Go Back
–+ servings
A whole, perfectly roasted, seasoned air fryer chicken with crispy skin, showing juicy white meat inside.

The Ultimate Air Fryer Chicken Recipes Guide for Beginners

When I first got my air fryer, I was overwhelmed by all the possibilities. I remember the day I decided to test my first chicken recipe—I marinated the chicken in my favorite spices, set the air fryer, and anxiously waited. As the mouthwatering aroma filled my kitchen, I realized I was on the verge of culinary discovery. The crispy, juicy chicken that emerged was a game-changer. It turned out to be a hit with my family, and that moment sparked my passion for creating and sharing air fryer recipes that make cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Whole Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken 5 pound, giblets removed
Seasoning Mix
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2.5 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Gather your ingredients. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C) following the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Whisk the olive oil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, paprika, and salt together in a small bowl to make the spice mixture.
  3. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. Brush the spice mixture over the entire chicken, making sure to get some underneath the wings.
  4. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down. Cook it undisturbed for 45 minutes.
  5. Carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), which takes about 20 more minutes.
  6. Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes before you carve it.

Notes

This recipe is for novice cooks learning to use their air fryer for whole poultry. The initial 45 minutes cooking time breast-side down helps the breast meat stay moist while the dark meat cooks through. Flipping it halfway through ensures even browning.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!