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Whole Chicken in Air Fryer: Copycat Rotisserie Chicken

When it comes to finding a cheap way to get cooked chicken, you probably think about those supermarket rotisserie chickens. However, this recipe for how to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer will change your mind. Not only from a cost perspective but also from an easy and taste point of view. I’m proclaiming that with this method, you’re getting the best copycat version of a supermarket or grocery store rotisserie chicken.

A golden-brown whole chicken in a black air fryer basket against a white background.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

How to Cook a Whole Chicken in an Air Fryer

Let’s be clear: with this recipe we’re talking about cooking a small whole chicken in your air fryer. You’re not going to get a chicken this size of a Thanksgiving turkey in there. Also, it’s important that you have a large enough air fryer to be able to comfortably fit even a small bird.

Because we were making this, we ended up buying a second, larger air fryer. Our original air fryer is only the two quarter — or 2 QT — kind. That’s OK for reheating a slide of pizza or making a snack of French fries. But you can’t make a dinner for a family of four with one so small. So we upgraded to a six quart — or 6 QT — air fryer.

Finally, even though this is a copycat of the supermarket rotisserie chicken, it does involve a few ingredients. So read on to find out how to make your own version of this delicious bird, including which ingredients you’ll need and the steps to take.

Close-up of a whole chicken roasted in an air fryer with crispy, golden-brown skin, seasoned with herbs and spices on a wooden board.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Ingredients Overview and Steps

Whole chicken in air fryer on a plate with labeled spices and oils like paprika, garlic powder, and avocado oil arranged around it for cooking preparation.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, in a small bowl, combine the dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and avocado oil. Mix this marinade well.

A white bowl containing a reddish-brown sauce with visible herbs and spices, accompanied by a whole chicken in an air fryer, on a bright white background.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Rub the skin of the chicken with the marinade.

Whole chicken in air fryer with seasoning on a plate, ready for cooking, on a white background.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

You’ll want to ensure that you cover the chicken completely, ensuring it is evenly coated.

A raw, seasoned whole chicken on a white plate with a beige rim, viewed from above, ready for cooking in an air fryer.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Gently place the seasoned whole chicken into the preheated air fryer basket, breast side down.

A whole chicken in an air fryer basket, seasoned and ready to be cooked.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size and weight of the chicken. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

A whole chicken in an air fryer basket, seasoned and ready to be cooked.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Once cooked, carefully remove the whole chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Whole roasted chicken in air fryer with crispy skin served with lemon slices and herbs on a white background.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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Close-up of a whole chicken roasted in an air fryer with crispy, golden-brown skin, seasoned with herbs and spices on a wooden board.

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer: Copycat Rotisserie Chicken

When it comes to finding a cheap way to get cooked chicken, you probably think about those supermarket rotisserie chickens. However, this recipe for how to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer will change your mind. Not only from a cost perspective but also from an easy and taste point of view. I'm proclaiming that with this method, you're getting the best copycat version of a supermarket or grocery store rotisserie chicken.
et's be clear: with this recipe we're talking about cooking a small whole chicken in your air fryer. You're not going to get a chicken this size of a Thanksgiving turkey in there. Also, it's important that you have a large enough air fryer to be able to comfortably fit even a small bird.
Because we were making this, we ended up buying a second, larger air fryer. Our original air fryer is only the two quarter — or 2 QT — kind. That's OK for reheating a slide of pizza or making a snack of French fries. But you can't make a dinner for a family of four with one so small. So we upgraded to a six quart — or 6 QT — air fryer.
Finally, even though this is a copycat of the supermarket rotisserie chicken, it does involve a few ingredients. So read on to find out how to make your own version of this delicious bird, including which ingredients you'll need and the steps to take.
This recipe may include affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. There is no cost to you for click. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 476 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small whole chicken three to four pound chicken
  • 2 teaspoons rosemary, dried
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic pownder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika if possible
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil substitute avocado oil if necessary

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, combine the dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and avocado oil. Mix well.
  • Rub the skin of the chicken with the mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
  • Gently place the seasoned whole chicken into the preheated air fryer basket, breast side down.
  • Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size and weight of the chicken.
  • Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the whole chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • Ensure that the whole chicken you choose is small enough to fit comfortably in your air fryer.
  • Adjust the cooking time based on the size and weight of the chicken.
  • Feel free to add or adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Nutrition

Calories: 476kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 36gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 143mgSodium: 1006mgPotassium: 386mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 517IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values, if included with the recipe, are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability/substitution and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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