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.
How to Cook a Whole Chicken in an Air Fryer
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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.
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.
Finally, leftover rotisserie chicken is great to use in other recipes, such as one pot marry me chicken pasta or easy chicken enchilada rice casserole.
Ingredients Overview and Steps
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.
Rub the skin of the chicken with the marinade.
You’ll want to ensure that you cover the chicken completely, 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.
Must-Try Air Fryer Recipes
Here are other recipes on this blog to try in your air fryer.
Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer
Whole Chicken in Air Fryer: Copycat Rotisserie Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Instant Vortex 6QT XL Air Fryer, 4-in-1 Or similar larger air fryer that can hold an entire small chicken.
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.
- You can substitute any high smoke point oil if you don’t have, like or want to use avocado oil.
- 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
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.