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• This Air Fryer Whole Chicken Is My Best Way To Cook A Whole Bird
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Cook A Whole Chicken In The Air Fryer
• My Recipe Tips
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Crispy & Juicy) Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

This Air Fryer Whole Chicken Is My Best Way To Cook A Whole Bird

If you’ve never tried cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer before, you’re missing out on the fastest , easiest, and tastiest way to cook it. Whenever I have a whole bird and am just making a regular dinner for my family (and am not testing some other kind of recipe for you 😉), this air fryer whole chicken is unquestionably my favorite method. Here’s why:

• Fastest, easiest way to cook it – Compared to roasting a whole chicken in the oven , the air fryer cuts the time down by 1/3! The only other method I’ve tried that has a comparable time is my spatchcock chicken , but that’s a lot more work upfront. Air frying the whole chicken is so much easier.
• Flavorful, juicy meat with golden, crispy skin – The air fryer already works wonders on both fronts, but I’ve got a secret that adds extra flavor and juiciness. It’s garlic butter under the skin! It keeps the chicken extra moist, allows seasonings (especially salt, so important!) to flavor the meat, and only takes a few extra minutes to do.
• Prep it ahead – You can easily put the compound butter under the skin a day or two in advance. I do recommend waiting to season the skin until the day-of, so you can pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking.

This air fryer whole chicken comes out juicier and more tender than any other method, with loads of flavor and the crispiest skin around. Make it with me, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my whole chicken air fryer recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Whole Chicken – You can air fry a whole chicken up to 4 to 4.5 pounds. Any larger than that, and it probably won’t fit in the basket without touching the heating element when you close it.
• Garlic Butter Under The Skin – Let your (unsalted) butter soften to room temp, so it’s easy to mash. I mixed it with fresh minced garlic, parsley and dill, and sea salt. You can use any of my compound butter variations with different herbs, like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. And if you’re out of garlic, 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1/2 tablespoon of jarred garlic will do.
• Oil & Seasoning Over The Skin – Olive oil (or avocado oil works too), paprika , more sea salt, and black pepper. I don’t recommend using butter over the skin, because it will burn. You can add other spices, though — try onion powder, Italian seasoning , poultry seasoning , or lemon pepper seasoning for extra flavor.

How To Cook A Whole Chicken In The Air Fryer

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Make the compound butter. Mash the butter in a small bowl. Add the garlic, herbs, and salt, and mash again.
2. Rub the butter under the skin. Pat the chicken dry, then slide your hand under the skin to separate it from the meat. Spoon dollops of compound butter underneath the skin, then press on the skin to spread it around. Add a little inside the cavity, too.

1. Season over the skin. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, making sure to coat both sides. I like to use a silicone brush from this set to spread it evenly. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Air fry the whole chicken. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down (spine side up). Air fry until golden.
3. Turn breast side up. Tie the legs, and continue air frying until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Rest before carving. It takes 10-15 minutes for the juices to settle. Your air fryer whole chicken will be dry if you skip this step.

My Recipe Tips

• Make sure your chicken fits in your air fryer before you start. I had this air fryer before and now have this version . Both fit a 4-pound chicken perfectly. If your air fryer is smaller, you might have to choose a smaller chicken.
• Forgot to thaw your chicken? I never recommend air frying frozen meats, but you can actually use the same method I use for air fryer frozen chicken wings to thaw an entire chicken as well. Just air fry the bird (without any seasonings) for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F to thaw it, then season and cook using my air fryer whole chicken recipe here.
• Forgot to soften your butter? I’ve got a shortcut! Fill a stainless steel bowl with boiling water and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Empty and dry the bowl, then place upside down over the butter on a plate to soften.
• Don’t forget to butter the legs — a spoon helps. It’s a little more tricky to get the compound butter under the skin on the legs, but I think it’s a must! I find it helpful to use a spoon to slide the butter under the skin, then use your other hand to press on the skin and slide it off the spoon.
• Be careful not to tear the skin when buttering. The meat stays the juiciest if the breast isn’t exposed from under the skin. If you do tear it though (been there!), it will still be quite good. If it’s just at the edge of the skin, you can secure it closed with a toothpick.
• Try to avoid getting butter over the skin. Like I mentioned above, it will burn. Wipe it off if you get any on the outside of the skin.
• Why not tie the legs from the start? Because usually you can’t close the air fryer when they’re tied and the chicken is breast side down. That’s why I tie the legs after flipping.
• Do you have to preheat air fryer? Honestly, it doesn’t really matter for air fryer whole chicken. The cook time is long enough that the skin will crisp up either way.
• Use a meat thermometer — and stop cooking earlier than you might think. For perfectly juicy chicken, I take it out when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 160 degrees F, not the target temp of 165! The internal temp will rise at least 5 degrees while resting. The easiest way to get the perfect temperature is a probe thermometer ( I use and love this one ), which beeps when it’s done and fits in the air fryer easily. An instant-read thermometer works too if that’s what you have.
• The drippings are perfect for making gravy. Just pour them out of the basket into a saucepan with some butter and cornstarch (or your favorite cornstarch substitute ), and simmer until thick.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Chicken:

