Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer
Place the chicken in the basket, breast-side down.
Cook for 25 minutes .
Then carefully turn the chicken over so that the breast is facing upwards.
Continue cooking for another 20 to 25 minutes .
The exact time will depend on the weight of the chicken as well as your Air Fryer model.
The chicken is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 74°C in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone.
The skin should be golden brown, crispy and slightly shiny.
Let it rest before cutting
Once cooked, do not cut your chicken immediately.
Place it on a board and let it rest for about 10 minutes .
This step allows the juices to distribute throughout the meat.
This will result in much more tender flesh.
Why turn the chicken over during cooking?
Starting breast-down allows the natural juices to gradually flow down into the whites.
Result :
- much softer whites
- even cooking
- a perfectly crispy skin after turning
This is a little trick used by many cooks.
Tips for even crispier skin
If you like very crispy skin, here are a few tips.
Always dry the chicken thoroughly.
Use very little oil.
Never overload the basket.
Spray a light mist of oil halfway through cooking.
Allow air to circulate around the chicken.
Can other spices be used?
Absolutely.
This recipe can be customized to your taste.
You can try:
- smoked paprika
- curry
- herbs of Provence
- rosemary
- cumin
- sweet pepper
- cajun blend
- barbecue spices
- lemon and pepper
- roasted garlic
Each mixture will produce a different result.
How can you tell if the chicken is cooked properly?
The best way is still to use a food thermometer.
The temperature must reach:
74°C in the thickest part of the thigh.
The juice that flows out should be clear.
The meat should easily separate from the bone.
The best side dishes
This chicken goes well with many dishes.
You can serve:
- Air Fryer roasted potatoes
- frozen carrots
- steamed green beans
- a green salad
- homemade mashed potatoes
- grilled vegetables
- fragrant rice
- homemade fries
- sweet potatoes
- a tomato salad
How to store leftovers?
Allow the chicken to cool completely.
Then place it in an airtight container.
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days .
You can also freeze it for about 3 months .
Ideas for using up leftovers
The leftover chicken can be used to prepare many meals.
For example :
- gourmet sandwiches
- mixed salads
- wraps
- tacos
- quiches
- gratins
- creamy pasta
- fried rice
- homemade soup
- chicken pizza
This is an excellent way to avoid food waste.
The rest is on the next page
