🙂

Kathryn

Kathryn

May 28, 2020

I had a roasting chicken in the fridge but didn’t want to use the oven. I saw this recipe and was excited! Then I saw my chicken was 6.5 pounds! I simply increased the temperature to 400 for 30 minutes. Turned it over for another 30 at 370 or 400, I forget. Added 5 more mins at 350. This chicken was fantastic! The kids wanted seconds! My husband couldn’t believe this was in the air fryer. Hands down recommended!! So juicy and easy!!

Cassie

Cassie

May 29, 2020

So glad to hear it worked out so well Kathryn! I can't think of anything that isn't made better in the air fryer, but whole chicken is definitely one of the best 🙂

Yvettr

Yvettr

September 15, 2020

Kathryn, did you use a rotisserie spit in your air fryer or just place it inn a basket/tray? Sounds delicious!

Holly Torina

Holly Torina

June 8, 2020

Do you leave the thermometer in the fryer while its cooking or do you check the temp at intervals. worried about losing all the juice from the chicken and also worried about an explosion. HA Ha

Cassie

Cassie

June 8, 2020

Hey Holly, great question. I just check the temp when it's looking ready - skin crisp and golden etc 🙂

Russ

Russ

June 23, 2020

Would adding stuffing change the cooking time?

Cassie

Cassie

June 23, 2020

No, should be fine to stick to the same cooking time 🙂

Leave a Comment