• 4 lb Whole chicken ▢

Garlic butter:

• 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened) ▢
• 3 cloves Garlic (crushed) ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh dill ▢
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt ▢

Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1 tsp Paprika ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mash the butter with a fork. Add the garlic, parsley, dill, and sea salt. Mash again. Set aside.
3. Run your hands under the chicken skin on the breast and legs to separate it from the chicken underneath. Place dollops of garlic butter all over underneath the skin and then press down over the skin to spread around underneath. Spread a little butter inside the cavity as well.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, over the skin, on both sides. Spread with a brush if needed. Sprinkle with sea salt, paprika, and black pepper, also on both sides.
5. Place the whole chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C).
6. Flip the chicken over and tie the legs if you like. Air fry for 25-35 more minutes , until a thermometer (I recommend a probe thermometer like this ) inserted in the thickest part of the breast reaches 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). The temperature will rise about 5 degrees while resting.
7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 of the entire chicken

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get butter under the skin more easily, get the juiciest result, and notes about preheating and tying the legs. I’ve also got shortcuts to thaw your chicken and soften the butter if you forgot to do it ahead of time.
• Store: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually repurpose it for creamy salads (like my classic chicken salad or Mediterranean chicken salad ), topping meal salads (like Cobb salad ), soups (like spaghetti squash soup , low carb white chicken chili , or chicken pot pie soup ), or casseroles ( chicken bacon ranch casserole is my go-to to use up fridge leftovers).
• Meal prep: You can make the compound butter and rub under the skin a couple days in advance. It’s best to wait to season the skin until the day-of, so you can pat dry right before cooking, but that part is quick.
• Reheat: The air fryer again works best, but I recommend heating individual pieces rather than placing the whole chicken in the air fryer to warm up. You won’t have to heat them as long, so they won’t dry out.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Note on nutrition info: This is an average for the whole chicken, but will vary depending on which part of the chicken you eat.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Serving Ideas

One of the reasons I love this air fryer whole chicken is it goes with everything ! Try it with one of my healthy side dishes for a tasty chicken dinner:

• Air Fryer Veggies – This is my favorite option, because I can prep them while I air fry the chicken and cook them while the chicken rests — and cleanup is easy. Try my air fried brussels sprouts , air fried cauliflower , or air fried corn .
• Other Vegetables – If you prefer to cook your veggies while you’ve got the whole chicken in the air fryer, make my honey roasted carrots or brussels sprout casserole (pictured above) in your oven, or saute cabbage , zucchini , or eggplant on the stovetop.
• Potatoes – If you’re making gravy with the chicken drippings, mashed or roasted potatoes are a classic choice. Try my mashed cauliflower for a lighter option.
• Salads – For a light meal, serve the chicken with my creamy cucumber salad , Greek salad , or in the cooler months, fall salad .

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Crispy & Juicy)

My air fryer whole chicken recipe with garlic herb butter has juicy, flavorful meat and extra crispy skin. Easy to make and so fast!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/air-fryer-whole-chicken/

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 4 lb Whole chicken

Garlic butter:

• 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened)
• 3 cloves Garlic (crushed)
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp Fresh dill
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mash the butter with a fork. Add the garlic, parsley, dill, and sea salt. Mash again. Set aside.
3. Run your hands under the chicken skin on the breast and legs to separate it from the chicken underneath. Place dollops of garlic butter all over underneath the skin and then press down over the skin to spread around underneath. Spread a little butter inside the cavity as well.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, over the skin, on both sides. Spread with a brush if needed. Sprinkle with sea salt, paprika, and black pepper, also on both sides.
5. Place the whole chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C).
6. Flip the chicken over and tie the legs if you like. Air fry for 25-35 more minutes , until a thermometer (I recommend a probe thermometer like this ) inserted in the thickest part of the breast reaches 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). The temperature will rise about 5 degrees while resting.
7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 of the entire chicken

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get butter under the skin more easily, get the juiciest result, and notes about preheating and tying the legs. I’ve also got shortcuts to thaw your chicken and soften the butter if you forgot to do it ahead of time.
• Store: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually repurpose it for creamy salads (like my classic chicken salad or Mediterranean chicken salad ), topping meal salads (like Cobb salad ), soups (like spaghetti squash soup , low carb white chicken chili , or chicken pot pie soup ), or casseroles ( chicken bacon ranch casserole is my go-to to use up fridge leftovers).
• Meal prep: You can make the compound butter and rub under the skin a couple days in advance. It’s best to wait to season the skin until the day-of, so you can pat dry right before cooking, but that part is quick.
• Reheat: The air fryer again works best, but I recommend heating individual pieces rather than placing the whole chicken in the air fryer to warm up. You won’t have to heat them as long, so they won’t dry out.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Note on nutrition info: This is an average for the whole chicken, but will vary depending on which part of the chicken you eat.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)